This baked cranberry sauce is a sweet and tangy delight that pairs perfectly with turkey or any holiday dish. The warm flavors and bright color make it extra special!
It’s super easy to whip up. Just mix cranberries with sugar and your favorite spices, then bake away! I always make extra because my family can’t get enough of it. 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are best for a bright, tart flavor. If they’re out of season, frozen cranberries work great too. Just don’t thaw them before baking, as they will release more juice during cooking.
Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed juice gives a fresher taste, but you can use store-bought if needed. For a twist, try cranberry juice or apple juice for a different flavor.
Granulated Sugar: This sweetens the sauce perfectly. If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider using honey or a sugar substitute like stevia. Just adjust to taste!
Nuts: Pecans add a lovely crunch. However, walnuts are a great swap if you have them on hand. For nut allergies, you could leave them out or use toasted seeds instead!
How Do I Get the Right Consistency for My Cranberry Sauce?
The key to achieving the right texture is cooking time. You’ll want the cranberries to burst and release their juices. Here’s how to do it:
- Mix all your ingredients in a baking dish. This gives the flavors time to meld.
- Keep an eye on it while baking. Stir halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- If you like a thicker sauce, bake it a bit longer until it reaches your desired consistency. Remember, it will thicken as it cools!
Lastly, if you notice it’s too thick after cooling, stir in a bit of water or more juice to loosen it up.
Baked Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries (about 3 cups)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (for topping)
- Fresh rosemary sprig (for garnish)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Orange slices (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You will need about 5-10 minutes to prep the ingredients, then about 35-40 minutes to bake the sauce. So in total, you’re looking at roughly 50 minutes from start to finish. After that, let it cool a bit before serving!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Meanwhile, grab a medium oven-safe baking dish to mix your ingredients.
2. Combine Ingredients
In your baking dish, combine the cranberries, granulated sugar, orange juice, orange zest, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg (if you’re using it), and salt. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed.
3. Bake the Sauce
Now, place the dish into the preheated oven. Leave it uncovered and bake for about 35 to 40 minutes. Make sure to stir it halfway through so that the cranberries cook evenly. You will notice them bursting and the sauce thickening as they bake!
4. Check Consistency
After baking, take the dish out of the oven and give the sauce a stir. If you prefer a thicker sauce, pop it back in the oven for another 5-10 minutes.
5. Add the Nuts
While the sauce is still warm, sprinkle the chopped pecans or walnuts on top. This will help them toast slightly, adding a lovely crunch to your sauce.
6. Garnish and Serve
Transfer the cranberry sauce to a serving bowl. For an extra touch, garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary, a light dusting of powdered sugar, and a few orange slices on the side.
7. Enjoy!
This baked cranberry sauce is fantastic served warm or at room temperature. It’s the perfect tangy-sweet addition to your holiday meals or anytime you’re craving something deliciously fruity!
Enjoy your vibrant and flavorful baked cranberry sauce!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh. There’s no need to thaw them before baking, as they’ll release their juices while cooking.
How Should I Store Leftover Cranberry Sauce?
Store any leftover cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months, just make sure to thaw it in the fridge before reheating.
Can I Substitute the Sugar in This Recipe?
Yes! You can substitute granulated sugar with honey, maple syrup, or a sugar alternative like stevia. Keep in mind that different sweeteners may alter the overall flavor and consistency slightly, so adjust to taste!
What Can I Serve with Baked Cranberry Sauce?
This cranberry sauce pairs wonderfully with turkey, ham, or even on top of oatmeal or yogurt for a delicious breakfast treat. It’s versatile enough to enhance both savory and sweet dishes!
