This tasty spiced cranberry sauce is sweet and tangy, perfect for your holiday table. It’s made with fresh cranberries, spices, and a hint of orange zest!
Honestly, it adds a festive pop of color and flavor to any meal. I love slathering it on sandwiches the next day. Trust me, it’s way better than boring old ketchup! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are essential for this sauce. If you can’t find them, you can use frozen cranberries—just don’t thaw them first. They’ll still work great!
Sugar: Granulated sugar is standard here, but if you’re looking for a healthier option, try using honey or maple syrup. Adjust the amount to your taste, as they are sweeter!
Orange Juice & Zest: Fresh orange juice brightens the flavor. If you’re in a pinch, bottled juice can substitute, but fresh is always best. Make sure to zest your orange before juicing—it adds an extra flavor kick!
Cinnamon Stick: While the stick is ideal for slow infusing the flavor, you can replace it with 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon. Just remember to add it with the other spices.
Spices: Ground cloves and allspice are key for that warm flavor profile. If you don’t have them, you can skip them or use pumpkin pie spice as a substitute.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Sauce Consistency?
The key to the perfect spiced cranberry sauce is letting it simmer long enough for the cranberries to burst. Here are some tips:
- Keep a close eye while simmering. The sauce should thicken naturally as it cooks!
- Feel free to mash some of the cranberries with a spoon if you like a smoother texture. Just be cautious not to overdo it!
- Let the sauce cool, as it thickens even more. It should be a nice, spreadable consistency by the time you’re ready to serve.
How to Make Spiced Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (340 g) fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground allspice
- Pinch of salt
- Optional garnish: fresh rosemary sprig
How Much Time Will You Need?
This spiced cranberry sauce takes around 20 minutes of prep and cooking time. If you include time for the sauce to cool and thicken, be sure to let it rest for about 30 minutes before serving. So, all in all, you’re looking at about 50 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Rinse and Prepare the Cranberries:
First things first, rinse the fresh cranberries under cold water. Then, take a moment to pick out any stems or damaged berries to ensure only the good ones go into your sauce.
2. Combine the Ingredients:
In a medium-sized saucepan, mix together the granulated sugar, water, freshly squeezed orange juice, orange zest, cinnamon stick, ground cloves, ground allspice, and a pinch of salt. Give it a good stir to combine everything well.
3. Heat It Up:
Place the saucepan over medium-high heat. Keep stirring occasionally until the mixture comes to a boil and the sugar has fully dissolved. This step is key for a nicely blended sauce!
4. Add the Cranberries:
Once boiling, toss the rinsed cranberries into the saucepan. Bring the mixture back to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer uncovered for about 10-15 minutes, stirring every now and then. You’ll notice the cranberries bursting and the sauce thickening—yummy!
5. Cool and Thicken:
After simmering, remove the saucepan from heat. Discard the cinnamon stick and allow the sauce to cool slightly. As it cools, it will thicken even more.
6. Transfer and Garnish:
Once cooled, carefully transfer the cranberry sauce to a serving bowl. If you like, you can garnish it with a fresh rosemary sprig for a lovely touch!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
This spiced cranberry sauce is perfect for serving chilled or at room temperature alongside your favorite holiday dishes. It adds a fantastic burst of flavor and color to your meal!
Enjoy your delicious spiced cranberry sauce! 🎉
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute fresh cranberries with frozen ones. Just toss them in straight from the freezer, no need to thaw them first. They’ll work just as well!
How Long Can I Store Leftover Cranberry Sauce?
Leftover cranberry sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. It also freezes well for up to 2 months—just thaw in the fridge overnight before serving!
Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Sauce?
Yes, feel free to adjust the sugar to suit your taste! If you prefer a tart sauce, reduce the sugar. You can also try natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, but remember to balance the flavors as needed.
How Do I Make This Sauce Ahead of Time?
This spiced cranberry sauce can be made up to a week in advance! Just prepare as directed, cool, then store in the fridge. Let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
