Christmas Cranberry Sauce: 5 Steps to Holiday Bliss Recipe
Introduction
Brighten your holiday table with this fresh and tangy Christmas cranberry sauce. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a vibrant, homemade sauce that perfectly complements your festive meals.
Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 orange, zested and juiced
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse the cranberries thoroughly under cold water and drain.
- Step 2: In a saucepan, combine the water, sugar, and freshly squeezed orange juice.
- Step 3: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar completely dissolves.
- Step 4: Add the cranberries and cinnamon to the saucepan.
- Step 5: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, or until most cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened.
- Step 6: Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the cranberry sauce to cool before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a smoother sauce, pulse the cooled mixture in a blender or food processor.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for a spiced variation.
- Use orange marmalade instead of fresh orange juice and zest for a different citrus flavor.
Storage
Store the cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Reheat gently on the stove or serve cold as a refreshing accompaniment.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen cranberries work fine. Just add a few extra minutes to the simmering time until the berries burst and the sauce thickens.
Is this cranberry sauce sweet or tangy?
This sauce balances sweetness from the sugar and orange juice with the natural tartness of the cranberries, offering a perfect tangy-sweet flavor for festive dishes.
Print
Christmas Cranberry Sauce: 5 Steps to Holiday Bliss Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 cups (about 2 servings) 1x
Description
This classic Christmas Cranberry Sauce recipe delivers the perfect balance of tart and sweet, enhanced with fresh orange zest and cinnamon. Easy to prepare on the stovetop, this homemade sauce adds festive flavor and a vibrant pop of color to your holiday meals.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 orange, zested and juiced
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Rinse Cranberries: Rinse the fresh cranberries thoroughly under cold running water to remove any debris or impurities.
- Combine Liquids and Sugar: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, 1 cup of sugar, and the juice of one orange. Stir the mixture well.
- Boil Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the liquid to a boil, stirring occasionally until the sugar has fully dissolved.
- Add Cranberries and Cinnamon: Once the mixture is boiling, add the rinsed cranberries and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon along with the orange zest to the saucepan.
- Simmer the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
- Cool the Sauce: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the cranberry sauce to cool to room temperature before serving or refrigerating.
Notes
- For a smoother sauce, pulse the cooled mixture in a food processor before serving.
- Adjust the sweetness by increasing or decreasing the sugar according to your taste preference.
- This sauce can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- Adding a pinch of ground cloves can enhance the holiday flavor profile.
- Use fresh cranberries for best results; frozen can be substituted but may affect texture slightly.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Christmas Cranberry Sauce, Holiday Sauce, Cranberry Recipe, Festive Sauce, Orange Cranberry Sauce, Cinnamon Cranberry Sauce
