Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz (340 g) fresh or frozen cranberries, rinsed
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 3/4–1 cup sugar (start with 3/4 cup; adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp finely grated orange zest
- Pinch of salt
Optional variations (pick 1–2):
- 1 cinnamon stick (remove after simmer) or 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1–2 tsp freshly grated ginger
- 1 small tart apple, peeled and diced
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (stir in off heat)
- 1–2 tsp Dijon mustard (savory twist)
- 1–2 tbsp Grand Marnier, port, or bourbon (off heat)
Instructions
- Combine water, orange juice, and sugar in a medium saucepan; bring to a simmer, stirring to dissolve.
- Add cranberries, orange zest, and salt. Return to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Cook 8–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most berries burst and sauce thickens and turns glossy.
- Remove from heat. Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity. Stir in vanilla/spirits (if using). Cool; it will thicken as it sets.
- Chill at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- Texture: For chunkier sauce, stop when ~2/3 of berries have burst. For smoother, mash gently or briefly blend.
- Sweetness: If too tart, dissolve 1–2 tbsp sugar in a little hot water and stir in; or use honey/maple.
- Make-ahead: Keeps 7–10 days refrigerated; freezes up to 3 months. Thaw in fridge, whisk, and re-simmer if needed.
- Diet swaps: Use 1/2–2/3 cup allulose or a monk fruit blend for sugar-free; honey/maple for paleo-friendly.
- Serving ideas: Turkey, chicken, ham, cheese boards, sandwiches, yogurt/oatmeal, glazes, vinaigrettes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Condiment, Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup (about 60 g)
- Calories: 90 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 20 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg