“`html
If you’re looking for a vibrant, zesty, and warmly spiced condiment to brighten up your holiday table or add a burst of flavor to your everyday meals, this Cranberry Orange Sauce with Cinnamon Recipe is an absolute must-try. The perfect harmony of tart cranberries, juicy orange, and a whisper of cinnamon creates a luscious sauce that’s both comforting and refreshingly bright. It’s an easy-to-make classic that elevates everything from turkey dinners to sandwiches and beyond.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for your cranberry sauce is delightfully simple, but each component plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color that makes this sauce stand out.
- ½ cup water: Acts as the cooking base, allowing the cranberries to soften and the flavors to blend smoothly.
- ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice: Provides bright citrus notes and natural sweetness, enhancing the cranberry’s tartness.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the sauce just right—feel free to add a little more if you like your sauce on the sweeter side.
- 12 oz. cranberries (fresh or frozen): The star ingredient that brings that iconic tartness and beautiful ruby red color.
- 2 strips orange zest (optional): Adds an extra punch of zesty aroma and depth to complement the juice.
- 1 (3-inch) cinnamon stick (optional): Imparts a gentle warm spice that rounds out the citrus and tart flavors perfectly.
- â…› tsp kosher salt: Just a pinch to brighten and balance all the other flavors.
How to Make Cranberry Orange Sauce with Cinnamon Recipe
Step 1: Simmer Your Flavor Base
Begin by combining water, freshly squeezed orange juice, and granulated sugar in a medium saucepan. Heat this mixture over medium heat until it reaches a gentle simmer, dissolving the sugar fully and preparing a flavorful liquid base for your cranberries.
Step 2: Add the Cranberries and Aromatics
Next, stir in the cranberries along with the optional orange zest strips and cinnamon stick, plus a pinch of kosher salt. Bring everything back to a simmer. As the berries cook, they burst open and release their juices, mingling beautifully with the orange and cinnamon to create a rich, fragrant sauce.
Step 3: Thicken and Finish
Cook the mixture for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally and gently mashing some berries to your desired consistency. Remember, the sauce will thicken even more as it cools, so keep that in mind when deciding how thick to make it.
Step 4: Remove Seasonings and Chill
Once your sauce has thickened, discard the cinnamon stick and orange zest strips. Transfer the sauce to a bowl, cover it up, and let it chill in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
How to Serve Cranberry Orange Sauce with Cinnamon Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh orange zest or a few whole cranberries on top can elevate the presentation and provide a fresh burst of color and texture. A small cinnamon stick placed alongside adds a rustic touch if serving at a festive gathering.
Side Dishes
This sauce pairs beautifully with traditional dishes like roasted turkey or ham, but don’t stop there. Try it alongside roasted root vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or even dolloped on breakfast pancakes or yogurt for a tangy, sweet contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping appetizer, serve this sauce in a hollowed-out orange half or in small ramekins nestled among holiday charcuterie boards. It also works wonderfully as a glaze for baked brie or swirled into salad dressings for a seasonal twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cranberry orange sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for about one week, giving you plenty of opportunities to enjoy it beyond the initial meal.
Freezing
This sauce freezes exceptionally well. Pour it into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy, gently warm the sauce on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling to preserve the fresh citrus brightness and maintain the sauce’s lovely texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries in this Cranberry Orange Sauce with Cinnamon Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh ones, and there’s no need to thaw them before cooking. They’ll soften nicely during simmering and help the sauce reach the perfect consistency.
Is the cinnamon stick necessary?
The cinnamon stick adds a subtle warmth and depth that really complements the tartness of the cranberries and brightness of the orange. However, if you’re not a fan of cinnamon, you can leave it out without losing the essence of the sauce.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, this sauce is perfect for making in advance. In fact, chilling it overnight allows the flavors to meld and deepen, making it taste even better the next day.
How sweet is this cranberry sauce?
This recipe balances tartness and sweetness beautifully, but it’s easy to adjust the sugar to your taste. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, just add a bit more sugar during the simmering stage.
What else can I do with leftover cranberry sauce?
Beyond being a classic accompaniment, leftover sauce is fantastic stirred into oatmeal, spread on toast with cream cheese, or even mixed into salad dressings for a fruity punch.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you’ll find as much joy in making and sharing this Cranberry Orange Sauce with Cinnamon Recipe as I do. It’s a versatile little gem that brings warmth and brightness to your table with minimal fuss. So grab your saucepan, gather your ingredients, and let this vibrant sauce become one of your new favorite kitchen traditions!
“`
Print
Cranberry Orange Sauce with Cinnamon Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and tangy cranberry sauce made with fresh cranberries, orange juice, and a touch of cinnamon. This easy recipe is perfect for holiday dinners and adds a fresh, zesty flavor to your meals.
Ingredients
Liquid Ingredients
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice (from 2 oranges)
Dry Ingredients
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (add ¼ cup more if you prefer it sweeter)
- â…› tsp kosher salt
Main Ingredient
- 12 oz. cranberries (fresh or frozen, no need to thaw if frozen)
Optional Ingredients
- 2 strips orange zest
- 1 (3-inch) cinnamon stick
Instructions
- Heat the liquids and sugar: In a medium saucepan, bring the water, orange juice, and sugar to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
- Add cranberries and flavorings: Stir in the cranberries, orange zest, cinnamon stick, if using, and salt. Return the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
- Cook and thicken: Cook the mixture, stirring and gently mashing the berries occasionally to release their juices, until the sauce has thickened. This usually takes about 10 minutes. Keep in mind, the sauce will thicken further as it cools.
- Strain and chill: Remove and discard the cinnamon stick and orange zest strips. Transfer the cranberry sauce to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a lid, and chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Notes
- You can adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar according to your taste preference.
- Using fresh orange juice adds a bright citrus flavor, but bottled orange juice can be used in a pinch.
- Orange zest and cinnamon stick provide aromatic warmth but can be omitted for a simpler sauce.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature with turkey, chicken, or as a topping for desserts.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
