This cranberry sauce is a tasty mix of tart and sweet! Made with fresh cranberries, sugar, and a splash of orange juice, it adds a festive touch to your holiday table.
Making this sauce is so easy, you might wonder why you ever bought the canned version. It’s a hit at family dinners, and the vibrant color is just lovely! 🍊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are perfect for this recipe, but if they’re out of season, frozen cranberries work just as well. They maintain their flavor and texture when cooked.
Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness, but you can substitute with honey or maple syrup for a different flavor. Just adjust the amount as needed; start with a little less, since these sweeteners are sweeter than sugar.
Orange Juice & Zest: Freshly squeezed orange juice brightens the flavors. If you don’t have fresh oranges, bottled juice is fine, but it may not have the same depth. You can skip the zest if you prefer a smoother sauce.
Rosemary: This is optional, but fresh rosemary adds a nice herbal note. If you want a simpler flavor, feel free to leave it out, or use a small amount of another herb like thyme or mint.
How Do You Ensure the Perfect Consistency for Your Cranberry Sauce?
Achieving the right thickness is key for cranberry sauce. Here are some tips:
- Simmer the sauce until most cranberries have burst. You can mash a few with the back of your spoon for a thicker texture.
- If it’s too thin, keep simmering a little longer, stirring frequently. It will thicken as it cools, so aim for a slightly thinner consistency before removing from heat.
- Remember, adding more sugar can also make it thicker, so balance your flavors while cooking.
Joanna Gaines Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (12-ounce) bag fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (about 1 medium orange)
- 1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary (optional, for garnish and subtle herbal note)
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cranberry sauce recipe will take about 20-25 minutes in total. You’ll spend roughly 10 minutes preparing and another 10-15 minutes cooking. Plus, you’ll need time for the sauce to cool down a bit before serving. It’s a quick and simple addition to your holiday spread!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Cranberries:
Start by rinsing the cranberries under cold water. Grab a colander or a sieve and let the water run over them. As you rinse, look for any stems or berries that don’t look good and remove them.
2. Combine Ingredients:
In a medium saucepan, mix together the water, granulated sugar, freshly squeezed orange juice, orange zest, and a pinch of salt. Turn the heat to medium-high and stir occasionally until the sugar completely dissolves. You’ll want the mixture to come to a gentle boil.
3. Cook the Cranberries:
Now, add the rinsed cranberries to the boiling mixture. Lower the heat to medium-low and let it simmer. You will hear the cranberries start to pop! Give it a stir every now and then.
4. Thicken the Sauce:
Keep simmering the mixture for about 10-15 minutes. You want the cranberries to burst open and the sauce to thicken nicely. Keep an eye on it and stir to prevent sticking.
5. Remove from Heat:
Once most of the cranberries have burst and the sauce is thickening, remove the saucepan from the heat. If you added a sprig of rosemary, you can take it out now, or you can save a fresh rosemary sprig to use as a beautiful garnish later.
6. Cool Down:
Let the cranberry sauce cool to room temperature. As it cools, it will thicken even more, making it the perfect consistency.
7. Serve It Up:
Transfer the cooled sauce to a nice serving bowl. If you saved the fresh rosemary sprig, now’s the time to add it on top for a beautiful touch.
8. Enjoy:
Enjoy your homemade cranberry sauce chilled or at room temperature as a delightful side with your holiday meals!
This vibrant cranberry sauce is sure to impress with its bright flavors and festive appearance. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any celebration! 🍂🍊
Can I Use Canned Cranberries Instead of Fresh or Frozen?
While you can use canned cranberries in a pinch, this recipe is designed to highlight the fresh flavors of cranberries. If you do opt for canned, skip the cooking step and simply mix the canned cranberries with the sugar and orange juice to achieve a similar taste!
How Long Will This Cranberry Sauce Last in the Fridge?
Homemade cranberry sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Just give it a quick stir before serving, as it may thicken a bit more as it chills.
Can I Make This Cranberry Sauce in Advance?
Absolutely! This sauce can be made up to a week ahead of your gathering. Just store it in the fridge, and it will save you time on the big day. It’s great served cold or at room temperature!
What Can I Substitute for Orange Juice?
If you’re out of orange juice, you can use lemon juice for a tart flavor, or apple juice for a sweeter profile. Keep in mind that the taste will shift slightly, but it will still be delicious!
