Name: Holiday Orange Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (12 ounce) bag fresh or frozen cranberries; 2 cinnamon sticks; Zest of 1 orange; 1/2 cup orange juice; 1/2 cup water; 1 cup sugar; 1/2 teaspoon orange extract (optional for deeper orange flavor); 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger or ginger paste (optional)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking to add a bright, tangy, and utterly festive touch to your holiday table, this Holiday Orange Cranberry Sauce will absolutely steal the show. Combining the natural tartness of fresh cranberries with zesty orange notes and warm cinnamon, this sauce is the perfect balance of sweet and spice. It’s a simple recipe that delivers big flavor, making every bite feel like a cozy holiday hug. Whether you’re a cranberry sauce traditionalist or eager to try something with a refreshing citrus twist, this Holiday Orange Cranberry Sauce offers a deliciously vibrant upgrade that everyone will love.

Holiday Orange Cranberry Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward and pantry-friendly, yet each plays a crucial role in building the sauce’s complex flavor, luscious texture, and inviting color. Using fresh or frozen cranberries ensures that signature pop and tartness, while the orange zest and juice lend a bright citrus spark. Warm cinnamon and optional ginger add a subtle, cozy spice that makes this sauce unforgettable.

Fresh or frozen cranberries (12 ounces): The star of the show, providing natural tartness and a vibrant red hue.
Cinnamon sticks (2): Infuse gentle warmth and a sweet-spicy aroma that complements the fruit perfectly.
Orange zest (zest of 1 orange): Adds a burst of citrus oil for brightness and complexity.
Orange juice (1/2 cup): Enhances the fruity flavor and balances the tartness with sweet citrus notes.
Water (1/2 cup): Helps cook the cranberries evenly and loosens the sauce to a perfect consistency.
Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the sauce and softens the tart cranberries into a luscious jam-like texture.
Orange extract (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Boosts the orange flavor for an even deeper citrus profile.
Freshly grated ginger or ginger paste (1 teaspoon, optional): Adds a subtle spicy kick enhancing the warmth of the sauce.

How to Make Holiday Orange Cranberry Sauce

Step 1: Combine the Cranberries and Liquids

Start by placing the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and water into a medium saucepan. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. This initial cooking softens the berries and helps dissolve the sugar evenly, setting the foundation for rich flavor development.

Step 2: Add Zest, Cinnamon, and Optional Flavorings

Once boiling, stir in the orange zest, cinnamon sticks, and if you’re using it, the orange extract and ginger. These ingredients infuse the sauce with warm and vibrant fragrances as the cranberries soften, marrying all flavors beautifully.

Step 3: Simmer Until Cranberries Burst

Turn the heat down to a simmer and let the sauce cook for about 10 to 15 minutes. You’ll notice the cranberries bursting and creating a luscious, thickened syrup. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to evenly distribute the flavors.

Step 4: Cool and Final Touches

Remove the pan from heat and fish out the cinnamon sticks. Allow the sauce to cool completely; it will thicken further as it chills. This cooling stage perfects the texture, making it just right for serving alongside your holiday feast.

How to Serve Holiday Orange Cranberry Sauce

Garnishes

Elevate your Holiday Orange Cranberry Sauce by garnishing with fresh orange slices or a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh rosemary. These add a pretty presentation and a complementary aroma that will entice everyone at the table.

Side Dishes

This sauce pairs beautifully with traditional holiday mains such as roasted turkey, glazed ham, or even a roasted chicken. Its sweet-tart flavor offers a delightful contrast to savory dishes, cutting through richness and brightening the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the sauce in a hollowed-out orange or a small decorative bowl surrounded by fresh cranberries. You could even swirl a little into whipped cream or cream cheese for a tangy topping on desserts or crackers, adding versatility beyond the main course.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer your Holiday Orange Cranberry Sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to one week, making it a perfect make-ahead holiday staple that only tastes better after sitting a day or two.

Freezing

If you want to save the sauce for longer, it freezes beautifully. Store it in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to three months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and give it a good stir before serving.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. You can add a splash of orange juice or water if needed to loosen the sauce. It’s best served warm or at room temperature to enjoy all those wonderful flavors fully.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries for this sauce?

Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh and are often even more convenient, especially when fresh cranberries are out of season. Just add them directly to the saucepan without thawing.

Is orange extract necessary?

Orange extract is optional but recommended if you want a more pronounced orange flavor. The sauce is still delicious without it, thanks to the fresh zest and juice.

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes, this sauce is perfect for making a day or two ahead. The flavors actually meld and deepen as it rests, making it a great candidate for holiday meal prep.

How do I adjust the sweetness?

If you prefer a less sweet sauce, start with less sugar and add more gradually, tasting as you go. Cranberries are naturally tart, so balancing sweetness to your liking is easy.

Can I add other spices?

Definitely! You can experiment by adding a pinch of cloves or nutmeg for extra holiday warmth. Just be mindful to add spices sparingly so they don’t overpower the bright citrus and cranberry flavors.

Final Thoughts

Nothing brightens the holiday table quite like this Holiday Orange Cranberry Sauce. Its perfect blend of tart, sweet, and spicy notes make it a gentle but unforgettable companion to nearly any festive meal. I highly encourage you to try this recipe and watch it become a new favorite tradition in your holiday celebrations.

Holiday Orange Cranberry Sauce Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 9 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: About 2 cups (serves 8) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Holiday Orange Cranberry Sauce is a vibrant and tangy accompaniment perfect for holiday meals. Made with fresh or frozen cranberries, real orange juice, zest, and warm spices like cinnamon and ginger, it offers a balanced sweet-tart flavor with a beautiful citrus twist. It’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead to enhance its flavors, making your festive table even more delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 (12 ounce) bag fresh or frozen cranberries
2 cinnamon sticks
Zest of 1 orange
1/2 cup orange juice
1/2 cup water
1 cup sugar

Optional Flavor Enhancers

1/2 teaspoon orange extract (optional for deeper orange flavor)
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger or ginger paste (optional)

Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, add the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and water. Stir these ingredients together and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Then add the orange zest, cinnamon sticks, and optional orange extract if using.
Simmer and Cook: Reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook the sauce for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries have burst and the sauce begins to thicken.
Cool and Finish: Remove the saucepan from the heat and discard the cinnamon sticks. Let the sauce cool completely at room temperature, which will help it thicken more. Once cooled, it’s ready to serve or refrigerate for later use.

Notes

Use fresh or frozen cranberries interchangeably; just thaw frozen ones before cooking if desired.
The sauce thickens as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems a bit runny when hot.
Adjust sugar levels depending on your preference for sweetness or tartness.
Ginger adds a subtle spicy warmth but can be omitted for a milder sauce.
Make the sauce a day ahead to allow flavors to meld beautifully.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Condiment/Sauce
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: American