This cranberry sauce is a burst of flavor with fresh cranberries, sugar, and a hint of orange zest. It’s the perfect sweet and tangy addition to your holiday table!
I love how quick and easy it is to make! Just simmer and stir, and you’ll have a delicious side that’s way better than store-bought. Plus, your guests will think you’re a kitchen pro! 🍊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are crucial for that tart flavor. If you can’t find them, frozen cranberries work well. Just make sure not to thaw them before cooking.
Sugar: Granulated sugar brings sweetness to balance the tartness. You can substitute it with honey or maple syrup for a different flavor, but keep in mind it might affect the cooking time.
Orange Juice & Zest: Fresh juice is best for taste. If you don’t have fresh oranges, use bottled juice, but go for 100% pure to keep it natural. You can skip the zest if you prefer a milder orange taste.
Fresh Rosemary: This is optional for garnish, but it adds a beautiful touch. You can substitute it with mint or leave it out entirely if you prefer.
How Do You Get the Perfect Consistency for Your Cranberry Sauce?
The secret to a great cranberry sauce is finding that right thickness without overcooking. Start by simmering the sauce just until the cranberries burst, about 10 minutes. Keep stirring gently to help break them down without turning everything into mush.
- Always keep an eye on the bubbling sauce, as it can thicken quickly.
- If it’s too thick after cooling, stir in a splash of water or orange juice to loosen it up.
- Let it cool completely, as it will thicken even more when chilled.
Joanna Gaines Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries (about 3 cups)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (about 1 medium orange)
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Fresh rosemary sprig (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. After you’ve simmered the ingredients, let the sauce cool before serving. It’s easy and quick, perfect for your holiday gatherings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cranberries:
Start by rinsing the fresh cranberries under cold water. Be sure to pick out any soft or damaged berries so you have only the best ones in your sauce.
2. Make the Base:
In a medium saucepan, mix together the water, freshly squeezed orange juice, and granulated sugar. Set your stove to medium-high heat and bring this mixture to a boil, stirring frequently to ensure the sugar dissolves completely.
3. Cook the Cranberries:
Now, it’s time to add the star ingredient! Add the rinsed cranberries, orange zest, and salt to the boiling mixture. Lower the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally, and you’ll see the cranberries start to burst and the sauce thicken beautifully.
4. Cool the Sauce:
Once the cranberries have burst and the sauce is thickening, remove the saucepan from the heat. Let the sauce cool to room temperature. As it cools, it will continue to thicken, giving you that perfect texture.
5. Serve and Garnish:
Transfer your homemade cranberry sauce to a pretty serving bowl. If you like, garnish it with a sprig of fresh rosemary for a touch of elegance and flavor.
6. Enjoy!
Serve the cranberry sauce chilled or at room temperature. You can make this sauce ahead of time and keep it in the refrigerator for up to one week. Enjoy your fresh, flavorful cranberry sauce that complements any meal!
This cranberry sauce recipe is a delightful blend of sweet and tart flavors, enhanced by the brightness of orange juice and zest—truly embodying the knack for fresh, wholesome cooking that Joanna Gaines is so well known for!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries Instead of Fresh Ones?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work well in this recipe. You don’t need to thaw them beforehand; just add them directly to the saucepan, and they will cook up beautifully.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Sauce?
If you prefer a less sweet sauce, you can reduce the amount of sugar to 3/4 cup or even 1/2 cup. Taste the sauce while it simmers and adjust the sweetness to your liking.
Can I Make This Sauce in Advance?
Yes, this cranberry sauce can be made ahead of time! Prepare it a few days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It tastes even better after the flavors meld together!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, simply warm it gently in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until heated through.
