This zesty spiced cranberry sauce is the perfect mix of sweet and tart, with flavors that pop! It’s made with fresh cranberries and warm spices for that cozy touch.
Honestly, this sauce is a game changer for any meal, especially during the holidays. I love pouring it over turkey! Plus, it’s super easy to whip up—just simmer and stir!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Cranberries: These are the star of the sauce. They bring that tartness we love! If fresh cranberries aren’t available, you can use frozen ones. Just thaw them before cooking.
Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness to balance the tart. For a healthier option, try using honey or maple syrup. Adjust the amount to taste since they are sweeter than sugar!
Orange Juice & Zest: These add bright flavor. If you’re out of oranges, use lemon juice for a tangy twist. Just note, it will change the flavor a bit!
Spices: Cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and nutmeg create warmth. If you don’t have all of them, just cinnamon works fine, or you could use a pumpkin pie spice blend for something different.
How Do I Ensure My Cranberries Burst Perfectly?
The key to getting those beautiful bursts lies in the cooking time and heat. Make sure your heat is medium, so the cranberries cook evenly without burning.
- Cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Watch for the cranberries; they’ll start popping! Push them gently with a spoon for even more burst.
- Keep an eye on the sauce thickness—it should coat the back of a spoon but not be overly thick.
Letting it cool is also important. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools, giving it the right jammy texture!
How to Make Spiced Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (340 g) fresh cranberries
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (240 ml) water
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) fresh orange juice
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 small pinch of salt
- Fresh rosemary sprig, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious spiced cranberry sauce will take you around 25 minutes in total. Expect about 15 minutes for preparation and cooking, and then you’ll let it cool for about 10 minutes. It’s quick and satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Rinse and Prepare the Cranberries:
Start by rinsing your fresh cranberries under cold water. Pick through them to remove any stems or berries that look bad. It’s important to start with fresh, quality ingredients for the best flavor!
2. Make the Sweet Base:
In a medium saucepan, mix together the granulated sugar, water, and fresh orange juice. Stir this mixture and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. You want to keep stirring until all the sugar has dissolved—this will create a nice sweet base for your sauce.
3. Add the Citrus and Spices:
Once the sugar has dissolved, it’s time to add some flavor! Stir in the orange zest, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and a small pinch of salt. This mix of spices will make your sauce wonderfully fragrant!
4. Cook the Cranberries:
Now, add the rinsed cranberries to your simmering liquid. Cook everything together over medium heat while stirring occasionally. Keep an eye on it for about 10-15 minutes, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens up nicely.
5. Cool the Sauce:
After the cranberries burst and the sauce has thickened, take the saucepan off the heat. Let it cool down to room temperature—I promise, it will thicken even more as it cools!
6. Serve and Garnish:
Once cooled, transfer your lovely cranberry sauce to a serving bowl. If you’re feeling fancy, add a fresh rosemary sprig on top for garnish. It looks pretty and adds a little extra flavor!
7. Enjoy Your Creation:
This spiced cranberry sauce is perfect for serving chilled or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with roasted meats, especially turkey—perfect for any festive meal. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh ones. Just make sure to thaw them before adding to the sauce, as this ensures they cook evenly. You might want to reduce the cooking time slightly since they will be softer.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Sauce?
If you prefer a sweeter sauce, feel free to add more sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired taste. Conversely, if you’d like a tarter flavor, reduce the sugar slightly and balance it with more orange juice.
What If I Don’t Have All the Spices?
No problem! If you don’t have every spice listed, you can still make a tasty sauce. Cinnamon is the main flavor, so ensure you include that. Alternatively, you can use a pre-mixed pumpkin spice blend for a different take that’s still delicious!
How Should I Store Leftover Cranberry Sauce?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator before serving again, and give it a stir to refresh the texture.
