This spiced cranberry sauce is a sweet and tangy side dish that brings a burst of flavor to your meal. Made with fresh cranberries and warm spices, it’s the perfect balance!
Serving this sauce is a fun twist; you can even use leftovers in sandwiches! I love how easy it is—just cook, stir, and enjoy! Your taste buds will thank you! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Cranberries: These are the heart of the sauce, providing that signature tartness. If you can’t find fresh cranberries, frozen ones work too—just adjust cooking time. I recommend checking the bag for added sugars!
Granulated Sugar: This balances the tartness of the cranberries. If you want a healthier option, you can use honey or maple syrup. Just remember, they will add a different flavor.
Spices: The cinnamon, cloves, and allspice create a wonderful warmth. If you don’t have allspice, substitute with a mix of nutmeg and cinnamon. It’s not exact, but it will still taste great!
Orange Juice and Zest: This adds a lovely citrus note. If you’re out of oranges, lemon juice can be an alternative, keeping it tangy but fresh. I personally love the zest; it brightens the sauce!
How Can I Ensure My Cranberry Sauce is Perfectly Thick?
To achieve the right thick texture for your cranberry sauce, the key is simmering. As the cranberries cook, they release pectin, which is a natural thickener. Here’s how to make it work for you:
- Add your cranberries to the boiling sugar-water mix. After boiling, reduce heat to simmer.
- Stir often as it cooks; this helps mash the berries and combine flavors.
- Remember, the sauce will thicken more as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems a bit runny at first! Let it cool to room temp before serving.
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 cinnamon stick
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground allspice
- 1/2 tsp freshly grated orange zest (optional)
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) fresh orange juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 25 minutes in total. It includes about 10 minutes of preparation and 15 minutes of cooking time. Plus, you’ll want to let it cool for a bit, which will help it thicken up nicely!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Rinse the Cranberries:
Start by rinsing your fresh cranberries under cool water. As you do, keep an eye out for any soft or damaged berries and toss those out. You want only the good ones for this sauce!
2. Make the Sugar Mixture:
In a medium saucepan, mix together the water and sugar. Toss in the cinnamon stick, ground cloves, and ground allspice. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring frequently until the sugar completely dissolves. It will smell wonderful!
3. Cook the Cranberries:
Add the rinsed cranberries to the saucepan and bring the mixture back to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer. Stir occasionally and cook for about 10 to 15 minutes. You’ll notice that most of the cranberries will burst and the sauce will start thickening.
4. Add the Citrus Flavor:
After the cranberries have burst, stir in the fresh orange juice and, if you’re using it, the orange zest. Let it simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes. This step helps the flavors meld together beautifully!
5. Cool and Finalize:
When the sauce is done cooking, remove it from the heat and take out the cinnamon stick. Allow the cranberry sauce to cool at room temperature. As it cools, it will thicken up even more!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooled, transfer your spiced cranberry sauce into a serving bowl and you can serve it either chilled or at room temperature. It’s fantastic next to turkey, roast chicken, or even on sandwiches. Enjoy the burst of flavors!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work well in this recipe, but there’s no need to thaw them before cooking. Just add them directly to the saucepan and follow the same cooking instructions.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Cranberry Sauce?
Leftover spiced cranberry sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. You can also freeze it for up to three months; just thaw it in the fridge the night before you plan to use it!
Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Sauce?
Yes! If you prefer a less sweet sauce, feel free to reduce the amount of sugar by a third or half. You can always taste and adjust during cooking if necessary, adding more sugar gradually if desired.
What’s the Best Way to Serve This Sauce?
This cranberry sauce pairs wonderfully with turkey and chicken, but it’s also delicious on sandwiches or over cream cheese as a spread. For a festive touch, serve it alongside your holiday meals for a vibrant, flavorful addition!
