This baked cranberry sauce is a fruity delight made with tart cranberries and sweet sugar, all blended together in a perfect dish for your holiday table. It’s so simple to make!
I love how it combines sweet and tangy flavors! It’s the perfect side to turkey or ham. Plus, your kitchen will smell amazing while it’s baking. Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are a must for this recipe. If you can’t find them, frozen cranberries can work too. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before use. I’ve had great success with both options!
Granulated Sugar: The sugar balances the tartness of cranberries. For a healthier alternative, consider using honey or maple syrup, but keep in mind that it may change the flavor slightly.
Orange Juice and Zest: Freshly squeezed orange juice gives the best flavor, but store-bought is fine too. If you’re out of oranges, apple juice can be a good substitute for a different sweetness.
Pecans: Chopped pecans add a nice crunch. If you’re nut-free, you can skip them or swap in sunflower seeds for a similar texture.
Spices: Ground cinnamon and nutmeg add warm flavors; feel free to adjust these based on your preference or even try adding a pinch of ginger or allspice for a twist.
How Do You Ensure Perfectly Cooked Cranberries?
Cooking cranberries can be tricky, but here’s the secret: patience and regular stirring! As they bake, they will burst and release their natural juices. Here are the steps for success:
- Stir every 15 minutes while baking—this helps cook them evenly and tear them apart.
- If the mixture looks too thick, you can add a teaspoon of water or more orange juice to help it along.
- Once most of the cranberries are burst, you’re ready to take it out! The sauce will thicken more as it cools.
Don’t rush this step. Cooking at a lower temperature allows for a richer flavor to develop!
Baked Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries (about 3 cups)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- Fresh rosemary or thyme for garnish (optional)
- Orange slices for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful baked cranberry sauce takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 45 minutes to 1 hour to bake in the oven. Allow an additional 10-15 minutes for cooling before serving. In total, you’re looking at roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes, with most of it being hands-off oven time. Perfect for your holiday meals!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it nice and warm while you prepare the cranberry mixture.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a medium-sized oven-safe dish, combine the fresh cranberries, sugar, orange juice, orange zest, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Use a spoon to stir everything together nicely until the cranberries are well coated. This mix will bring out the wonderful flavors!
3. Bake the Sauce:
Place the dish uncovered in the preheated oven. Let it bake for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Set a timer for 15 minutes and give the sauce a gentle stir every time it goes off. This helps the cranberries cook evenly and pop open to release their delicious juices. You’ll see the mixture thicken as it cooks!
4. Add the Pecans:
Once the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened to how you like it, remove it from the oven. If you want a little crunch, stir in the chopped pecans now while the sauce is warm—yum!
5. Garnish and Serve:
If you’d like to serve it nicely, you can transfer the sauce to a beautiful serving bowl. Garnish with some fresh rosemary or thyme and add a slice of orange on the side for that festive touch!
6. Cool and Enjoy:
Let the cranberry sauce cool for a few minutes; it will thicken up further as it cools. You can serve it warm or at room temperature alongside your favorite holiday dishes like turkey or ham!
Enjoy this luscious, tart-sweet baked cranberry sauce that’s easy to make and adds a beautiful, vibrant element to your table!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries! Just make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid. They may take a little longer to cook but will still work beautifully in this recipe.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover cranberry sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It’s great for making sandwiches or enjoying with breakfast, too!
Can I Sweeten the Sauce Less?
Absolutely! Feel free to reduce the sugar to your taste. Remember, the cranberries are naturally tart, so if you prefer a less sweet sauce, just adjust the sugar amount accordingly.
What Can I Substitute for Orange Juice?
If you don’t have orange juice, apple juice or even cranberry juice can be used as a substitute. This will alter the flavor slightly, but it will still be delicious!
