Cranberry Orange Sauce (Easy and Homemade)

Bring a pop of brightness to your holiday table with this Cranberry Orange Sauce. With just five ingredients and about 15 minutes of cooking time, this homemade cranberry sauce is easy to make ahead and delicious alongside your Thanksgiving turkey or Christmas dinner.

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This orange cranberry sauce recipe is one of my favorite Thanksgiving side dishes. I love how the orange juice and zest brighten up fresh cranberries, while honey adds just the right amount of sweetness. As the cranberries simmer, they burst into a thick, jammy sauce without requiring much effort. For another great cranberry sauce recipe take a look and my Apple Cider Cranberry Sauce.

Serve this on your Thanksgiving table alongside Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Shallots, Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans and Scalloped Potatoes with Gruyere.

Cranberry sauce isn’t just for the holidays either. Add a spoonful over pancakes or waffles, stir into yogurt, top your favorite cheesecake or use as a spread for turkey sandwiches. You can also serve it as a side for roasted chicken, glazed ham or prime rib.

Ingredients

• Cranberries, fresh or frozen
• Orange juice
• Honey
• Cinnamon stick
• Fresh orange zest

Cooking Tips and Variations

• Fresh or frozen cranberries both work. There’s no need to thaw frozen cranberries before adding them to the saucepan. You may need an extra minute or two of cooking time.
• Use you preferred sweetener. While I love the flavor and texture honey brings to this cranberry sauce you could also you and equal amount of pure maple syrup or white granulated sugar.
• Let the cranberries thicken. The berries will pop as they cook and release their natural pectin, helping the sauce thicken. It may look a little loose while warm but will become thicker as it cools.
• Add extra spice. A pinch of ground ginger, ground cardamom or ground cloves can add a festive flavor. 
• Add a flavor boost: Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract or 1 tablespoon of bourbon for a flavor boost.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Sauce

• Combine the ingredients. Add the cranberries, orange juice, honey, cinnamon stick, and fresh orange zest to a medium saucepan.
• Bring to a boil. Set the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.
• Simmer the cranberries. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries have burst and the sauce begins to thicken.
• Cool and chill. Remove the cinnamon stick and let the sauce cool. Transfer it to a covered container and refrigerate until ready to serve. The sauce will continue to thicken as it chills.
• Serve. Serve chilled or at room temperature in a serving bowl.

Storage and Make Ahead

Storage: Allow leftover cranberry sauce to cool, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 10 days.

Make ahead: This is a great holiday recipe to prepare in advance. Make it a few days before Thanksgiving or Christmas so it’s ready to go when you need it.

If you like this Cranberry Orange Sauce be sure to take a look at some of my other recipes!

Mascarpone Mashed Potatoes

Maple Roasted Carrots

Honey Roasted Parsnips

If you make this Cranberry Orange Sauce please be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Be sure to follow me on Youtube, Facebook and Pinterest for my latest recipes. Also, if you do make this recipe please tag me on Instagram or Tiktok, I’d love to see what you guys are making!