This baked cranberry sauce is a sweet and tangy delight perfect for any meal! With just cranberries, sugar, and a hint of orange, it’s simple to whip up.
Making this sauce is a breeze—just mix it all and let the oven do the work! I love serving it with turkey, but it’s tasty on its own too. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are essential for that tart flavor. If you only have frozen ones, you can use them, but don’t thaw them before baking for the best texture.
Sugar: Regular granulated sugar balances the tartness of cranberries. You could substitute with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener, but adjust the quantity to taste as they can be sweeter.
Orange: The orange slices add a nice citrusy flavor. If you’re out of oranges, you might try lemon slices for a different twist. Just remember it will be zestier!
Nuts: Pecans or walnuts offer crunch. If you have nut allergies, feel free to leave them out. You could use sunflower seeds instead for a similar texture.
How Can I Make Sure My Cranberries Burst Perfectly?
Getting those cranberries to pop is key for a great sauce! Follow these steps for bursting success:
- Use fresh or frozen cranberries directly; no need to thaw them if using frozen.
- Keep your baking dish uncovered to allow the steam to escape, promoting bursting.
- Stir halfway through to ensure even cooking and encourage all cranberries to burst.
- Let the mixture bake until it thickens—45 minutes usually does the trick!
Remember, as the sauce cools, it gets even thicker. Enjoy making this delicious side dish!
How to Make Baked Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries (about 3 cups)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 orange, thinly sliced (plus extra slices for garnish)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary (optional for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 10 minutes of prep time and around 45 minutes to 1 hour for baking. After that, it needs some time to cool. Altogether, you’re looking at approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, but the result is worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will prepare it for the delicious cranberries that are coming next!
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a medium baking dish, combine the fresh cranberries, sugar, and water. Stir gently with a spoon to mix everything together evenly.
3. Add the Orange Slices:
Layer the thinly sliced orange on top of the cranberry mixture. This will infuse the sauce with a lovely citrus flavor as it bakes.
4. Bake the Sauce:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and let it bake for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. You’ll want to stir it halfway through to help the cranberries burst and the sauce thicken. Watch for the cranberries to pop and release their juices!
5. Add the Nuts (Optional):
If you’re using chopped pecans or walnuts, stir them in during the last 10 minutes of baking or sprinkle them on top before serving. This keeps them nice and crunchy!
6. Cool the Sauce:
Once your cranberries are bursting and the sauce has thickened, carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Let the sauce cool to room temperature. It will thicken a bit more as it cools.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Transfer the sauce to a serving bowl. If you’d like, garnish it with extra orange slices and a sprig of fresh rosemary for a pretty presentation.
8. Enjoy:
Serve this tasty baked cranberry sauce chilled or at room temperature alongside your favorite dishes. It pairs beautifully with turkey, ham, or even on toast!
This baked cranberry sauce is beautifully tangy and sweet, featuring delightful hints of orange and optional crunch from nuts. Enjoy creating this delightful dish!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries Instead?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries! Just add them directly to the baking dish without thawing. They might take a little longer to cook, so keep an eye on the sauce as it bakes.
How Should I Store Leftover Sauce?
Store any leftover cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to a week. You can also freeze it for longer storage—just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing.
Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Sauce?
Absolutely! If you prefer a less sweet sauce, feel free to reduce the amount of sugar. Start with 3/4 cup and taste for sweetness before adding more. You can always adjust according to your personal preference!
What Are Good Serving Suggestions?
This cranberry sauce pairs wonderfully with turkey, chicken, or ham. It’s also delicious on sandwiches or served over cream cheese as a dip. For a creative twist, try it on pancakes or waffles!
