This zesty spiced cranberry sauce is a colorful side dish that brings a burst of flavor to your table. Packed with fresh cranberries and a hint of warmth from spices, it’s a perfect match for turkey or just enjoyed on toast!
Making this sauce is so simple! Just cook the cranberries with some sugar and your favorite spices. I usually whip it up while the turkey is roasting, and the smell is simply amazing! 🍂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are the star of this sauce! If you can’t find fresh ones, you can use frozen cranberries. Just thaw and drain them before using, and they’ll work just as well.
Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness, but feel free to use honey or agave syrup as a natural sweetener. Adjust the amount to your taste preference, especially if you’re aiming for a healthier option.
Spices: The warm notes from cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and allspice really make this dish special. If you’re out of any spice, you can substitute pumpkin pie spice or simply increase the amount of cinnamon for a simpler flavor.
Orange Zest: I love adding orange zest to enhance the citrus flavor. If you’re out of oranges, a splash of orange juice can also do the trick!
Lemon Juice: This adds brightness to the sauce. If you don’t have fresh lemon, bottled lemon juice will work in a pinch.
How Do You Make Sure Your Cranberry Sauce Is the Perfect Consistency?
The texture of cranberry sauce can vary from chunky to smooth, and it’s all about how long you let it cook. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Remember to let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes for thickening. Keep an eye on it and stir often!
- If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender after cooking, or simply mash it with a fork for some chunks.
- Letting it cool at room temperature will help it thicken even more. Refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve. Enjoy!
Spiced Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries (about 3 cups)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 small sprig fresh thyme (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20-25 minutes total. You’ll need about 5 minutes for prep and another 15-20 minutes for cooking. After that, just let it cool down and it’s ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cranberries:
Start by rinsing the fresh cranberries under cold water. As you rinse them, look for any soft or damaged berries and remove them. Once done, drain the cranberries well and set them aside.
2. Make the Sugar Syrup:
In a medium saucepan, combine the water and granulated sugar. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely.
3. Cook the Cranberries:
Once the sugar is dissolved, add the cranberries to the boiling sugar water. Let it come back to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow it to simmer.
4. Add the Spices:
Stir in the ground cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and allspice to enhance the flavor. If you’re using orange zest, add that in too at this point.
5. Thicken the Sauce:
Continue to simmer for about 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally, and keep an eye on the cranberries—they should burst and the sauce will start to thicken to your desired consistency.
6. Finish with Lemon Juice:
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice, which brightens the flavor of the sauce.
7. Let it Cool:
Transfer the cranberry sauce to a bowl and let it cool to room temperature. It will continue to thicken as it cools. Once it reaches a nice consistency, you can refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve.
8. Garnish and Serve:
If you like, garnish the sauce with a small sprig of fresh thyme for a lovely touch. Serve the spiced cranberry sauce chilled or at room temperature alongside your favorite roasted meats!
This tangy and delicious sauce is perfect for any holiday meal and adds a festive flair to your dinner table. Enjoy! 🍽️
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you can’t find fresh cranberries, frozen ones work just as well. Just be sure to thaw them beforehand and drain any excess moisture before cooking.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Cranberry Sauce?
Leftover cranberry sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months—just thaw in the fridge before serving!
Can I Adjust the Sweetness?
Yes, feel free to adjust the amount of sugar to suit your taste. You can use less sugar for a tangier sauce, or swap out granulated sugar for honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetening option.
How Can I Add More Flavor to This Sauce?
If you want to enhance the flavor further, consider adding a splash of apple cider or a hint of vanilla extract. You could also experiment with different spices like nutmeg or cardamom for a unique twist!
