This cranberry sauce is tart, sweet, and oh-so-fresh! It features juicy cranberries with a touch of orange zest and sugar, making it the perfect side for your holiday meals.
I love how easy it is to whip up—just cook it on the stove and watch the berries pop! Plus, it’s a great way to impress your guests. Who knew sauce could be so fun? 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are key for that tart flavor. If you can’t find fresh ones, you can use frozen cranberries—just thaw them before cooking. Dried cranberries won’t give the same texture, so avoid those for this recipe.
Sugar: This recipe uses granulated sugar, but feel free to substitute with brown sugar for a deeper flavor. You can also use honey or maple syrup; just adjust to taste since they’re sweeter than granulated sugar.
Orange Juice & Zest: Fresh orange juice and zest bring brightness to the sauce. If you’re out of oranges, lemon juice is a good alternative, but it will change the flavor slightly. You can also use bottled juice if fresh isn’t available.
Rosemary: The optional rosemary adds a nice touch of earthiness. If you don’t have fresh rosemary, you can skip it or use a bit of thyme for a different yet still tasty herbal note.
How Can I Get My Cranberry Sauce to Thicken Perfectly?
Getting that perfect thickness in your cranberry sauce is all about the cooking time and technique. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start by simmering the mixture gently after adding the cranberries. This helps release the natural pectin, which thickens the sauce.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and keep a close eye. Once the cranberries burst, the sauce will start to thicken.
- Don’t worry if it seems runny while hot; it will thicken more as it cools. Let it cool completely before serving.
Remember, each batch may take a little different time depending on the stovetop and your pan, so keep that in mind!
Joanna Gaines Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries (about 3 cups)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice (about 1 small orange)
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1 small sprig fresh rosemary (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cranberry sauce typically takes about 20-25 minutes to prepare, including around 10-15 minutes of cooking time. Plus, you’ll want to let it cool to room temperature before serving, which gives you a few extra moments to relax!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cranberries:
Start by rinsing the fresh cranberries under cold water. Give them a little shake to remove excess moisture. Next, pick through the cranberries to remove any stems or berries that look squished or bruised. You want only the best for this tasty sauce!
2. Create the Sugar Mixture:
In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water. Place the pot on the stovetop over medium heat. Stir the mixture occasionally until the sugar fully dissolves and the mixture starts to simmer. This basic syrup will be the foundation of your delicious sauce!
3. Add the Fun Ingredients:
Once the sugar dissolves, it’s time to add the cranberries, fresh orange juice, and orange zest to the saucepan. Stir everything together to ensure the cranberries are well coated with the sugary syrup and citrus goodness.
4. Cook the Sauce:
Now comes the fun part! Allow the mixture to cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10-15 minutes. You’ll notice the cranberries starting to pop and soften, releasing their natural sweetness. Keep cooking until the sauce thickens and most of the cranberries have burst.
5. Cool It Down:
Once your sauce has reached a lovely thick consistency, remove the saucepan from the heat. Let it cool to room temperature. As it cools, it’ll thicken even more—so don’t worry if it still looks a bit runny; you’re doing great!
6. Garnish and Serve:
Transfer the cranberry sauce to a serving bowl. If you’d like, add a lovely sprig of fresh rosemary for garnish on top. This not only makes it look beautiful but adds a hint of flavor too!
7. Enjoy:
Your homemade cranberry sauce is now ready to accompany all your favorite holiday dishes! Serve it chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor experience. Enjoy your tasty creation!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If fresh cranberries aren’t available, you can use frozen ones. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking, but there’s no need to adjust the sugar since frozen cranberries are just as tart.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Sauce?
If you prefer a sweeter sauce, feel free to add a little more sugar, about a tablespoon at a time, during the cooking process until you reach your desired sweetness. Alternatively, if you like it more tart, reduce the sugar slightly, but be cautious as it may alter the consistency.
Can I Make This Cranberry Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes! This sauce can be made up to a week in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It actually tastes even better as the flavors meld together over time.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving again.
