Can I make homemade cranberry orange sauce ahead of time?

Yes, this cranberry orange sauce is perfect for making ahead. In fact, it’s often best served chilled after being stored in the refrigerator for a couple of days. You can make it 2-3 days in advance and keep it in an airtight container. It will last for up to a week in the fridge, so you can make it ahead and save time on the day of your meal.

Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen cranberries can be used in place of fresh ones if needed. Just make sure to thaw them before using. Fresh cranberries do provide the best flavor, but frozen cranberries work well and are a great option when fresh cranberries are out of season.

How long does homemade cranberry orange sauce last in the fridge?

When stored in an airtight container, homemade cranberry orange sauce can last up to a week in the refrigerator. Make sure it’s cooled to room temperature before refrigerating, and always keep it covered tightly to preserve freshness.

Homemade Fresh Cranberry Orange Sauce: The Perfect Holiday Side Dish

Description

This homemade fresh cranberry orange sauce is a delightful twist on a classic. It’s a perfect balance of sweet and tangy, with fresh cranberries and the bright, zesty flavor of orange juice and zest. Quick and easy to make, it’s the ideal accompaniment for your Thanksgiving turkey or any roasted poultry. With just six simple ingredients, this sauce is both flavorful and versatile, and can be made ahead of time to save you stress during the holiday rush.

Ingredients

Scale

12 oz fresh cranberries
1 orange (zested and juiced)
1/4 cup white sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup water
Optional: 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey

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Instructions

Zest the orange peel to capture the essential oils, then cut the orange and squeeze out about 1/2 cup of juice.
In a large pot, combine the white sugar, brown sugar, and water. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
Add the orange zest, orange juice, and fresh cranberries to the pot. Stir to combine.
Simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cranberries will burst and the sauce will thicken.
Remove from heat and allow the sauce to cool completely before serving.

Notes

This sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can increase the amount of sugar or add maple syrup or honey.
Frozen cranberries can also be used in place of fresh cranberries if needed.
The sauce can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container or freezer bag.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
Calories: 90
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 0mg
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 23g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg