Irresistible Tasty Christmas Cranberry Sauce Recipe

The holiday season is upon us, and nothing says festive quite like Tasty Christmas Cranberry Sauce. Imagine the sweet-tart burst of cranberries mingling with the warmth of cinnamon and a hint of orange zest, all simmering together to create a sauce that will elevate your holiday feast. The aroma wafts through the air, teasing your senses and promising a delightful addition to your turkey or holiday spread. For more inspiration, check out this Thanksgiving cranberry turkey stuffing balls recipe.

Growing up, my family made this sauce every Christmas, and it quickly became a cherished tradition. I fondly remember sneaking spoonfuls when no one was watching, relishing the vibrant flavor that complemented our holiday turkey perfectly. family-friendly chicken dish unique flavor combination Whether it’s Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, this sauce brings people together around the table for laughter and joy. For more inspiration, check out this creamy Thanksgiving mashed potatoes recipe.

I often get compliments from friends and family about how amazing this cranberry sauce tastes!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: delicious enchilada casserole.

• Fresh Cranberries: Look for bright red berries; make sure they are firm without blemishes for the best flavor.

• Sugar: Granulated sugar helps balance the tartness of the cranberries; adjust based on your sweetness preference.

• Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice adds brightness; avoid bottled juice for optimal freshness.

• Orange Zest: Use a microplane to get fine zest; it enhances the citrus flavor beautifully.

• Cinnamon Stick: A whole cinnamon stick infuses warmth into the sauce; feel free to adjust based on taste.

• Water: Just enough water helps in cooking down the cranberries without them drying out.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prep Your Ingredients: Start by rinsing the fresh cranberries under cold water and discarding any that are mushy or unripe. Zest an orange using a microplane for that bright kick.

Combine Ingredients in a Pot: In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, orange zest, water, and a cinnamon stick. Stir gently until combined.

Cook Until Bubbly: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring everything to a gentle boil while stirring occasionally. You’ll know it’s ready when cranberries start popping open.

Simmer for Flavor Fusion: Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes until it thickens slightly. Stir occasionally while enjoying that heavenly aroma filling your kitchen.

Cool and Chill Out: Once thickened, remove from heat and discard the cinnamon stick. Allow it to cool before transferring it to an airtight container for chilling in the fridge.

Serve with Cheer!: Serve this Tasty Christmas Cranberry Sauce alongside your holiday main dishes or as a sweet topping for desserts like cheesecake or ice cream!

Enjoy creating this delightful addition to your holiday table!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by washing the cranberries and simmering them with sugar and orange juice for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure an even consistency.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out orange juice for apple juice or add spices like cinnamon for extra warmth. Chopped nuts or dried fruits can also enhance the texture and flavor!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed.

Creating this sauce always reminds me of my aunt’s holiday gatherings where we’d compete over who made the best version. Spoiler: I won, thanks to this fantastic recipe!

FAQ

Can I use frozen cranberries?

Yes, frozen cranberries work well but may need a little extra cooking time.

How can I reduce the sweetness?

To cut down on sweetness, simply decrease the sugar or add more tart ingredients like lemon juice.

What can I serve with cranberry sauce?

This Tasty Christmas Cranberry Sauce pairs perfectly with turkey, pork, or even as a spread on sandwiches. perfect pairing with cranberry sauce.

Print

Tasty Christmas Cranberry Sauce

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Remy Berengar
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Tasty Christmas Cranberry Sauce is the perfect festive addition to your holiday table. This easy-to-make sauce combines the sweet-tart flavor of fresh cranberries with a hint of orange zest and a warm touch of cinnamon. Whether served alongside turkey, on sandwiches, or as a dessert topping, this vibrant red sauce is sure to impress your guests and spark joyful memories.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz fresh cranberries
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1/2 cup water

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Rinse cranberries under cold water, discarding any mushy ones. Zest the orange.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, orange zest, water, and the cinnamon stick. Stir gently until mixed.
3. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat while stirring occasionally until cranberries begin to pop (about 5 minutes).
4. Reduce heat and simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes until thickened. Stir occasionally.
5. Remove from heat, discard the cinnamon stick, and let cool before refrigerating in an airtight container.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Condiment
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 60g
• Calories: 110
• Sugar: 22g
• Sodium: 0mg
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 29g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: <1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg