This cranberry sauce is tart, sweet, and super easy to make! With fresh cranberries, sugar, and a hint of orange, it’s the perfect side for your holiday meals.
Honestly, it’s light years better than anything from a can. Once you taste this, you’ll never want to go back! Plus, it makes the house smell delightful while it cooks.
I whip this up ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Nothing beats a spoonful of fresh cranberry sauce to brighten up your plate! Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are key for this sauce, bringing that tart flavor. If you can’t find fresh, look for frozen cranberries, but do not thaw them before use.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is what gives this sauce its sweetness. If you are looking for a healthier option, consider substituting with honey or maple syrup; just adjust the quantity to taste.
Orange Juice & Zest: Freshly squeezed juice and zest provide a bright flavor. If oranges aren’t available, lemon juice can be a good substitute, but it will shift the taste to more tartness.
Water: It’s essential for cooking the cranberries. You can replace it with orange juice to enhance that citrus flavor even more, which I prefer!
How Can I Get the Sauce to Thicken Just Right?
Thickening cranberry sauce without it becoming too watery is crucial for the perfect texture. The cranberries burst when cooked, releasing pectin that helps thicken the sauce naturally. Here’s how to manage it:
- Start with medium heat to bring sugar and water to a boil.
- Add cranberries and reduce to a simmer. Keep stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
- Cook until most cranberries have popped, around 10 minutes. This helps release the pectin!
- Let it cool afterward; the sauce will thicken further as it cools.
With these simple tips, your cranberry sauce will turn out just right! Enjoy it on your holiday table!
Alton Brown’s Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 ounces (about 3 cups) fresh cranberries, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
- Optional: 1 sprig fresh rosemary for garnish
Total Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook, plus at least 2 hours of chilling time in the refrigerator. So, plan to make it a few hours ahead of when you’d like to serve it.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Create the Sugar Syrup:
In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water. Stir gently while heating over medium heat until the mixture comes to a boil. This helps dissolve the sugar completely.
2. Cook the Cranberries:
Once the syrup is boiling, add the rinsed and drained cranberries to the saucepan. Lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll hear the cranberries popping, and this is a good sign that they’re releasing their juices and thickening the sauce!
3. Add the Flavor Boost:
After 10 minutes, stir in the freshly squeezed orange juice and the finely grated orange zest. Let the mixture simmer for another 2 minutes to blend these delightful flavors.
4. Cool Down:
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the sauce cool to room temperature. Keep in mind that the sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
5. Transfer and Garnish:
Once cooled, transfer the cranberry sauce to a serving bowl or a container with a lid. If you like, add a sprig of fresh rosemary as a beautiful garnish!
6. Chill Before Serving:
Refrigerate the cranberry sauce for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to develop beautifully, making it even tastier!
Enjoy this deliciously vibrant and tart cranberry sauce alongside your favorite holiday meals. It’s a classic that everyone loves!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries! Just add them directly to the saucepan without thawing. They might take a minute or two longer to cook, but they’ll give you the same great flavor.
Can I Make This Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! This cranberry sauce can be made up to one week in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and give it a stir before serving.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftover cranberry sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. You can also freeze it for up to two months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing!
Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Sauce?
Definitely! If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the sugar to your taste. Start with ¾ cup of sugar and adjust from there. Just remember that cranberries are quite tart, so some sweetness is generally recommended!
