This cranberry sauce is a bright and zesty twist on a classic favorite! The sweet orange marmalade adds a lovely punch that pairs perfectly with turkey or any holiday dish.
Honestly, I can’t resist sneaking spoonfuls straight from the bowl! It’s that good. 😄 Plus, it’s super easy to make—just mix it up and let it chill!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are the stars of this dish. They provide that tangy flavor. If they’re out of season, frozen ones work great too! Just use them as is without thawing.
Orange Marmalade: This ingredient adds a delicious sweetness and citrus flavor. If you don’t have marmalade, you can substitute it with orange jam or even apricot preserves for a different twist.
Granulated Sugar: The sugar balances the tartness of the cranberries. For a lower-calorie option, consider using honey or agave syrup, but adjust the quantity to taste since they are sweeter.
Orange Zest & Juice: Fresh zest and juice brighten the flavors. If you run out of oranges, a few drops of bottled lemon juice or a hint of lemon zest can work in a pinch.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Sauce Consistency?
Getting the right texture for your cranberry sauce is all about timing. You want it to thicken without overcooking, which could make it too stiff. Here’s how to nail it:
- Start with medium heat when mixing the sugar and water. This helps dissolve the sugar evenly.
- Once you add the cranberries, keep an eye on them. When they pop, it’s a sign that they’re releasing their pectin, which helps thicken the sauce.
- Cook until it’s slightly thickened (10-15 minutes), then add the marmalade, orange zest, and juice. This will help keep the sauce from getting too gel-like.
Let it cool for a bit after removing from heat. It will thicken up more as it cools down!
How to Make Cranberry Sauce With Orange Marmalade
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup orange marmalade
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice
- Optional: A pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cranberry sauce recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep and cooking time. Plus, you’ll want to give it some time to cool down and thicken, which usually takes about 30 minutes. Overall, you could have a delicious homemade sauce ready in about 45 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Rinse the Cranberries:
Start by rinsing the cranberries under cold water in a colander. Check for any soft or damaged berries and discard them. You want only the freshest berries for the best flavor!
2. Prepare the Sugar Mixture:
In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water. Place it over medium heat. Stir the mixture until the sugar has completely dissolved. This will create a nice sweet base for the sauce.
3. Add Cranberries:
Add the cleaned cranberries to the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, and watch for those berries to start popping! Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer.
4. Cook the Sauce:
Let the cranberries simmer for about 10 minutes. You’ll notice the berries popping and the sauce thickening slightly. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally!
5. Mix in Orange Goodness:
Now it’s time for the flavor boost! Stir in the orange marmalade, zest, and freshly squeezed orange juice. Continue to cook for another 5 minutes, stirring often. You want it to reach a nice thick consistency but still be spreadable.
6. Cool the Sauce:
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the sauce cool to room temperature. As it cools, it will thicken up even more, so don’t worry if it seems a bit runny right now!
7. Store and Serve:
Once cooled, transfer your delicious cranberry sauce to a serving dish or a jar. Refrigerate until you’re ready to serve. This sauce is perfect served chilled or at room temperature alongside your favorite holiday meals!
Enjoy your homemade cranberry sauce with a delightful orange twist! 😋
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work perfectly in this recipe. Just add them straight from the freezer without thawing; they will soften up as they cook.
Can I Make This Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare this cranberry sauce up to a week in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It actually tastes even better after it sits for a day or two, letting the flavors meld!
How to Adjust the Sweetness?
If you prefer a less sweet sauce, feel free to reduce the sugar to 3/4 cup or even half a cup. You can taste as you go and adjust it before finishing the cooking process!
What Is the Best Way to Serve This Sauce?
This cranberry sauce pairs beautifully with turkey, chicken, or pork, but it’s also delicious on sandwiches or as a topping for yogurt and pancakes. Enjoy it however you like!
