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Cranberry Orange Sauce

This cranberry sauce with fresh orange juice is made with all real food ingredients, comes together in just 10 minutes, and can be frozen ahead of time. So delicious!

Yield: 2 cups (6 servings) 1x
Prep: 5 minutesCook: 5 minutesTotal: 10 minutes
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Ingredients

  • 12-ounce bag of fresh cranberries, rinsed and sorted (sub: frozen cranberries)
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • Zest of 1 medium orange (about 1 teaspoon)
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • Pinch of ground cloves
  • Pinch of ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon fresh, finely minced rosemary (optional)

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Instructions

Make It Now:

Stovetop Method:

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, honey, 1/2 cup water, orange zest and juice, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and optional rosemary.
  2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low.
  3. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries have popped and the mixture has thickened, about 5 to 10 minutes.

Instant Pot Method:

  1. Add the cranberries, honey, 1⁄2 cup water, orange zest and juice, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and optional rosemary to the Instant Pot.
  2. Turn on the Sauté function. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  3. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries have popped and the mixture has thickened, about 5 to 10 minutes.

Freeze For Later: Let sauce cool completely. Seal and freeze in a freezer bag or freezer container with lid. Seal and freeze.

Prepare From Frozen: Thaw in the refrigerator. Warm gently over low heat on the stove, in a crock pot, or in the microwave.


Notes/Tips

  • On average, estimate about 1/4 to 1/3 cup (2-3 ounces) of cranberry sauce per person as a general guideline for a traditional Thanksgiving or holiday meal.
  • If you’re storing cranberry sauce in the refrigerator, it will last for 1-2 weeks, although I personally think it tastes best within the first few days.
  • You can freeze it for up to 6-9 months in an air-tight container.
  • This sauce is not super sweet. If you like yours sweeter, feel free to add more honey at the end, stir, and taste.
 
 
© Author: Rachel Tiemeyer
Cuisine: American Method: Stove Top or Instant Pot