Hey there! Cranberry sauce is one of those Thanksgiving essentials, but honestly, it’s so simple and delicious, you might just want to make it year-round. This Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest is a perfect balance of tart and sweet, and the bright citrusy flavor gives it that wow factor that canned versions could never match. (Sorry, not sorry!) Whether you’re topping off some turkey or just smearing it over your favorite bread, this recipe is a holiday go-to.

If you’re looking for a sauce that’s equal parts festive and fabulous, this cranberry sauce will be the star of your table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: It comes together in just 15 minutes with minimal hands-on time.
• Fewer Ingredients: You’ll only need 5 simple ingredients—most of which you likely already have.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: This cranberry sauce tastes even better the next day. Perfect for planning ahead!
• Customizable: Want to make it sweeter or add some spices? I’ve got some ideas for you below.

Ingredients Breakdown

• Fresh Cranberries: A fall and winter staple! These little jewels bring all the natural tartness, and they cook down beautifully.
• Orange Zest & Juice: Orange and cranberry are a match made in heaven. The zest gives that extra layer of citrusy brightness, while the juice rounds out the flavors.
• Sugar: Helps balance the natural tartness of cranberries. If you prefer it on the less-sweet side, feel free to adjust the amount.
• Water: Just a bit to help the sauce come together without being too thick.
• Cinnamon Stick (optional): Gives a cozy warmth to the sauce—it’s optional, but I highly recommend it for that extra layer of flavor.

Pro Tips

• Grab fresh cranberries when they’re in season, and freeze them so you’ll always have them on hand.
• If you’re out of oranges, lemon zest works in a pinch, but the flavor will be slightly different—more tart and zippy!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Boil the Cranberries. In a medium saucepan, combine 12 oz of fresh cranberries with 1 cup of water, ¾ cup of sugar, and 1 cinnamon stick if using. Turn the heat to medium-high and cook until the cranberries start to burst, about 10 minutes.
2. Add Orange Zest & Juice. Once the cranberries have burst, reduce the heat to low and remove the cinnamon stick. Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of orange zest and the juice of one orange. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
3. Cool & Serve. Remove the saucepan from heat and let the cranberry sauce cool. It will thicken as it cools. You can serve it warm or chilled—whichever you prefer!

Chef’s Tips and Tricks

• Let it Cool: Your sauce will continue to thicken as it cools, so don’t worry if it looks a little thin when it first comes off the stove.
• Don’t Skip the Zest: The zest is what will bring out that bold citrus flavor, so make sure not to leave it out.
• Add-ins: Feeling fancy? You can throw in a handful of nuts like pecans or chopped walnuts before serving for a little extra texture.

Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions

• Feeling Spicy? Add a pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves along with the cinnamon stick for a deeper, spiced flavor.
• Sweeter Option: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, increase the sugar to 1 cup or even higher depending on your taste.
• Perfect Pairings: Serve your cranberry sauce with roast turkey or ham, or use it as a topping for toast, sandwiches, pancakes, or even swirled into yogurt!

FAQs

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! Cranberry sauce tastes even better after it sits for a day or two. You can make it up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep the cranberry sauce in the refrigerator in a sealed container. It will last for about 5-7 days.

Can I freeze cranberry sauce?

Yes, you can! Place it in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Recipe Card

Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 12 oz fresh cranberries
• ¾ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup water
• Zest of 1-2 oranges
• Juice of 1 orange
• 1 cinnamon stick (optional)

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, water, and cinnamon stick (if using). Cook over medium-high heat until the cranberries burst, about 10 minutes.
2. Reduce the heat, remove the cinnamon stick, and stir in the orange zest and juice. Let simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and let the sauce cool to thicken. Serve warm or chilled.

This Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest is the perfect mix of zesty and sweet—it’s sure to elevate your holiday meal! Whether you’re pairing it with turkey or spreading it on a sandwich, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Drop a comment below or share your creations with me on social media!