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Fresh Cranberry Orange Sauce

Fresh cranberry orange sauce simmers on the stovetop until most of the berries burst and the sauce thickens. Orange juice and finely grated zest add bright citrus flavor, and chilling gives it time to set.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
chilling 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 17 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 99
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 0.5 cup water
  • 0.5 cup orange juice
  • 0.75 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 bag (12 oz) cranberries fresh, picked over and rinsed
  • 1 tsp orange zest finely grated

Equipment

  • 1 2-quart saucepan

Method
 

  1. In a 2-quart saucepan, combine the water, orange juice, and sugar; bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
  2. Stir in the cranberries and orange zest.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened.
  4. Transfer the sauce to a serving bowl and let cool to room temperature.
  5. Cover and refrigerate until chilled, at least 2 hours.

Notes

For a thicker sauce, let it chill fully before serving. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 10 days; it can be frozen for up to 2 months. For a less refined-sugar version, granulated sugar can be swapped for maple syrup, though the flavor and texture may vary.