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This Orange Cranberry Sauce is a must-have for your Thanksgiving table. Made with fresh cranberries and a hint of orange, this vibrant, zesty sauce pairs well with turkey, rolls, sandwiches, and more.
What Makes This Orange Cranberry Sauce Special
Every Thanksgiving dinner has that one dish you can’t do without. This fresh Orange Cranberry Sauce might must become that dish for you. For me, it’s a miracle the cranberry sauce makes it to the table. I can hardly resist eating it right out of the pan – it tastes and smells so good!
- The bright, tangy flavor pairs perfectly with turkey, rolls, and especially on leftover turkey sandwiches.
- The orange juice and zest gives the cranberries a delicious hint of citrus and calms the tartness of the cranberries.
- It can be served warm or cold. If serving cold, you can prepare it ahead. It stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Ingredients in Orange Cranberry Sauce
- Fresh cranberries
- Orange juice
- Sugar
- Orange zest
Can I freeze fresh cranberries?
YES! I watch for fresh cranberries to go on sale and freeze them right in the bag. You can freeze cranberries for up to a year, and they retain their taste and texture just as well when thawed and used in cranberry sauce.
Have the kids help!
If you’re looking for a recipe that the kids can help prep on Thanksgiving morning, this Orange Cranberry Sauce is a great one to try. When the cranberries heat up in the pan they make a hissing noise just before they pop. It’s kind of exciting to watch. The anticipation is addicting. When all of the cranberries “pop” or burst and the sauce starts to thicken.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cranberry sauce is best when made with fresh cranberries. Add liquid and sugar to the cranberries and bring it to a boil. The cranberries will soften and “pop.” As the cranberries cook down, they thicken into a jam-like sauce.
Fresh cranberry sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a week.
Cranberry sauce can be made at home in 15-20 minutes.
Read more: Thanksgiving Sides Ideas
More Cranberry Recipes to Try
Love cranberries? Here are some more of our favorite cranberry recipes:
Don’t forget the turkey!
While this Orange Cranberry Sauce is a star, the turkey is the main event. Check out our step-by-step turkey guide with photos and video to ensure your bird is juicy and perfectly cooked. Pair it with this sauce for a meal that will impress your guests and have them asking for seconds.
How to Make Orange Cranberry Sauce
Orange Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries about 3 cups
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan.
- Bring to a boil at medium heat, stirring occasionally. You will see the cranberries soften and hear them begin to pop. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Serve warm or cold. It's delicious both ways.
I love the cranberry orange jelly recipe my ex made for Thanksgiving. He used a whole orange in the culinary along with the cranberry. Since I love the flavor your recipe sounds like what I would enjoy plus cooking the sauce is so different. Thank you.
I’m disabled but I am going to make this! It sounds good and sounds quick and easy to make. I think cranberry sauce is good anytime of the year! Thank you for the recipe and have a wonderful holiday season.
I’ve been making this recipe for several years now. Everyone loves it and so easy.
This sounds very easy and delicious
I love crsnberry-orange flavor. Definitely an great dish for Thanksgiving.
This is an excellent cranberry sauce recipe. No need to do the gelatin stuff out of the can. This is so simple and takes 15 minutes, literally, to make. We spread it over smoked turkey. It was sooo delicious. Great combination of tart and sweet. Try it. I cannot believe you will not love it after trying it.