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Cranberry orange sauce in a ceramic bowl garnished with orange zest, warm holiday lighting.

Cranberry Orange Sauce

This homemade cranberry orange sauce adds a burst of flavor and color to your Thanksgiving table. Sweet, tangy, and fragrant with citrus, it’s the perfect complement to turkey, ham, or any holiday roast.
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Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • - 12 oz 340 g fresh or frozen cranberries
  • - 3/4 cup sugar
  • - 1/2 cup orange juice freshly squeezed
  • - 1 tbsp orange zest
  • - 1/4 tsp cinnamon
  • - Pinch of salt

Equipment

  • - Saucepan
  • - Wooden spoon
  • - Measuring cups
  • - Zester or fine grater
  • - Mixing bowl

Method
 

  1. Combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, zest, cinnamon, and salt in a saucepan.
  2. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
  3. Cook for 10–15 minutes, until cranberries burst and sauce thickens.
  4. Remove from heat and let cool; sauce will thicken further as it cools.
  5. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

- Add a splash of Grand Marnier for a festive adult version.
- For a chunkier texture, mash cranberries lightly while cooking.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week in the fridge.
- Can be frozen for up to 2 months — perfect for make-ahead prep.