This Cranberry Sauce is a tasty mix of tart cranberries, sweet orange juice, and a hint of spice. It’s simple to make and adds a bright flavor to your meals!
You know, the best part? It’s so, so easy that I can whip it up while pretending to be a chef on a cooking show! 🍊 Plus, it’s great for Thanksgiving or any dinner, really!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Cranberries: These give the sauce its signature tart flavor. If you can’t find fresh ones, you can use frozen cranberries. Just make sure to thaw them before cooking!
Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed juice offers the best flavor and aroma. However, if you’re in a pinch, bottled juice will work too, but opt for 100% juice without added sugar for a better taste.
Granulated Sugar: This balances the tartness of the cranberries. For a lower-calorie option, you can substitute with honey or a sugar alternative, adjusting to taste.
Cinnamon Stick: This adds a warm spiciness. Ground cinnamon is a good substitute; just use about 1/2 teaspoon instead of a stick.
Allspice: While optional, this spice adds depth. If you don’t have it, you can leave it out or use a bit of nutmeg for a similar warm note.
How Do I Get My Cranberries to Burst Open Properly?
Getting those cranberries to burst is crucial for a nice texture in your sauce. Here are some quick tips:
- Make sure to bring the mixture to a full boil after adding the cranberries. That heat is essential.
- Keep the heat at medium-high for the initial burst, then lower it to simmer. This prevents burning while still letting them pop.
- Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
By following these steps, you’ll get that perfect, thick, and flavorful cranberry sauce every time!
How to Make Alton Brown’s Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries (about 3 cups)
- 1 cup orange juice (preferably freshly squeezed)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice (optional)
- Fresh rosemary sprig (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and approximately 30 minutes to cook. Allow an additional 30 minutes at room temperature for the sauce to cool before serving. In total, you’re looking at about 1 hour for everything!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Rinse the Cranberries:
Start by rinsing your fresh cranberries under cold water. Be sure to sort through them and discard any that are soft or damaged. This ensures you end up with a delicious sauce without any unpleasant bits!
2. Prepare the Base:
In a medium saucepan, combine the orange juice, granulated sugar, and cinnamon stick. Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar is fully dissolved. This creates a sweet and fragrant base for your cranberry sauce.
3. Add the Cranberries:
Now it’s time to add the main ingredient! Pour the rinsed cranberries into the saucepan along with the grated orange zest and the allspice if you’re using it. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil. The cranberries will start to pop, which is a good sign!
4. Simmer for Flavor:
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Let this bubble gently for about 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll see the cranberries bursting, and the sauce will thicken. If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a little longer until it reaches your desired consistency.
5. Cool the Sauce:
When the sauce is done cooking, remove the saucepan from the heat. Discard the cinnamon stick and let the sauce cool to room temperature. It will continue to thicken as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems a bit loose at first!
6. Serve and Garnish:
Transfer the cranberry sauce to a serving dish or jar. You can garnish it with a fresh sprig of rosemary for a touch of elegance and added flavor if you like. This makes it look beautiful when served.
7. Enjoy:
This cranberry sauce is best served chilled or at room temperature. It’s a perfect accompaniment to your holiday meals or any special dinner. Plus, you can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to a week, making it an easy make-ahead dish!
This Cranberry Sauce delivers a delightful combination of tartness from the cranberries, sweetness from the sugar and orange juice, and warm spice from the cinnamon and allspice. Impress your family and friends this holiday season with this delicious side dish. Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries! Just make sure to thaw them completely before using. You might want to drain any excess water to avoid making the sauce too watery.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Sauce?
If you prefer a less sweet cranberry sauce, you can reduce the amount of sugar. Start by decreasing the sugar by 1/4 cup and taste the sauce as it cooks. You can always add more sugar if needed!
Can I Make This Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cranberry sauce up to a week in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and the flavors will meld beautifully over time.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Cranberry Sauce?
Store your cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before serving!
