This sweet and tangy cranberry sauce is made with brown sugar and honey, giving it a delightful twist. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving or any gathering!
Honestly, who knew having cranberry sauce could be this tasty? I love spreading it on turkey or just grabbing a spoon for a little taste—no judgment! 😄
Making this sauce is super easy! Just simmer the ingredients, and in no time, you have a scrumptious addition to your meal. Trust me, you’ll want to make extra!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are essential for the tart flavor. If you can’t find fresh ones, you could use frozen cranberries—just don’t thaw them before cooking!
Brown Sugar: It brings a rich sweetness to the sauce. If you prefer, coconut sugar or even white sugar can be used, but adjust quantities to taste since they vary in sweetness.
Honey: Honey adds a lovely floral sweetness. If you’re vegan, maple syrup or agave syrup can be used as a substitute, offering a unique flavor while keeping it plant-based.
Orange Juice and Zest: These add a fresh, bright note. If you don’t have oranges, you can swap in lemon juice or zest, but keep in mind it will change the flavor slightly!
How Do I Ensure My Cranberries Don’t Turn Into Sauce Pulp?
To keep some texture, cook your cranberries just until they begin to burst. Here’s how:
- Keep an eye on the cooking time—about 10-15 minutes is usually perfect.
- Stir occasionally, but don’t over-stir; you want some berries to hold their shape.
- Cook them on medium-low heat rather than high, to prevent rapid boiling.
With these tips, you’ll have a deliciously chunky cranberry sauce that’s perfect for any meal!
Brown Sugar Honey Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (about 340g) fresh cranberries
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional)
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary (for garnish and subtle flavor, optional)
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cranberry sauce will take you about 20-25 minutes to prepare. This includes around 10-15 minutes of cooking time and a few minutes for rinsing and mixing. Just wait until it cools, and you’re ready to enjoy it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Rinse and Prepare the Cranberries:
Start by rinsing the fresh cranberries under cold water. As you do this, keep an eye out and toss aside any that look soft or damaged. We want only the best cranberries for our sauce!
2. Mix the Base Ingredients:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the water, brown sugar, and honey. Stir it occasionally until the sugar fully dissolves and the mixture is nice and warm but not boiling—this should only take a few minutes.
3. Add the Cranberries and Flavor:
Now, it’s time to add those cranberries! Toss them into the saucepan along with the fresh orange juice, orange zest (if you’re using it), and a small pinch of salt. Give everything a gentle stir to mix it up!
4. Cook to Perfection:
Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cook it for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll see most of the cranberries burst—this is how you know it’s coming together! Keep an eye on it until the sauce thickens to your liking.
5. Cool and Thicken:
Once done, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the sauce cool slightly. Don’t worry if it seems a bit thin; it will thicken more as it cools!
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Transfer your beautiful cranberry sauce to a serving bowl. If you’d like, garnish it with a sprig of fresh rosemary for that extra flair. It’s delicious served warm or chilled, and it pairs perfectly with roasted turkey, chicken, or even on sandwiches. Enjoy your sweet and tangy masterpiece!
Bon Appétit!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just fine. There’s no need to thaw them before cooking; simply add them directly to the pot. This might take an extra minute or two for the sauce to come to a boil, but otherwise, the recipe remains the same.
How Should I Store Leftover Cranberry Sauce?
Store any leftover cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for about 5-7 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
Definitely! This cranberry sauce can be made up to a week ahead of time. Just prepare it as usual, let it cool completely, and then store it in the fridge. It tastes even better after the flavors meld together for a day or two!
What Can I Substitute for Honey?
If you prefer a vegan option or simply want a different flavor, maple syrup or agave syrup are excellent substitutes for honey. Just use the same amount (1/4 cup), and enjoy the unique twist it adds to the sauce!
