This cranberry sauce is a colorful mix of tart and sweet, making it a perfect side dish for your holiday meals. With fresh cranberries, sugar, and orange zest, it’s both tangy and refreshing!
Honestly, I can’t get enough of this sauce. It brightens up everything on my plate! Plus, it’s super easy to make—just cook, stir, and enjoy the lovely aroma. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Cranberries: These are the star of the show! If you can’t find fresh cranberries, frozen ones work well too—just don’t thaw them before cooking.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is your go-to for sweetness. For a healthier option, consider using honey or maple syrup, though this may alter the flavor slightly.
Orange Zest: The zest gives the sauce a lovely citrus kick. If you’re in a pinch, lemon zest can be used, but it’s sharper. You could also skip the zest if citrus isn’t your favorite.
Cinnamon Stick: This adds a warm, comforting spice. If you don’t have cinnamon sticks, a pinch of ground cinnamon can substitute nicely.
How Can I Make Sure My Cranberry Sauce Thickens Perfectly?
Getting the right consistency for cranberry sauce can be tricky, but with a few steps, you can nail it! The key is in how you cook the cranberries. As they heat up, they burst and release pectin, which helps thicken the sauce.
- After adding the cranberries and other ingredients, bring to a boil. This activates the cooking process!
- Then reduce to a simmer. This lower heat allows the ingredients to meld without burning.
- Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and help burst the cranberries.
- Watch for it to thicken—a great indicator is when you see fewer whole cranberries!
Lastly, remember that it will continue to firm up as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems a bit runny when hot!
How to Make Alton Brown Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries (about 3 cups)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- Zest of one orange
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
- Fresh rosemary sprig (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time and around 10 minutes of cooking on the stove. After making it, let it cool to room temperature, which will take another 30 minutes. All in all, you’ll have a delicious cranberry sauce ready in about an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cranberries:
Start by rinsing the cranberries under cold water and inspecting them closely. Remove any that are bruised or damaged. This helps ensure you get the best flavor and texture in your sauce!
2. Make the Simple Syrup:
In a medium saucepan, combine the water and granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely. This creates a sweet base for your cranberry sauce.
3. Combine Ingredients:
Now, add the rinsed cranberries, the orange zest, and the optional cinnamon stick into the saucepan. Stir everything together to mix the flavors.
4. Cook the Sauce:
Bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat and let it simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll hear the cranberries popping—that’s a good sign! This is when they burst open and release their natural juices, thickening your sauce.
5. Finish and Cool:
Remove the saucepan from heat. If you used a cinnamon stick, now’s the time to take it out. Allow the sauce to cool to room temperature—it will thicken more as it cools.
6. Serve with Style:
Transfer the cranberry sauce to a serving bowl and feel free to garnish it with a fresh rosemary sprig for a touch of elegance. This cranberry sauce is perfect served chilled or at room temperature, making it a fantastic side dish for your holiday meals!
Enjoy the delightful balance of tartness from the cranberries and the bright note of orange zest—it’s a seasonal classic!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work well in this recipe. Just toss them directly into the pot without thawing. They might take a minute or two longer to cook, but they’ll become just as delicious!
How Long Can I Store Leftover Cranberry Sauce?
Leftover cranberry sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Just give it a stir before serving again!
Can I Make This Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can make the cranberry sauce up to a week in advance. Just make sure to cool it completely before refrigerating. It’s a great way to save time during the busy holiday season!
What If I Want a Sweeter Sauce?
If you prefer a sweeter cranberry sauce, you can increase the sugar by 1/4 to 1/2 cup. Start with a small amount, taste as you go, and adjust to your preference for the perfect balance!