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Easy Homemade Cranberry Orange Sauce

A close-up of rich, homemade cranberry sauce topped with bright orange zest.

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Make a quick, fresh cranberry sauce with a perfect sweet and tart balance, featuring bright orange zest for your holiday meal.

Ingredients

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  • 12 oz fresh cranberries
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest

Instructions

  1. Combine sugar, water, and orange juice in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
  2. Add the fresh cranberries and orange zest to the saucepan.
  3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a simmer.
  4. Cook for about 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened slightly.
  5. Remove from heat. The sauce will thicken more as it cools.
  6. Transfer the sauce to a serving dish or airtight container.

Notes

  • This sauce can be made up to one week ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
  • If you prefer a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender for a few quick pulses after cooling slightly.
  • For a richer flavor, substitute maple syrup for the granulated sugar, adjusting sweetness to taste.

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