Cranberry sauce is truly a Thanksgiving classic—and for good reason! It is the perfect condiment. Its a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors complements everything on your holiday plate, from the juicy turkey and ham to the baked mac and cheese and cornbread dressing. It’s the ultimate side dish that ties all the flavors of your Thanksgiving feast together.
But let me tell you—my cranberry sauce recipe takes things to the next level. The secret? I make it with fresh cranberries and a special twist: orange marmalade! The marmalade gives the sauce a subtle hint of citrus that beautifully balances the tartness of the cranberries, adding an extra layer of flavor to every bite. Once you try it, you won’t go back to that can stuff and you will wonder how you ever made it through a Thanksgiving dinner without it!
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Why Make Homemade Cranberry Sauce?
We all know that the canned cranberry sauce is convenient, but once you experience the taste of homemade cranberry sauce you won’t want to go back. It’s rich, flavorful, and brings a personal and elegant touch to your holiday meal. Plus, you can control the sweetness and tartness to suit your preferences—whether you love it extra sweet or with a bit of zing.
This recipe is not only delicious, but it is super easy to make! You only need a handful of ingredients and about 15 minutes. The result is a vibrant, flavorful cranberry sauce that will have your guests coming back for seconds (or thirds!). Ready to try it yourself? Let me walk through these easy steps.
Video Tutorial for Cranberry Sauce with Orange Marmalade
What You Will Need
Ingredients for Cranberry Sauce with Orange Marmalade
You will prefer this fresh homemade cranberry sauce over the canned version. This recipe is made with simple ingredients, most of which you can find at home.
- Cranberries: The Cranberries gives the sauce it’s deep and vibrant color, tartness and texture.
- Granulated Sugar: The Sugar balances the cranberries’ tartness and brings out their natural flavor.
- Salt: Salt is used to balance the sweetness in your cranberry sauce.
- Water: The water is the cooking liquid. It helps the cranberries to soften and to burst as they heat up. It ensures the sugar dissolves evenly and prevents the sauce from becoming too thick initially.
- Orange Marmalade: Orange marmalade is my secret ingredient. It adds a citrusy flavor to the cranberry sauce. Its sweetness complements the cranberries’ tartness, while the bits of orange peel in the marmalade adds texture to the sauce.
- Lemon Juice: Lemon juice contributes to the citrusy flavor and helps to balance the sweetness.
Instructions for Making Cranberry Sauce with Orange Marmal
1. Making the Syrup
In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, salt, and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar is dissolved. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
2. Cooking the Cranberries
Add the cranberries to the syrup and cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the cranberries begin to pop and the sauce thickens.
3. Simmering the Cranberries
Remove from the heat and stir in the orange marmalade and lemon juice. Transfer the sauce to a serving bowl and let cool completely.
Serving Suggestions: What to Eat with Cranberry Sauce
This cranberry sauce with orange marmalade tastes great with just about everything on your Thanksgiving plate. Spoon it over your turkey, ham or beef. It is such a great compliment with just about everything. Add a dollop over your mac and cheese or cornbread dressing for a burst of flavor. Or place a little on a warm dinner roll. However you chose to pair it, I’m sure you will truly enjoy it.
What to Do with Leftover Cranberry Sauce
When stored properly, homemade cranberry sauce will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 10-14 days. Store your sauce in an airtight container. Make sure to not leave your cranberry sauce at room temperature for no more than 2 hours. Cranberry sauce can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months without losing its flavor or texture. Place your sauce in a freezer safe container, label and date it and make sure to freeze them in portion sizes. When you are ready to use it, defrost your cranberry sauce in the refrigerator overnight or thaw in the microwave or stovetop.
Tips to Enhance Your Cranberry Sauce:
- If you are looking for a sweeter cranberry sauce, then add more sugar to suit your taste. For a tarter tasting sauce, add more lemon juice to suit your taste. If you are looking for more flavor or different flavor, you can also add other spices to your sauce, such as cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, or cloves. For a smooth sauce, puree it in a blender or food processor before serving. The good think about Cranberry sauce is it can be served warm or cold. Either way it is sure to taste great.
Try These Other Great Recipes
- Thanksgiving Side Dishes – all the side dishes you will need for your Thanksgiving feast
- Thanksgiving Turkey – tender and juicy turkey perfect for your Thanksgiving dinner.
- 22 Southern Thanksgiving Dishes -need help on what to make? Get yourThanksgiving dinner ideas for a feast to remember.
Easy Cranberry Sauce with Orange Marmalade
12
servings7
minutes13
minutesIngredients
2 and 1/3 cups sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup water
4 cups raw cranberries
1/3 cup orange marmalade
7 tablespoons lemon juice
Directions
- In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, salt, and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar is dissolved.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add the cranberries to the syrup and cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the cranberries begin to pop and the sauce thickens.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the orange marmalade and lemon juice.
- Transfer the cranberry sauce to a serving bowl and let cool completely.
- Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
Recipe Video
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