This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosure policy.
This Orange Cranberry Sauce tastes so much better than anything you can buy in a can. It is easier than you think to make homemade cranberry sauce with fresh cranberries.
Featured with this recipe
When it comes to Thanksgiving dinner — or any great turkey dinner — there is always that one part of the meal that you just can’t live without. Once you try this Orange Cranberry Sauce, it may become that one thing for your family, one of those perfect thanksgiving side dishes that everyone loves. This fresh cranberry sauce with a hint of orange is delicious on turkey and rolls, and even better on leftover turkey sandwiches! It tastes so good and smells so good that I have to stop myself from eating it right out of the pan. It has a zesty, tangy flavor from the orange peel. The fresh oranges in this give it a zing that makes this very traditional piece of thanksgiving refreshed and fun. I love it served warm, but cranberry sauce is traditionally served chilled. This recipe is one that can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for at least a week before a holiday dinner.
Have the kids help!
If you’re looking for a recipe that the kids can help prep, this Orange Cranberry Sauce is a great one to try. When the cranberries heat up in the pan they make a hissing noise just before they pop. It’s kind of exciting to watch. The anticipation is addicting. When all of the cranberries “pop” or burst and the sauce starts to thicken.
Can you freeze cranberries?
YES! I watch for fresh cranberries to go on sale, buy a bunch, and freeze them right away. Cranberries can be frozen in the bag they come in. Cranberries can be frozen for up to a year. I have used frozen cranberries from a previous year many times. The taste and texture is every bit as good when I want to make cranberry sauce.
Ingredients in Orange Cranberry Sauce
- Fresh cranberries
- Orange juice
- Sugar
- Orange zest
Give the gift of homemade cranberry sauce
With only a few ingredients, this sauce is inexpensive to make. This cranberry orange sauce recipe is a great gift for neighbors and friends during the holidays. Pour the sauce into decorative jars, keep chilled, and add a bow. You will be the favorite neighbor on the block!
Frequently Asked Questions
The classic meats like turkey, chicken, ham, and pork, make a turkey sandwich, mix it up with different cheeses and crackers, both hard and soft cheese, spoon over yogurt, dollop on top of warm pancakes, bake into a casserole, the limit is only your imagination.
When stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge, leftover cranberry sauce can last 10 days.
Yes, and it will last and stay fresh tasting in the freezer in an airtight bag for up to a month.
Read more: Thanksgiving Sides Ideas
Cranberry recipes
If you are looking for another tasty, easy cranberry sauce recipe to make at home, try our Raspberry Cranberry Sauce recipe. If you have leftovers, this sauce can also be used as the base for our Cranberry Vinaigrette Dressing. Some other cranberry recipes that we always are making over the Holidays are our Cranberry Almond Bread with Cream Cheese Swirl for breakfast, our Cranberry Salsa for a yummy appetizer, and our Cranberry Chicken and Cranberry-Sausage Stuffing are perfect for Holiday dinners.
Can’t get enough of cranberries? We also think think that they are berry delicious! Try some of these cran-tastic recipes:
Don’t forget the turkey
As amazing as our Orange Cranberry Sauce tastes, don’t forget about the main event of the meal: The turkey! If you are looking for the best way to cook a turkey, you’ve come to the right place. We have step by step instructions with photos, as well as a video. Don’t be intimidated by cooking a turkey. We’ve got you covered! You’ll be so pleased with the turkey and the Orange Cranberry Sauce, you just might decide to make it more than once a year at Thanksgiving.
How to Make Orange Cranberry Sauce
Orange Cranberry Sauce
Video
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries about 3 cups
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan.
- Bring to a boil at medium heat, stirring occasionally. You will see the cranberries soften and hear them begin to pop. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Serve warm with turkey and rolls.
This is an excellent cranberry sauce recipe. No need to do the gelatin stuff out of the can. This is so simple and takes 15 minutes, literally, to make. We spread it over smoked turkey. It was sooo delicious. Great combination of tart and sweet. Try it. I cannot believe you will not love it after trying it.
This is a must-have every year! I made it for the first time 4 years ago, and ever since then it has been on the “what you are bringing ” list to Thanksgiving. Not sure why haven’t raved about it before.
Thank you! I just made it last night, and I could eat it by the spoonful. I’m so happy you like it too!