This baked cranberry sauce is a cheerful mix of tart cranberries and sweet sugar, roasted to perfection. It’s a wonderful side that pairs beautifully with turkey or ham!
Making this sauce is super easy! Just toss everything in the oven and let the magic happen. I like to make extra so I can enjoy it on toast the next morning—so tasty! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are the star here. You can also use frozen cranberries if fresh ones aren’t available. Just make sure to thaw and drain them first.
Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice gives the best flavor, but you can substitute with store-bought juice. For a different twist, use apple juice or even pomegranate juice!
Sugar: Granulated sugar works great, but feel free to use brown sugar for a deeper flavor. If you want a sugar-free version, use a sweetener like honey or maple syrup, adjusting to your taste.
Spices: I love adding cinnamon and nutmeg, but you can omit these if you’d prefer a more straightforward taste. Try adding a touch of ginger for a warm kick!
How Do You Ensure Your Cranberry Sauce is Just Right?
Getting the perfect consistency for your cranberry sauce is key! Here’s how to do it:
- Mix everything well before baking. This helps the sugar dissolve and the flavors combine.
- Keep an eye on it while baking! Give it a stir halfway through to avoid burning and ensure even cooking.
- Let it cool to room temperature before serving. It thickens as it cools, creating a lovely texture!
- If you want a smoother sauce, blend it gently after baking for a minute—just be careful not to overdo it.
This simple cranberry sauce is not only delicious but also super easy to make! You can adjust it to your liking while keeping that festive spirit alive in your kitchen.
Baked Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries (about 3 cups)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup orange juice (preferably freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh rosemary sprig (optional, for garnish)
- Orange slices (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful baked cranberry sauce takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 25 to 30 minutes to bake. After baking, allow it to cool for a bit before serving. Overall, you’re looking at about 40 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick and easy side dish for any meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will get everything ready for the perfect bake!
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a medium-sized oven-safe baking dish, combine the fresh cranberries, granulated sugar, orange juice, orange zest, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Use a spoon to stir everything together gently, making sure the cranberries are well coated with the mixture.
3. Bake It Up:
Place the dish uncovered in your preheated oven and let it bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. Make sure to stir the sauce halfway through baking to ensure all the flavors meld together evenly.
4. Let It Cool:
Once the cranberries have burst and the sauce starts to thicken, take it out of the oven. Allow it to cool at room temperature; this will help it thicken even more. It’s okay if it seems a bit runny at first—it will set as it cools!
5. Serve and Garnish:
Transfer your beautiful cranberry sauce to a serving bowl. For a festive touch, garnish it with chopped pecans or walnuts, a sprig of fresh rosemary, and a few orange slices on top.
6. Enjoy:
This vibrant and tangy sauce can be served chilled or at room temperature, making it the perfect complement to turkey, ham, or even as a delightful spread for sandwiches. Enjoy this delicious addition to your meal!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries! Just make sure to thaw them before baking. You can do this overnight in the fridge or by placing them in a bowl of cold water for about 30 minutes.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze it for up to three months. Just thaw in the fridge before serving again!
Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Sauce?
Absolutely! Feel free to use less sugar if you prefer a tart sauce. You can also replace granulated sugar with alternatives like honey, agave syrup, or maple syrup, adjusting to your taste.
What Can I Serve with Baked Cranberry Sauce?
This sauce pairs wonderfully with roasted meats like turkey and ham, but you can also enjoy it on sandwiches, with cheese, or even on pancakes for a fun breakfast twist!
