Get ready to elevate your holiday dinners with this delightful semi-homemade cranberry orange sauce! This recipe can be made from scratch or with canned cranberry sauce, and it’s designed to please cranberry enthusiasts and newcomers alike. By infusing fresh orange juice and zest, we’ll add a burst of flavor that captures the essence of the season.

This vintage-inspired recipe is incredibly simple, making it perfect for busy holiday schedules. You can whip it up ahead of time, allowing you to focus on other meal preparations. Plus, leftovers can make a fantastic sandwich spread, giving your post-holiday meals an exciting twist!

Let’s delve into the ingredients and instructions, so you can bring this sunshine-filled dish to your table.

Ingredients

• Semi-Homemade Cranberry Orange Sauce:
• 1 can of cranberry sauce (whole or jellied)
• 1/2 teaspoon orange zest (make sure it’s fresh!)
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• Homemade from Scratch:
• 1 bag (12 ounces) of fresh cranberries
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 2 tablespoons orange zest (divided use)

Instructions

1. For the Semi-Homemade Version:

   In a mixing bowl, combine the can of cranberry sauce (I recommend using the whole berry version for a delightful texture) with the orange juice, orange zest, and honey.

2. Mix and Chill:

   Gently mix all the ingredients together until well blended. You can serve it right away, but for the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate it for a few hours or even overnight.

3. Serving Suggestions:

   This sauce can be served warm or cold, complementing your holiday feast beautifully.

4. For the Homemade from Scratch Version:

   Start by rinsing the fresh cranberries under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine these cranberries with sugar, 1/4 cup of orange juice, and water.

5. Cook the Mixture:

   Place the saucepan over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to combine. The cranberries will begin to pop as they cook—this is what you want! Keep cooking until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.

6. Strain the Sauce:

   Once cooked, strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl, using a fork to mash the berries and extract as much juice as possible. Discard the solids or save them for another recipe!

7. Final Touches:

   Stir in one tablespoon of the reserved orange zest and transfer the sauce to a jar or serving dish. Let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 to 3 hours to let the flavors meld beautifully.

8. Garnish and Serve:

   Before serving, sprinkle some additional orange zest on top for a vibrant look. Feel free to add a few fresh cranberries or a sprig of rosemary for that special festive touch.

Tips for Making the Best Semi-Homemade Cranberry Sauce

1. Always use fresh oranges for the best flavor—both juice and zest are essential!
2. When straining the homemade version, use a fine-mesh sieve rather than a colander to avoid losing smaller bits of fruit.
3. If you’d like a bit of spice, add a pinch of cinnamon or even a dash of cayenne for some heat.
4. This versatile sauce can be enjoyed warm or chilled—your choice!
5. For a unique twist, consider adding a drop of almond extract and topping the sauce with sliced toasted almonds before serving.
6. Always refrigerate the sauce for at least one hour prior to serving to allow the flavors to blend perfectly.
7. When stored properly in the refrigerator, cranberry sauce can last up to one week.
8. Add a festive flair by garnishing with fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary!

Suggestions for Using Your Cranberry Sauce

• It pairs perfectly with turkey, ham, or roasted chicken—bringing a touch of elegance to any main dish.
• Use it as a delicious spread on deli meats and sandwiches.
• You can use either jellied or whole canned cranberry sauce as a base; both work beautifully!
• If you prefer a less sweet sauce, try adding some applesauce or changing the juice to something less sweet.
• Store any leftovers in a sealed glass mason jar in the fridge.
• Let the sauce reach room temperature about an hour before serving to enhance its flavors.
• Feel free to experiment with different juices, such as cranberry or apple, in lieu of oranges for varied tastes.
• For a sugar-free option, honey can be substituted with your favorite sugar-free syrup.
• Add spices like allspice, cloves, or ginger to create a uniquely spiced flavor profile!