Description
Brighten up your holiday table with this *Blood Orange Cranberry Sauce*, a vibrant and citrusy twist on the traditional favorite. Bursting with tart cranberries, the deep sweetness of blood oranges, and warm spices, this easy recipe is a perfect match for roasted meats, festive breakfasts, and sweet treats alike. Whether you're searching for *easy recipe ideas*, *holiday dinner sides*, *quick breakfast toppings*, or *healthy snack pairings*, this sauce delivers unforgettable flavor in just one pot.
Ingredients
12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup blood orange juice
1 tsp blood orange zest
1/4 cup water
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Pinch salt
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Rinse the cranberries and remove any soft or discolored ones. Zest and juice the blood oranges.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, blood orange juice, zest, sugar, and water over medium heat.
3. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally until the cranberries begin to pop.
4. Reduce heat and let it simmer uncovered for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Once thickened, stir in cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt during the final 2 minutes.
6. Remove from heat and allow to cool for 10 minutes. The sauce will thicken as it cools.
7. Transfer to a bowl or jar. Chill in the refrigerator for at least a few hours or overnight for best flavor.
8. Serve cold or at room temperature with your favorite dishes.
Notes
For a smoother texture, mash cranberries lightly or pulse the cooled sauce in a blender.
Add a splash of orange liqueur or a pinch of cloves for a festive upgrade.
The sauce thickens as it cools, so don’t overcook if it still seems runny on the stove.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: cranberry sauce, blood orange, holiday side, thanksgiving recipe, quick side dish