Print

The Best Festive Fresh Ginger Cranberry Orange Sauce

festive fresh ginger cranberry orange sauce - featured image
Print Recipe

This homemade cranberry sauce features fresh ginger and orange zest for a bright, warm flavor that’s perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive gathering. Quick and easy to make in under 20 minutes, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will make you forget canned versions forever.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries (about 3 cups)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (from about 2 oranges)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, peeled and finely grated
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare your ingredients first. Rinse the cranberries and pick out any soft or bruised ones. Zest your oranges before juicing them. Peel the ginger with a spoon and grate it finely. Measure everything out.
  2. Combine the sugar, orange juice, water, and grated ginger in a medium saucepan. Stir together and place over medium heat.
  3. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally, for about 3 to 4 minutes.
  4. Add the cranberries and the cinnamon stick (if using). Stir together. The cranberries will start popping within a few minutes.
  5. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer gently for about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Test for doneness: most cranberries should have burst and the mixture should have thickened slightly. Spoon a small amount onto a cold plate—if it wrinkles when pushed with a finger, it’s done.
  7. Remove the cinnamon stick and stir in the orange zest and a pinch of salt.
  8. Let the sauce cool slightly before transferring to a storage container. It will thicken significantly as it cools.

Notes

The sauce gets better after a day or two in the fridge as flavors meld. Don’t skip the salt—it brightens all the flavors. For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender briefly. Grate ginger with the grain to avoid stringy bits. Make ahead 2-3 days for Thanksgiving to free up stovetop space.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry sauce, fresh ginger, orange, Thanksgiving, Christmas, holiday, homemade, easy, festive

Find it online: https://zestynora.com/the-best-festive-fresh-ginger-cranberry-orange-sauce/