This baked cranberry sauce is a tasty twist on the classic! With a mix of sweet and tart flavors, it’s sure to brighten up any meal. Just pop it in the oven and let the magic happen!
I love how simple it is to make. Plus, the warm, fruity aroma fills the kitchen, making everyone eager to taste it. Trust me, it’ll steal the show next to your turkey! 🍂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Cranberries: These are the star of the sauce! If fresh cranberries aren’t available, you can use frozen ones. Just don’t thaw them before baking, as this can cause them to become mushy.
Granulated Sugar: Sugar balances the tartness of the cranberries. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you could substitute with honey or maple syrup. Just remember, these will give a different flavor profile.
Fresh Orange Juice and Zest: Orange juice adds a citrusy brightness. If you don’t have oranges, bottled juice works in a pinch. However, zest from the orange adds fresh flavor that’s hard to replace; consider using lemon zest instead if needed.
Spices: Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice create warmth in the sauce. Feel free to adjust the amounts to your taste or leave out the allspice if it’s not on hand. A pinch of ginger could also be nice!
Pecans: Nuts add crunch and richness. If you’re nut-free, pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds can be great alternatives, or simply skip them!
How Do I Make Sure My Cranberry Sauce is Perfectly Thick?
Thickening cranberry sauce is an important step since no one wants a watery sauce! Here are some tips:
- Make sure to bake it long enough. Cooking for 45 minutes to an hour will allow the cranberries to burst and release their pectin, which helps thicken the sauce.
- Mix the sauce every 15 minutes. This ensures even cooking and prevents the sauce from sticking to the dish.
- If it’s still not thick enough after cooling, you can simmer it on the stove over low heat for a few minutes to evaporate some liquid.
Once it cools, the sauce will thicken further. It’s all about patience, so let it sit before serving!
How to Make Baked Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sauce:
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries (about 3 cups)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (about 1 large orange)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice (optional)
For Garnish:
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary (for garnish and subtle flavor)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional, for texture)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious baked cranberry sauce requires about 10 minutes of prep time and then 45 minutes to 1 hour in the oven. So, overall, you can expect to set aside about 1 hour and 10 minutes to 1 hour and 20 minutes, taking into account the cooling time. It’s so easy and rewarding!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial to ensure your cranberries cook evenly. While the oven heats up, grab a medium baking dish and get ready to assemble your ingredients.
2. Combine the Ingredients:
In your baking dish, combine the fresh cranberries, granulated sugar, water, fresh orange juice, orange zest, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and optional ground allspice. Stir everything together until well mixed. This mixture is where all those delicious flavors come from!
3. Add the Rosemary:
Place the sprig of fresh rosemary on top of your cranberry mixture. This will infuse a lovely hint of flavor as it bakes. It might seem small, but it adds a special touch!
4. Bake the Sauce:
Now it’s time to bake! Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Be sure to stir the mixture every 15 minutes so that it cooks evenly. You’ll know it’s done when the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened up nicely.
5. Remove and Add Nuts:
Once baked, carefully remove the rosemary sprig from the sauce. If you like some crunch in your sauce, stir in the chopped pecans at this point. They add a delightful texture!
6. Cool and Serve:
Let your cranberry sauce cool for a few minutes before serving. It will thicken a bit more as it cools down. You can serve it warm or chilled, depending on your preference. Enjoy this bright, sweet-tart sauce alongside your favorite holiday dishes!
Get ready to impress your family and friends with your homemade Baked Cranberry Sauce that’s bursting with flavor! 🍊
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries! Just toss them in straight from the freezer without thawing. They may take a bit longer to cook, so add an extra 10-15 minutes to your baking time if needed.
How Can I Make This Recipe Less Sweet?
If you prefer a less sweet sauce, you can reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup or substitute with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. Just keep in mind that this might alter the flavor slightly!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Cranberry Sauce?
Store any leftover cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months, so make sure to let it cool completely before freezing it in a freezer-safe container!
Can I Add Other Fruits to the Sauce?
Absolutely! You can mix in other fruits like chopped apples, pears, or even berries for added flavor and texture. Just keep the proportions similar to maintain the overall balance!
