This bright and tangy cranberry sauce gets a boost from zesty orange and sweet amaretto. It’s the perfect mix of flavors for your holiday feast or any cozy dinner!
Trust me, this sauce is so good you’ll want to eat it straight from the bowl! I love serving it with turkey or on a warm biscuit. It makes everything taste a bit more special! 🍊✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are a must for this sauce. If you can’t find them, frozen cranberries work, too! Just make sure to adjust the cooking time since they are already prepped.
Granulated Sugar: This is key for sweetening your sauce. If you prefer a healthier option, feel free to substitute with honey or maple syrup. Just remember to adjust the quantity since they are sweeter than sugar!
Orange Juice & Zest: Freshly squeezed juice adds the best flavor! If you’re in a pinch, bottled juice can work, but avoid the concentrate-type as it lacks that fresh taste. You can also zest other citrus fruits like lemon for a twist.
Amaretto Liqueur: This provides a delicious almond flavor! If you want a non-alcoholic version, try using almond extract (about 1 teaspoon) mixed with a splash of extra orange juice for flavor.
How Do I Ensure My Cranberry Sauce Thickens Just Right?
Getting the right thickness is key to a tasty cranberry sauce! Here’s how to do it:
- Start by cooking your mixture to a gentle boil. This helps dissolve the sugar and burst the cranberries.
- Simmer for at least 10-15 minutes. This allows the cranberries to break down and the sauce to reduce, thickening as it cools.
- If you want a thicker consistency, let it simmer a bit longer and stir more often. The more you stir, the more the cranberries will break down.
- Don’t worry if it’s a bit runny when hot; it will thicken more as it cools!
With these tips, your cranberry sauce will be the perfect addition to any meal! Enjoy making this delightful dish!
How to Make Orange Amaretto Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries (about 3 cups)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (about 1 large orange)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (from about 1 large orange)
- 1/4 cup amaretto liqueur
- 1/4 cup water
- Optional garnish: additional fresh cranberries and extra orange zest
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook. You will have a delicious cranberry sauce ready in about 25 minutes! It’s perfect for making ahead of time, as it can be stored in the fridge for a few days.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cranberries:
Start by rinsing the fresh cranberries under cold water. As you’re rinsing, check to see if any berries are soft or damaged, and discard those. You want all the best berries for your sauce!
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, freshly squeezed orange juice, orange zest, water, and amaretto liqueur. Stir everything together well to ensure the sugar is fully dissolved before cooking.
3. Bring to a Boil:
Place the saucepan over medium heat on your stove. Keep stirring occasionally, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. This process helps the flavors blend beautifully.
4. Cook the Cranberries:
Once boiling, carefully add the rinsed cranberries to the saucepan. Allow the mixture to return to a boil briefly, and then reduce the heat to medium-low. This is the stage where the cranberries will start to burst, releasing all their wonderful juices!
5. Simmer and Thicken:
Let the sauce simmer uncovered for about 10-15 minutes. Be sure to stir it occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom of the pan. You’ll know it’s ready when most of the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened to your liking.
6. Cool Down:
When you’re happy with the thickness, remove the saucepan from heat. Let the sauce cool down to room temperature. As it cools, it will continue to thicken nicely.
7. Serve it Up:
Transfer your vibrant cranberry sauce to a beautiful serving bowl. For a finishing touch, garnish with extra fresh cranberries and some additional orange zest on top; it makes for a lovely presentation!
8. Enjoy:
Serve the Orange Amaretto Cranberry Sauce chilled or at room temperature. It’s a delightful pairing with turkey, ham, or even spread on warm biscuits. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well. There’s no need to thaw them before use; just add them directly to the saucepan. You might want to increase the cooking time slightly to ensure they burst and release their juices.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Cranberry Sauce?
Your Orange Amaretto Cranberry Sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. It’s great for making ahead, so feel free to whip up a batch days in advance of your gathering!
Can I Make This Sauce Non-Alcoholic?
Definitely! If you’d like to skip the amaretto liqueur, you can use 1 teaspoon of almond extract mixed with a splash of extra orange juice. This will mimic the flavor profile without the alcohol.
What Should I Serve with This Sauce?
This vibrant cranberry sauce pairs beautifully with holiday dishes like turkey and ham, but it can also be spread on warm rolls or used as a topping for cheesecake or yogurt. The possibilities are endless!
