Hey fellow food lovers! Nyla here from Grill Drip, and I’m absolutely buzzing to share one of my all-time favorite recipes with you. We’re diving headfirst into a flavor adventure that’s going to transform your meals into something truly special. Get ready for my incredible Spiced Cranberry Sauce!
Picture this: it’s late at night, I’m experimenting in the kitchen (as usual!), and I decide to put a twist on a classic side dish. The goal? To create a Spiced Cranberry Sauce that sings with flavor.
One spoonful and BAM! A happy accident turned into my go-to side dish. This isn’t your grandma’s cranberry sauce, y’all. This Spiced Cranberry Sauce is where bold flavors meet cozy comfort!
This Spiced Cranberry Sauce is a total game changer. It adds a burst of zesty deliciousness to everything it touches. So, are you ready to turn ordinary into extraordinary? Let’s do this! 🔥💕
INGREDIENTS You Need
This Spiced Cranberry Sauce ingredient list is all about bold flavors that actually work together! You can grab everything you need during your normal shopping trip.
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries: (about 3 cups) I prefer fresh for that extra zing, but frozen (thawed!) works in a pinch.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: For the perfect touch of sweetness.
- ½ cup water: This helps everything cook down beautifully.
- ¼ cup orange juice: Adds a citrusy brightness.
- 2 tablespoons orange zest: Don’t skip this! It elevates the orange flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Hello, warm spice!
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves: A little goes a long way.
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds depth and coziness.
- Pinch of salt: Balances all the flavors perfectly.
No worries if you don’t have fresh oranges – I use store-bought orange juice and zest all the time in my Spiced Cranberry Sauce. It still tastes incredible!
This Spiced Cranberry Sauce gets its amazing taste from the combination of warm spices and bright citrus. I love adding an extra pinch of cinnamon to my Spiced Cranberry Sauce for that extra kick. Store leftover spices in a cool dark pantry for ultimate freshness!
Here’s my Spiced Cranberry Sauce secret that takes it from good to incredible: don’t be afraid to adjust the sugar to your liking. If you prefer a tarter sauce, reduce the sugar by a tablespoon or two. Simple, right? 😜
Let’s Make Some!
This is my favorite part of making Spiced Cranberry Sauce – watch the magic happen! It’s so easy you’ll be whipping it up every week!
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, water, orange juice, orange zest, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Bring to a Boil: Place the saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This is where the magic starts happening!
- Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the Spiced Cranberry Sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes. The cranberries will start to burst and the sauce will thicken.
In my kitchen, this Spiced Cranberry Sauce usually takes about 12 minutes to reach the perfect consistency. This Spiced Cranberry Sauce reminds me of another bold flavor favorite, my Homemade Bechamel Sauce recipe!
- Check for Doneness: To check if the Spiced Cranberry Sauce is ready, drag a spoon through the mixture. If the sauce coats the back of the spoon and doesn’t immediately run back together, it’s done!
- Cool and Thicken: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the Spiced Cranberry Sauce cool completely. As it cools, it will continue to thicken. Don’t worry if your Spiced Cranberry Sauce looks a little thin at first – it will thicken up as it cools.
- Chill: Once cooled, transfer the Spiced Cranberry Sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken even more.
While your Spiced Cranberry Sauce is doing its thing, get ready for some amazing aromas! Your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible right now. I often double the batch because it disappears so fast!
This step-by-step guide can also be found at Spiced Cranberry Sauce | Cooking On The Weekends. They use similar spices to enhance the flavor as well. Give that Cranberry sauce recipe a try sometime and tell me what you think.
How to Serve Up This!
People literally do happy dances when this Spiced Cranberry Sauce hits the table with… well, everything! Seriously, it’s that good.
- With Roasted Meats: This Spiced Cranberry Sauce is the perfect accompaniment to roasted turkey, chicken, or pork. The sweetness and spice cut through the richness of the meat, creating a flavor explosion. If you’re loving this comfort food twist, you’ll go crazy for my Marinara Sauce recipe!
- As a Sandwich Spread: Spread it on turkey or ham sandwiches for a burst of flavor. Add some brie or cream cheese for an extra decadent treat.
- On Crackers and Cheese: Serve it with crackers and a variety of cheeses for an elegant appetizer. Baked brie with Cranberry sauce with spices is a great appetizer.
- With Desserts: Spoon it over vanilla ice cream, cheesecake, or pound cake for a delicious dessert topping.
- In Yogurt or Oatmeal: Stir it into yogurt or oatmeal for a flavorful and healthy breakfast.
This Spiced Cranberry Sauce is perfect for those weeknight dinners that need to be special! I especially love serving it during the holidays – it’s become a family tradition. Presentation-wise, I like to serve it in a fancy glass bowl with a sprig of rosemary for an extra touch of elegance.
For more weeknight winners that don’t sacrifice on taste, check out my spiced shrimp with roasted honeynut squash!
FAQs:
Got questions? I’ve got answers! These are based on real cooking concerns and my own kitchen experiments.
Will kitchen newbies succeed with this Spiced Cranberry Sauce?
Absolutely! This recipe is super straightforward. If you can stir, you can make this Spiced Cranberry Sauce. I promise!
What if I mess up my Spiced Cranberry Sauce? (Spoiler: it’ll still taste incredible!)
Okay, so maybe you added a little too much spice or sugar. No biggie! If it’s too spicy, add a splash more orange juice. Too sweet? A squeeze of lemon juice will balance it out. Honestly, even “messed up” Spiced Cranberry Sauce is usually delicious.
How can I prep this Spiced Cranberry Sauce for busy weeknights?
You can make it up to a week in advance! Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It actually tastes even better after a day or two, as the flavors have more time to meld.
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yep! Just make sure to thaw them completely before using. You might need to cook the sauce a little longer to reduce the extra moisture.
Is this Spiced Cranberry Sauce gluten-free and vegan?
Yes! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free and vegan. Just double-check your spice labels to be extra sure.
Can I add other fruits to this Spiced Cranberry Sauce?
Go for it! Apples, pears, or even a handful of dried cranberries would be delicious additions. Get creative and make it your own!
How long does Homemade cranberry sauce last?
In the refrigerator, stored properly in an airtight container, it should last about 10-14 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months.
The results of my taste testing? This Spiced Cranberry Sauce is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Even my pickiest eaters devour it! And you can find another Homemade Spiced Cranberry Sauce recipe at Homemade Spiced Cranberry Sauce – The Noshery if you want to compare recipes.
CONCLUSION:
This Spiced Cranberry Sauce brings me so much joy because it’s simple, flavorful, and totally versatile. It turns any meal into a special occasion.
My Spiced Cranberry Sauce Flavor Secrets:
- Don’t skimp on the orange zest. It adds a brightness that you just can’t get from juice alone.
- Taste as you go. Adjust the sugar and spices to your liking.
- Let it chill. The flavors really come together as it sits in the fridge.
Here are a few delicious Spiced Cranberry Sauce variations I’ve tested:
- Spiced Cranberry Apple Sauce: Add diced apples to the cranberry mixture for a chunkier, sweeter sauce. Perfect for Thanksgiving!
- Spiced Cranberry Jalapeño Sauce: Add a diced jalapeño (seeds removed for less heat) for a spicy kick. Great with grilled chicken or pork.
- Spiced Cranberry Walnut Sauce: Stir in toasted walnuts for added texture and flavor. Perfect for serving with cheese and crackers.
Trust your taste buds and get creative! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices, fruits, and nuts to create your own signature Spiced Cranberry Sauce. I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and add a little Grill Drip magic to your table. Happy cooking! 🔥💕 I know you will love this Spiced Cranberry Sauce!
Spiced Cranberry Sauce
This spiced cranberry sauce is a delightful blend of tart cranberries and warm spices, perfect for adding a festive touch to your holiday table. It’s easy to make and bursting with flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- Pinch of ground ginger
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, water, orange juice, orange zest, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Remove from heat and let cool completely. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
For a boozy twist, add 2 tablespoons of orange liqueur or bourbon after removing from heat.