Do you want the perfect mix of sweet and tart for your holiday meal? Try this Ocean Spray cranberry sauce recipe. It’s quick to make, needing just 15 minutes and a few simple things like fresh cranberries, sugar, and orange zest. Add cinnamon and a bit of orange juice for extra flavor. It’s a must-have for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Key Takeaways
- This Ocean Spray cranberry sauce recipe is a quick and easy homemade delight, taking only 15 minutes to prepare.
- The recipe combines fresh cranberries, sugar, and orange zest for the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors.
- The cranberry sauce can be made in advance and stored for weeks, making it a hassle-free addition to your holiday spread.
- This versatile recipe is suitable for both large gatherings and intimate settings, complementing a variety of holiday dishes.
- The nutritional information, including calories, carbohydrates, and fiber, makes this cranberry sauce a guilt-free indulgence.
Introduction: The Best Cranberry Sauce for the Holidays
Cranberry sauce is key for holiday meals. It brings a bright, refreshing taste to rich dishes. This homemade Ocean Spray cranberry sauce recipe is a must-try. It’s easy to make and adds vibrant flavors to your holiday table.
Unlike canned sauce, you can control the ingredients and taste. With just a few minutes of work, you’ll have a homemade sauce that wows your guests.
Table of Contents
The Importance of Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Homemade cranberry sauce tastes better than canned or jellied. It uses fresh, high-quality ingredients for a more natural flavor. You can also adjust the sweetness and add your own touches.
This makes homemade cranberry sauce a true delight for the senses.
Reasons to Make This Easy Recipe
- Vibrant, fresh flavor that outshines store-bought varieties
- Complete control over the ingredients and level of sweetness
- A simple, quick preparation process that takes less than 30 minutes
- The satisfaction of serving a homemade, made-with-love holiday dish
- Versatility to use with a variety of holiday dishes, from turkey to roasted vegetables
With just a few basic ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a truly exceptional Ocean Spray cranberry sauce. It will elevate your holiday table and leave your guests raving. Embrace the homemade difference and give this easy recipe a try.
Ingredients Needed for Ocean Spray Cranberry Sauce Recipe
To make the classic Ocean Spray cranberry and orange relish recipe at home, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients. The star of the show is fresh or frozen cranberries. They provide the signature tart flavor that makes cranberry sauce so special. You’ll also need granulated sugar to balance out the tartness, as well as orange zest to add a lovely citrus note.
Fresh or Frozen Cranberries
Fresh cranberries are available seasonally from mid-September through the end of the year. They can be found in the produce section during the fall. Alternatively, you can use frozen cranberries, which are available year-round. Both work equally well in this recipe.
Sugar and Orange Zest
In addition to the cranberries, you’ll need granulated sugar to sweeten the sauce. The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of sugar, but you can adjust the amount to your personal taste preferences. The zest of one orange, about 2 teaspoons, adds a bright, citrusy note that complements the cranberries beautifully.
Water and Optional Spices
Finally, the recipe includes 1/2 cup of water to help the ingredients come together into a smooth, spreadable consistency. You can also add a pinch of salt or a touch of cinnamon or other warm spices if you’d like to customize the flavors.
With these simple components, you can create a delicious homemade cranberry sauce. It’s sure to impress your guests and elevate your holiday meal.
ocean spray cranberry sauce recipe
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Ocean Spray cranberry sauce at home is easy. Start by mixing 4 cups of sugar, 4 cups of water, and the zest of one large orange in a saucepan. Stir until the sugar is gone.
Then, add 8 cups (about 2 pounds) of fresh or frozen cranberries, a pinch of kosher salt, and a cinnamon stick. Bring it to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes. Stir now and then until the sauce thickens.
For the best texture, keep some cranberries whole. Once it cools, put it in jars or airtight containers. Store it in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for months.
Tips for Perfect Homemade Cranberry Sauce
- Use fresh or frozen cranberries for the best flavor and texture. Cranberries are high in pectin, a natural gelling agent, which helps achieve the signature jelly-like consistency.
- Adjust the amount of sugar to suit your personal taste preferences. Start with 4 cups and add more if you prefer a sweeter sauce.
- Experiment with spices like cinnamon, allspice, or a splash of brandy or red wine to create unique flavor variations.
- Refrigerate the cranberry sauce for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to set.
- Homemade cranberry sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or frozen for several months, making it a convenient make-ahead option.
Follow these simple steps and tips to make a delicious easy cranberry sauce. It will make any holiday meal better or add flavor to your dishes all year.
“Homemade cranberry sauce is far superior to the store-bought variety. The fresh flavors and vibrant color are simply unmatched.”
Variations and Customizations
This classic cranberry sauce with orange zest recipe from Ocean Spray is great just the way it is. But, you can make it your own in many ways. Try adding fresh or frozen berries like blueberries, cherries, or diced pears or tangerines. These can give the sauce new flavors and textures.
Want to make it less calorie-rich? Use a sugar substitute instead of granulated sugar. But remember, sugar helps thicken the sauce. For a fancy touch, add a bit of your favorite orange liqueur. It makes the cranberry sauce taste more adult.
Fruity Twists on the Classic Cranberry Sauce
- Cranberry Pear Sauce: Dice fresh pears and fold them into the cranberry sauce for a sweet-tart combination.
- Cranberry Blueberry Sauce: Mix in fresh or frozen blueberries for a vibrant, antioxidant-rich twist.
- Cranberry Orange Sauce: Grate in the zest of an orange and a squeeze of juice for a bright, citrusy accent.
- Cranberry Ginger Sauce: Finely mince fresh ginger and stir it into the sauce for a warm, spicy kick.
There are countless ways to make this holiday favorite your own. Try different fruits, spices, and sweeteners. This way, you can make a cranberry sauce with orange zest that’s just right for you and the occasion.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
This Ocean Spray cranberry sauce recipe is super convenient. You can make it ahead of your holiday feast. This way, you can relax and enjoy your time more.
It’s best to make the sauce a few days before. The flavors get better with time.
Preparing Cranberry Sauce in Advance
After it cools, put it in an airtight container. Then, refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Your make-ahead cranberry sauce will be ready when you need it.
Refrigerating and Freezing Instructions
For an even earlier start, freeze it for up to 2 months. Cool it first, then put it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw the frozen cranberry sauce in the fridge overnight before serving.
| Storage Method | Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 1 week |
| Freezer | Up to 2 months |
This Ocean Spray cranberry sauce recipe is perfect for the holiday season. With these easy make-ahead and storage tips, you can enjoy homemade cranberry sauce without stress.
Serving Suggestions for Cranberry Sauce
Thanksgiving isn’t complete without the perfect cranberry sauce. This Ocean Spray cranberry sauce is great with many dishes. It’s perfect for roasted turkey, baked ham, and even leftover dishes.
Complementary Holiday Dishes
The sauce’s bright, tart flavor is perfect for rich main courses. It’s a must-have on Thanksgiving. It pairs well with roasted turkey or baked ham.
The sauce’s sweet-tart taste also goes well with savory stuffing and creamy mashed potatoes.
Creative Uses for Leftover Cranberry Sauce
- Spread it on sandwiches for a tangy twist on your Thanksgiving leftovers.
- Use it as a topping for baked brie or goat cheese for an easy appetizer.
- Mix it into your morning yogurt or oatmeal for a delicious breakfast treat.
- Stir it into your favorite barbecue sauce or glaze for added flavor.
Don’t waste a single spoonful of this thanksgiving cranberry recipe. Get creative with it in your post-holiday meals.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
The Ocean Spray cranberry sauce recipe aims for the perfect consistency. But sometimes, you might need to make some changes. If your sauce is too thin or runny, just heat it up again. Stir often until it’s thick enough.
If your sauce gets too thick, add a bit more water or orange juice. This will help thin it out. Remember, the sauce will thicken more as it cools. So, aim for a slightly thinner consistency when you’re cooking.
Fixing Runny or Overly Thick Sauces
Here are some tips for fixing common issues with your cranberry sauce:
- For a runny sauce, heat it up again and simmer. Stir often until it thickens.
- If it’s too thick, add small amounts of water or orange juice. Stir until it’s right.
- Keep in mind, the sauce will thicken more as it cools. So, aim for a slightly looser texture when cooking.
- Watch the sauce closely to avoid over-thickening or overcooking.
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Runny Cranberry Sauce | Simmer and stir frequently until thickened |
| Overly Thick Cranberry Sauce | Add small amounts of water or orange juice to thin |
“With a little tweaking, you can ensure your homemade cranberry sauce turns out just right every time.”
Nutritional Information and Benefits
This Ocean Spray cranberry sauce recipe is not just tasty. It’s also packed with health benefits. Cranberries are full of antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C. They make a great addition to your holiday meals.
A serving of this sauce has only 112 calories. It has 28 grams of carbs, 0.7 grams of fiber, and very little sodium and cholesterol.
Cranberry Sauce’s Health Advantages
The sauce’s natural sweetness comes from sugar. But the cranberries add a lot of vitamin C. This vitamin helps boost your immune system.
Cranberries also have compounds that might fight cancer. They protect your body from damage. The fiber in the sauce helps with digestion and can prevent constipation.
Calorie and Nutrient Breakdown
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (70g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 112 |
| Total Fat | 0g |
| Saturated Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 28g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.7g |
| Sugars | 23g |
| Protein | 0.7g |
| Vitamin A | 1.40mcg |
| Vitamin C | 0.7mg |
| Iron | 0.43mg |
| Calcium | 2.10mg |
| Potassium | 24mg |
Adding this cranberry sauce to your holiday meals is a smart choice. It’s full of antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins. It’s a great way to make your holiday table healthier.
Ocean Spray Brand and Its Legacy
Ocean Spray is famous for its cranberry sauce recipe. It has a long history and is known for quality. Founded in 1930, it’s a cooperative of cranberry growers.
It’s a trusted name in the industry. Known for its high-quality ocean spray cranberries and products.
The History of Ocean Spray Cranberries
Ocean Spray started in 1930 by three cranberry farmers. They saw the fruit’s potential. Today, it has over 700 growers.
Each grower uses sustainable farming. They focus on growing the best ocean spray cranberries.
In the 1960s, Ocean Spray changed its cranberry juice recipe. They introduced cran-apple drinks. This made cranberries popular.
In the 1970s, they added grapefruit products. This made them a leader in fruit juices.
Ocean Spray’s Commitment to Quality
Ocean Spray is all about quality. They make over 70 million cans of cranberry sauce every year. 74% of families love their canned sauce.
Their commitment to sustainable farming is strong. This makes Ocean Spray a favorite for holiday cranberry sauce. You can choose canned or homemade, Ocean Spray is the trusted choice.
Conclusion
This homemade Ocean Spray cranberry sauce recipe is a must-try for your holiday celebrations. It has the perfect mix of sweet and tart flavors. Plus, it’s easy to make and looks great on your table.
By making it from scratch, you can make your holiday meal even better. It’s a great way to impress your guests with a homemade touch. This recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
So, get your cranberries and simple ingredients ready. Let’s make this delicious Ocean Spray cranberry sauce together. It will make your holiday feast even more special.
