This Orange Amaretto Cranberry Sauce brings a burst of flavor to your table. The sweet orange and nutty amaretto work together to make cranberries sing with joy!
It’s not just for turkey; I love spooning it over cream cheese for a quick snack. It’s super easy to make and always a hit at holiday dinners! 🍊❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries make this sauce pop! If you only have frozen ones, that works too. Just remember to rinse and pick out any bad berries before cooking.
Granulated Sugar: Sugar balances the tartness of cranberries. You can swap out for brown sugar for a richer flavor or use honey or maple syrup if you prefer a natural sweetener.
Orange Juice and Zest: Fresh juice is best for a bright flavor. If you’re out of oranges, bottled juice can be a backup option, but try to find 100% juice without additives.
Amaretto Liqueur: This gives a lovely nutty flavor. If you want an alcohol-free version, use almond extract (just a splash, as it’s more concentrated) or leave it out for a simple berry sauce.
Cinnamon: This is optional but adds warmth. You might replace it with nutmeg or cardamom if you’re feeling adventurous!
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Sauce Thickness?
The right thickness is key for a great cranberry sauce. As the cranberries cook, they’ll burst and release pectin, which helps thicken the sauce. Here’s how to ensure it’s just right:
- Cook cranberries with sugar and juice until they start to boil; this dissolves the sugar and activates pectin.
- Simmer on low until cranberries burst, stirring often to prevent sticking. This should take about 10-15 minutes!
- If the sauce appears too runny, continue cooking it a few more minutes, as it will thicken as it cools.
- Don’t forget to let it cool completely before serving; this step is crucial for reaching the desired consistency.
Enjoy your cooking process—this sauce is sure to be a favorite!
Delicious Orange Amaretto Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (340 g) fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup fresh orange juice (about 2 medium oranges)
- 1 tbsp orange zest (from about 1 orange)
- 1/4 cup amaretto liqueur
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- Orange zest strips, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This lovely sauce takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare and around 15 minutes to cook, plus a little extra time for cooling. All in all, you’ll be enjoying this tasty Orange Amaretto Cranberry Sauce in about 30-35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cranberries:
Start by rinsing the fresh or frozen cranberries under cold water. Look through them and pick out any that are bad or have stems. This step is important for the best flavor!
2. Combine Ingredients:
In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed cranberries, granulated sugar, fresh orange juice, and orange zest. This mixture is what makes the sauce sweet and citrusy—yum!
3. Cook the Mixture:
Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture occasionally until it begins to boil and the sugar completely dissolves. Watching it bubble away is part of the fun!
4. Simmer for Thickness:
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Allow the sauce to simmer, stirring frequently. Keep an eye on it as cranberries will start bursting, and the sauce will thicken slightly—this should take about 10-15 minutes.
5. Add the Flavors:
After the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened, stir in the amaretto liqueur, ground cinnamon (if you’re using it), and a pinch of salt. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow all those delicious flavors to come together.
6. Cool and Set:
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the sauce cool to room temperature. It will continue to thicken as it cools, resulting in a perfect consistency.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Transfer the cooled sauce to a serving bowl and garnish with orange zest strips for a lovely touch! Your sauce is ready to shine at your dinner table.
8. Enjoy:
Serve the Orange Amaretto Cranberry Sauce chilled or at room temperature, either alongside your holiday dishes or as a flavor-packed condiment. Enjoy the bright, tangy, and warmly spiced goodness!
Happy cooking and enjoy your delicious creation!
Can I Use Dried Cranberries Instead of Fresh or Frozen?
While dried cranberries can add sweetness, they won’t provide the same texture or burst of flavor as fresh or frozen. If you want to use them, consider soaking them in warm water or juice for a few hours to rehydrate before adding them to the sauce.
How Long Can I Store the Cranberry Sauce?
You can store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Just make sure it’s fully cooled before sealing it up. It also freezes well; just ensure it’s in a safe container for freezing and consume within 3 months for best quality.
Can I Omit the Amaretto for a Non-Alcoholic Version?
Absolutely! If you prefer a non-alcoholic sauce, you can simply leave out the amaretto. For a nutty flavor, try adding a splash of almond extract instead. Just remember to adjust the quantity since it’s more concentrated—start with a teaspoon and adjust to taste!
What Should I Serve This Sauce With?
This Orange Amaretto Cranberry Sauce pairs beautifully with turkey and ham. It’s also delicious spread over cream cheese as a dip or even alongside a cheese platter. Don’t forget to try it on pancakes or waffles for an extra special breakfast treat!
