Orange Cranberry Sauce

Easy to make Orange Cranberry Sauce is bursting with bold, bright flavors! Fresh cranberries sweetened with honey and maple syrup make this an outstanding no-sugar recipe to serve with turkey or ham.

Classic dishes like this homemade sauce, Scalloped Potatoes, Southern Green Beans, and Deviled Eggs are sure to make your holiday celebrations extra special.

Small light green bowl of orange cranberry relish topped with fresh orange zest resting on a wooden board.

I’ve been making homemade Orange Cranberry Sauce for so many years that it has become a tradition. Something is thrilling about getting just the perfect bite of slightly sweet sauce with savory Crock Pot Turkey Breast and Southern Cornbread Dressing. That bite is even more delicious when you get that little burst of fresh cranberry that’s soaked up amazing flavors of honey, maple syrup, and orange.

This fresh cranberry sauce is made even more flavorful with the addition of fresh orange juice and zest. The bright citrus punch softens the cranberries’ tartness in an unexpected way that’s absolutely mouthwatering with Thanksgiving side dishes.

Ingredients Needed To Make Orange Cranberry Sauce

Fresh bowl of cranberries, glass measuring cup of maple syrup, glass measuring cup of honey and a whole orange on a wooden board.

Fresh cranberries, fresh orange peel, orange juice, honey, and maple syrup are all you need to make this simple recipe.
Frozen cranberries can be used as well. And since you are cooking them, there’s no need to thaw.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and measurements.

Variations And Additions

Spices – ground cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, or fresh ginger for additional flavor.
Fruit – chopped apples, or pears for texture.
If you want to get a little fancy, sprinkle chopped walnuts or candied pecans over the top before serving.

How To Make Homemade Cranberry Sauce

Photo one is a silver metal pot with fresh cranberries and orange zest and photo two is a silver metal pot with cooked cranberries stirred with a wooden spoon.

Start with fresh cranberries. Wash them, then sort through the “squishy” and bruised ones. Throw those out! Next, zest the orange using a microplane or grater. Make sure to do this before you juice the orange.
Put the cranberries in a medium saucepan along with the orange juice, orange zest, honey, and maple syrup. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, stir, and cook for 15 to 20 minutes until the mixture thickens. The sauce will thicken on its own due to the natural pectin in the cranberries. That’s it, you’ve got homemade Orange Cranberry Sauce!

Recipe Questions And Answers

Can I make this cranberry orange sauce recipe ahead of time?

You can make this recipe up to three days before serving. I think it’s even better once you’ve let all the flavors get acquainted with one another.

How long does homemade cranberry sauce last?

Cranberry sauce will last 10 to 12 days in an airtight container in the fridge.

Can I freeze orange cranberry sauce?

Yes, you can! After making the sauce, put it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw it in the fridge. I like to let the cranberry sauce come to room temperature for maximum flavor before serving.

Can I freeze cranberries to use later?

Cranberries freeze really well, so stock up on them when they are in season. You can freeze a whole bag of fresh cranberries for up to a year.

Do I need to strain the sauce?

If you are not a fan of the cranberry skin, you can strain it using a metal sieve for a smoother sauce after cooking.

Small light green bowl of orange cranberry relish topped with fresh orange zest served with a silver spoon resting on a wooden board.

Ways To Serve Orange Cranberry Sauce

There are so many ways to serve cranberry sauce! It can be served warm, at room temperature, or cold, so the options are endless for serving this yummy dish.

With turkey or chicken for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. And, since the sauce freezes so well, I can serve it with Air Fryer Roasted Chicken or Air Fryer Turkey Breast any time of the year.
I love serving it alongside Roasted Pork Tenderloin and Stuffed Baked Potatoes for Sunday supper.
In our house, leftover Turkey sandwiches made with cranberry sauce are favorites after the holidays.
It makes a great dipping sauce for Roasted Brussels Sprouts, or Air Fryer Chicken Wings for something unexpected.

More Thanksgiving Classics

If you’re looking for more ideas to help you celebrate the season, I’ve got you covered. These easy-to-make, showstopping side dishes are destined to become family favorites in no time!

Simple Delicious Oven Roasted Turkey
Easy Scalloped Potatoes
Brown Sugar Mustard Baked Ham
Southern Style Green Beans
Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes
Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie

If you tried this Orange Cranberry Sauce Recipe or any other recipe, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. Thanks!

Recipe Card With Instructions

Small light green bowl of orange cranberry relish topped with fresh orange zest served with a silver spoon resting on a wooden board.

5 from 3 votes