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Looking for a bright and flavorful side dish that’s as easy as it is delicious? This three-ingredient cranberry sauce knocks it out of the park with fresh cranberries, tangy orange juice, and warm maple syrup. Just let it all bubble away on the stove, and soon you’ll have a sweet, tart, and wonderfully aromatic sauce ready to serve alongside your holiday favorites or any meal in need of a pop of color.
Ingredients
- 1 (12-ounce) bag fresh cranberries
- 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (about 2–3 oranges)
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
Instructions
Begin by rinsing the cranberries under cool water, discarding any that look shriveled. Then, in a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, orange juice, and maple syrup. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.
As the cranberries soften and begin to pop, reduce the heat to a simmer. Continue cooking for about 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the cranberries break down and the sauce thickens. You can use the back of a spoon to help mash the cranberries if you prefer a smoother texture, or leave some berries whole for a chunkier sauce.
Once the mixture has thickened to your liking, remove it from the heat. The sauce will continue to set as it cools. Transfer to a serving bowl, or store in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to enjoy.
This Zesty Maple-Orange Cranberry Sauce is perfect for anyone craving a fresh, homemade touch to their holiday spreads or any hearty meal. It adds a vibrant, sweet-tart note to roasted meats and vegetables and is particularly delicious with turkey or ham. Plus, with just three ingredients, it’s a nutritional powerhouse rich in antioxidants from fresh cranberries. Feel free to tweak the sweetness by adjusting the amount of maple syrup or swap in honey for a different flavor profile. Whether you pour it over waffles, swirl it into yogurt, or set it on your holiday table, this simple, crowd-pleasing sauce is sure to brighten any dish.
