Paraben Free Fresh Orange Cranberry Sauce
Bright, tangy, and just sweet enough, this cranberry sauce is the kind of condiment that makes people go back for a second spoonful before the main course even hits the table. It comes together with a short list of whole, recognizable ingredients — fresh or frozen cranberries, real orange juice, orange zest, sugar, and an optional pinch of cinnamon — so you know exactly what you're eating. That matters more than people realize, because many store-bought cranberry sauces and flavored condiments contain preservatives and synthetic additives that can be a concern for anyone keeping a clean, paraben-free pantry. Cooking everything from scratch here means none of those hidden extras sneak in. The orange juice and zest do double duty, adding both brightness and a natural depth that makes the sauce taste far more complex than the effort involved. As it simmers, the cranberries burst and the whole thing thickens into a glossy, jewel-toned sauce that looks stunning on a holiday table. Make it ahead, let it chill in the fridge, and it's ready to go whenever you need it.
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Learn more →Ingredients
8 servings
- 1 bag (12 oz) fresh or frozen cranberries
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup fresh orange juice (from about 1 large orange)
- 1 tbsp orange zest (from about 1 large orange)
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and orange zest in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
- 2
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10–12 minutes, until most of the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon.
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