Xanthan Gum Free Fresh Orange Cranberry Sauce
Bright, tangy, and just sweet enough, this cranberry sauce is the kind of condiment that steals the show at the table. The magic here is in the simplicity — fresh cranberries naturally release pectin as they burst during cooking, which means the sauce thickens beautifully on its own without any additives or stabilizers. That makes it a perfect fit for anyone avoiding xanthan gum, since so many store-bought versions and even homemade recipes sneak in thickeners you don't actually need. Fresh orange juice and zest bring a citrusy brightness that balances the tartness of the cranberries, and a pinch of cinnamon adds just a hint of warmth if you're feeling it. The whole thing comes together in one saucepan with barely any effort, and it keeps well in the fridge so you can make it ahead. Whether you're spooning it over a holiday roast or spreading it on leftovers the next day, this sauce is genuinely hard to stop eating.
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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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