Florida Orange Juice Cranberry Sauce Recipe
This zesty Florida Orange Juice Cranberry Sauce combines fresh cranberries with vibrant orange juice and zest, enhanced by aromatic rosemary and thyme. Perfect as a tangy, sweet side for holiday meals, it’s easy to prepare on the stovetop and can be made ahead or frozen for convenience.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Cranberry Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup Florida Orange Juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 small bundle fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs, optional (3–4 sprigs each, tied together with kitchen twine)
- 3 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the Florida Orange Juice, orange zest, granulated sugar, and the herb bundle over medium heat to start the flavor infusion and dissolve the sugar.
- Dissolve Sugar: Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has completely dissolved, approximately 3-5 minutes, ensuring a smooth sweet base.
- Add Cranberries and Boil: Stir in the cranberries and bring the mixture to a boil to activate the fruit’s natural pectin and start the thickening process.
- Simmer and Thicken: Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer for about 15 minutes until thickened and most cranberries have burst, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Remove Herbs and Cool: Remove the herb bundle and discard it. Take the sauce off the heat and let it cool completely; the sauce will continue to thicken as it cools, achieving the perfect consistency.
Notes
- The sauce can be prepared up to 7 days ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.
- Freeze well for up to 6 months in a freezer-safe, airtight container.
- For a smoother texture, mash some cranberries slightly with a spoon during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Keywords: cranberry sauce, Florida orange juice, holiday side dish, stovetop cranberry sauce, fresh cranberry sauce, orange zest, rosemary, thyme
