Blood Orange Cranberry Sauce

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Bold, festive, and bursting with fresh citrus flavor, this Blood Orange Cranberry Sauce is the tangy-sweet upgrade your holiday table deserves. Made with real cranberries and the vibrant juice of blood oranges, it brings a natural balance of tartness and brightness that elevates everything from roast turkey to leftover sandwiches.

Unlike the canned version, this homemade sauce is thick, glossy, and jewel-toned. It’s the kind of side dish that makes guests pause for a second helping. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner or looking for a vibrant touch to your charcuterie board, this sauce is an easy way to impress.

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What Kind of Oranges Should I Use for Cranberry Sauce?

Blood oranges are the star of this recipe for their deep color and sweet-tart juice that perfectly complements the sharpness of cranberries. While you can use regular navel oranges in a pinch, the unique floral flavor of blood oranges really sets this recipe apart. If you can’t find fresh ones, look for bottled blood orange juice in the refrigerated section for a similar impact.

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Ingredients for the Blood Orange Cranberry Sauce

Fresh Cranberries
These are the base of the sauce. Use fresh or frozen, but make sure they’re whole cranberries—not the dried kind.

Blood Orange Juice and Zest
This gives the sauce its citrusy brightness and beautiful red hue. Always zest your orange before juicing it.

Granulated Sugar
Balances the tartness of the cranberries and blood oranges while helping to thicken the sauce as it simmers.

Water
A small amount helps dissolve the sugar and soften the cranberries during cooking.

Cinnamon Stick
Adds a subtle warmth and spice that deepens the flavor of the sauce without overpowering the citrus.

Salt
Just a pinch enhances all the flavors and keeps the sweetness from being too cloying.

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How To Make the Blood Orange Cranberry Sauce

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Rinse your cranberries and discard any that are shriveled or soft. Zest your blood orange first, then juice it. Set everything aside.

Step 2: Combine and Simmer

In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, blood orange juice and zest, water, cinnamon stick, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Let It Pop and Thicken

Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the cranberries pop and break down. This will take about 10–15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and burning.

Step 4: Cool and Set

Once the sauce has thickened and most cranberries have burst, remove the cinnamon stick. Let the sauce cool to room temperature; it will continue to thicken as it cools. For best results, chill in the fridge before serving.

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How to Serve and Store This Sauce

This Blood Orange Cranberry Sauce is as versatile as it is beautiful. Serve it cold or at room temperature alongside turkey, chicken, or pork. It also pairs surprisingly well with baked brie or smeared on a leftover sandwich.

To store, keep the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and stir before serving.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance can I make this sauce?

You can make it up to a week ahead of time. In fact, the flavor deepens as it rests in the fridge.

Can I use bottled juice instead of fresh blood oranges?

Yes! Bottled blood orange juice works well if you can’t find fresh. Just be sure it’s 100% juice without added sugar.

What can I substitute for blood oranges?

Navel oranges or even a combo of orange and a splash of pomegranate juice will work. The flavor will be different but still delicious.

Do I have to use a cinnamon stick?

No, but it adds a beautiful depth. You can skip it or substitute with a small pinch of ground cinnamon.

Can I make this sugar-free?

You can experiment with honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute, but note that the texture and setting might change slightly.

Why didn’t my sauce thicken?

It may just need more cooling time. If it’s still too runny after cooling, you can simmer it again for a few more minutes.

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Want More Sauce and Spread Ideas?

If you’re loving this Blood Orange Cranberry Sauce, try some of these flavorful companions next:

• Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread — gooey, golden and perfect for sharing.
• Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly — an irresistible mix of savory and sweet.
• Homemade Naan Bread — great for dipping or layering with spreads.
• Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donut Holes — for those who love fruit-forward desserts.
• Blueberry Swirl Yogurt Bites — bright, creamy, and perfect for snacking.

Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest holiday board so you can come back to it any time.
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Tell me—did you keep it classic or spice it up with ginger or clove? Did you serve it chilled or warm over brie?

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You can also find more daily recipes on my Pinterest Life with Nina.

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