Print

Fresh Cranberry Sauce Recipe with Zesty Rosemary

fresh cranberry sauce recipe - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy fresh cranberry sauce with a zesty rosemary twist, perfect for holiday meals and gatherings. This sauce is bursting with vibrant flavors and adds a sophisticated touch to your festive table.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces fresh cranberries (340 grams)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (200 grams)
  • 1 cup water (240 milliliters)
  • 1 sprig fresh rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest
  • 1/4 cup fresh orange juice (60 milliliters)
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional: cinnamon stick
  • Optional: maple syrup or honey (as a sugar substitute)
  • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Rinse the cranberries under cold water and discard any soft or damaged berries (about 2 minutes).
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, water, and rosemary sprig. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally (about 5 minutes).
  3. Add rinsed cranberries, orange zest, orange juice, and a pinch of salt. Add optional cinnamon stick or vanilla extract if using. Stir to combine.
  4. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst and sauce thickens. Add a splash of water if sauce becomes too thick.
  5. Remove rosemary sprig and any cinnamon sticks. Stir the sauce until glossy and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  6. Transfer sauce to a serving bowl and let cool to room temperature. Sauce will thicken further as it cools.

Notes

If sauce is too tart, add extra sugar or maple syrup. If too thick, add warm water or extra orange juice. Remove rosemary promptly to avoid bitterness. Zest orange before juicing to preserve oils. For a glossy finish, stir in a teaspoon of butter off-heat (optional). Sauce thickens as it cools. Can be made ahead and tastes better after a day or two. Store in airtight container in fridge up to one week or freeze up to three months.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry sauce, fresh cranberry sauce, holiday sauce, rosemary cranberry sauce, easy cranberry sauce, Thanksgiving side dish, Christmas sauce

Find it online: https://jodierecipes.com/fresh-cranberry-sauce-recipe-with-zesty-rosemary-perfect-for-easy-holiday-cooking/