Ocean Spray Cranberry Sauce Recipe (2024)

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| by Christina Hitchco*ck

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Ocean Spray Cranberry Sauce Recipe is bursting with vibrant flavors and made with just a handful of ingredients. This recipe is the perfect blend of sweet and tart, making it a must-have for your festive feast.

Ocean Spray Cranberry Sauce Recipe (1)

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Our Ocean Spray Cranberry Sauce recipe is a delightful twist on the classic, showcasing the bright, zesty essence of fresh cranberries and the subtle sweetness of orange zest. It’s a versatile addition to your holiday menu, serving as the ideal accompaniment to roasted turkey, ham, or even as a condiment for sandwiches. You will never use canned cranberry sauce again after trying this fabulous whole cranberry sauce recipe.

If you’re looking for more holiday recipes, try these Slow Roasted Turkey Breast, Grandma’s Sage and Onion Stuffing, Old Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams and Parmesan Green Beans.

Ocean Spray Cranberry Sauce Recipe (2)

What We Love About This Whole berry Cranberry Sauce

Explore the reasons that make this wholeberry cranberry sauce a kitchen favorite. From its simplicity and vibrant flavors to its versatile uses and universal appeal, uncover the magic that sets this sauce apart. Learn how to make it ahead to save time.

  • Quick and Easy: In a rush to prepare your holiday feast? This cranberry sauce comes together effortlessly, giving you more time to enjoy the festivities. Less than 20 minutes to make this easy side.
  • Easy Ingredients: With just four simple ingredients, you’ll have a stunning cranberry sauce that’s as easy to make as it is delicious with a hint of spice. If they love ocean spray cranberry sauce they will flip for this recipe.
  • Family Friendly: Whether you’re serving a crowd or an intimate gathering, make this cranberry sauce is universally loved, appealing to both kids and adults for both Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Ingredient Notes for Homemade Ocean Spray Cranberry Sauce

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  • Fresh Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are the star of this recipe, delivering that signature tartness and vibrant color. Fresh or frozen cranberries will work in this homemade fresh cranberry sauce recipe. Cranberries are high in pectin which allows it to thicken.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sugar is added to balance the natural tartness of cranberries and provide sweetness. Use 1 cup of sugar for a sweet taste.
  • One Orange: Orange zest adds a citrusy brightness to the sauce, complementing the cranberries beautifully and makes it taste better.

See the recipe card below for a complete list of the ingredients with measurements.

Love this Recipe with Variations and Substitutions for Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce

From adding unique fruits to exploring alternative sweeteners, these variations allow you to personalize your ocean spray cranberry sauce recipe.

  • Use Fresh or Frozen Fruit: Experiment with different fruits like tangerines, mandarin oranges, blueberries, cherries, or even pears to create a unique flavor profile.
  • Sugar Free Version: If you’re looking to reduce sugar intake, use a sugar substitute to adapt the sauce to your dietary needs. Here’s How to Make Sugar Free Cranberry Sauce.

How to Make the Best Homemade Cranberry Sauce

These are the basic steps for makingOcean Spray Cranberry Sauce.Refer to the full, printable recipe card below for detailed instructions. This traditional cranberry sauce is amazing with a hint of orange is so refreshing.

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Step 1: Set Aside Some Cranberries

First, begin by setting aside 1/2 cup of the fresh cranberries.

Step 2: Bring to a Boil and then Simmer for 10 Minutes until Cranberries have Burst

Then in a medium saucepan, combine the remaining cranberries, orange zest, sugar and water. Next, simmer over low heat for 10 minutes until sugar is dissolved. Then turn the heat to medium and continue cooking for an additional 12 minutes or until the berries start to burst.

Step 3: Add Cranberries, More Sugar If Needed Return to a boil and Allow the Sauce to Cool and Refrigerate

Finally, reduce heat and simmer and stir in the 1/2 cup of cranberries. Taste the sauce and add more sugar if needed to suit your preference. Remove from heat and stir. Allow the cranberry sauce to cool completely at room temperature before letting the sauce set in the fridge for at least an hour or until you’re ready to serve. The sauce will thicken as it cools to room temperature.

Recipe FAQs to Make Homemade Cranberry Sauce

To reduce bitterness, adjust the sugar content to your liking. Adding more sugar can help balance the tartness. Or add a splash of orange juice.

Absolutely, you can freeze cranberry sauce in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Allow it to thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.

Yes, you can experiment with various sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or sugar substitutes suitable for cooking to tailor the sauce to your preferences.

Leftover cranberry sauce can be stored in a freezer-safe container for up to a week. This easy and delicious side from your holiday meal can be used for sandwich, salads or eaten on it’s own. That is why everyone love this recipe.

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Expert Tips for Making This Orange Cranberry Sauce Taste Better

Unlock the secrets to mastering your orange cranberry sauce with these tips. Whether you’re aiming to customize your sauce or seeking solutions for common culinary challenges, our insights will help you create a cranberry sauce that impresses your guests.

  • Nuts: For some crunch and extra flavor, add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to your cranberry sauce.
  • Liquor: A splash of your favorite orange liqueur can elevate the sauce’s taste and aroma.
  • How to Fix Runny Sauce: If your sauce turns out too runny, simply return it to the heat and cook it a bit longer to allow it to thicken. Remember sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
  • Swap for this Simple recipe: Exchange the water for orange juice to make this cranberry sauce taste better.

What to Serve with Ocean Spray Cranberry Sauce Recipe

  • Pumpkin Bars Recipe
  • Sausage Apple Cranberry Stuffing
  • Turkey Noodle Casserole
  • Turkey Cooking Times (Convection Oven and other Methods)

Ocean Spray Cranberry Sauce Recipe (7)

5 from 15 votes

Homemade Ocean Spray Cranberry Sauce

Yield: 6 servings

Prep: 5 minutes minutes

Cook: 25 minutes minutes

Chill Time: 1 hour hour

Total: 30 minutes minutes

Ocean Spray Cranberry Sauce Recipe (8)

Ocean Spray Cranberry Sauce Recipe is bursting with vibrant flavors and made with just a handful of ingredients. This recipe is the perfect blend of sweet and tart, making it a must-have for your festive feast.

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Ingredients

  • 12 ounces Fresh cranberries, divided
  • 1 cup Sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Orange zest
  • 2 tablespoons Water

US CustomaryMetric

Instructions

  • Reserve 1/2 cup of the cranberries and set aside.

  • Add remaining ingredients to a sauce pan.

  • Cook on low for 10 minutes.

  • Turn up the heat to medium and cook for 12 minutes longer, or until the berries start to burst.

  • Reduce heat to low and stir in remaining berries.

  • Taste and add more sugar if needed.

  • Remove from heat and cool completely.

  • Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Expert Tips

  • Add nuts:A little crunch can really enhance the flavor of you sauce. So try pecans or walnuts.
  • Variation tip: You can try tangerines, mandarin oranges, blueberries or cherries, even pears.
  • Alternate ingredient:Sugar substitute can be used to reduce the calories.
  • Liquor:A splash of you favorite orange liquor will really work well in this too.

Estimated Nutritional Information

Calories: 155kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 48mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 35g | Vitamin A: 35IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 5mg | Iron: 0.1mg

The nutritional information provided are estimates. To learn more about how I calculate this information go to www.itisakeeper.com/about-its-a-keeper/privacy-disclosure-policies/

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Author: Christina Hitchco*ck

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Ocean Spray Cranberry Sauce Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How many cups of cranberries are in a bag of ocean spray cranberries? ›

First sort out any soft berries and stems. Rinse berries in cold water, drain well and use as the recipe directs. There are three cups (750 mL) of cranberries in a 340 g bag of Ocean Spray® Fresh Cranberries.

How do you serve Ocean Spray jellied cranberry sauce? ›

The traditional way of serving jellied cranberry sauce is sliced into rounds. With the column set on its side, slice into ¼-inch thick rounds and then arrange the slices on a serving platter. Serve the slices plain, garnished as desired, or read on for easy upgrades.

What are the ingredients in Ocean Spray jellied cranberry sauce? ›

CRANBERRIES, HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP, CORN SYRUP, WATER.

How to improve canned cranberry sauce? ›

Adding a teaspoon or two of fresh lemon or orange zest, a tablespoon of chopped candied peel, or even a splash of juice to your canned sauce will brighten flavors and bring in some homemade flavor.

How many cups is a 12-ounce bag of cranberries? ›

Cooking with Cranberries. The commonly sold 12-ounce bag contains about 3 cups of cranberries.

Does Ocean Spray use real cranberries? ›

It's 100% juice made with the crisp, clean taste of real cranberries straight from the bog. Plus, it has no added sugar, a daily dose of vitamin C, and one cup of fruit, so it tastes good and it's good for you, too.

Why are the labels upside down on Ocean Spray cranberry sauce? ›

According to Ocean Spray, that's intentional: It creates a seamless serving experience. The cans are “filled and labeled upside down with the rounded edge on top and the sharp can-like edge on the bottom to keep the jelly whole,” an Ocean Spray spokesperson told CNN Business.

Do you serve jellied cranberry sauce warm or cold? ›

Cranberry sauce is best served at room temperature or slightly chilled. (You've got enough things on the menu to warm up! Don't make the list longer!) I tend to make cranberry sauce a few days before Thanksgiving and then set it on the table about an hour or two before we plan to eat.

What's the difference between cranberry jelly and cranberry sauce? ›

And deep down, they are not so different after all: Whole cranberry sauce indeed involves whole berries. Jellied cranberry sauce goes through much the same process, but it is heavily strained, removing elements of nature — skin, seeds — that would impede its perfect silken texture.

Can diabetics eat jellied cranberry sauce? ›

The Bottom Line. If you have diabetes, you can still enjoy cranberry sauce, but with a few considerations. First, most traditional cranberry sauces have lots of added sugar, so offer to make it yourself for the holiday gathering so you can control how much is added.

Is jellied cranberry sauce good for you? ›

Health Benefits

Cranberries are also rich in vitamin C and fiber, as well as the metabolism-boosting mineral manganese. And yes, you reap all these benefits whether the cranberry sauce on your holiday table is homemade or canned, jellied or whole-berry.

What is the difference between ocean spray cranberry juice and ocean spray cranberry juice co*cktail? ›

Cranberry juice is usually labeled "100% juice." Other fruits are sometimes added to balance the tart cranberry taste, but that label indicates that the product is made with 100% fruit juices. Cranberry juice co*cktail, meanwhile, has added sugars or high-fructose corn syrup for extra sweetness.

How do you get the tartness out of cranberry sauce? ›

Add A Splash Of Vinegar

Their sharp tang counteracts bitter flavors without having to add extra sugar. While citrus is a natural pairing for cranberry sauce, bright, savory vinegars like sherry vinegar, balsamic vinegar, and apple cider vinegar play well with the bitter-tart berries.

How do you fix bland cranberry sauce? ›

Maple syrup, brown sugar and even honey can make your cranberry sauce more dynamic. And don't forget the spices! Cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, citrus zest and star anise all work well with cranberries and can be added while the sauce cooks to infuse your sauce with flavor.

What thickens cranberry sauce? ›

Jelling. Homemade cranberry sauce is meant to thicken, or “jell,” while cooking. If it stays soupy, that could mean a couple of things. One possibility is that you may not have used enough sugar: Sugar helps the sauce firm up, so be sure to use the full amount called for in a recipe.

How many cups in a bag of dried cranberries? ›

For example, 1 pound of dried cranberries typically equates to approximately 3 to 3.5 cups, which can be utilized in cranberry-centric recipes like chutneys or compotes.

How many cups is 16 ounces of fresh cranberries? ›

16 oz fresh cranberries, or about 2 cups.

Is drinking Ocean Spray cranberry juice Healthy? ›

Cranberry juice is an excellent source of vitamin C and provides 26% of your recommended daily allowance in an 8-ounce serving. Vitamin C plays many important roles in the body.

Do bagged cranberries need to be refrigerated? ›

Refrigerator. Cranberries can be stored in the refrigerator up to three (3) months if they are kept in their original plastic packaging or in an airtight, sealed container. Left in the open air, at room temperature, cranberries quickly lose their freshness.

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