This zesty Pineapple Cranberry Orange Sauce is a bright and tasty addition to your meals! It’s a delightful mix of sweet and tangy flavors that can really liven up your dishes.
Perfect for turkey or even as a refreshing topping for desserts, this sauce is super easy to make. I love slathering it on holiday dishes, and I may or may not eat it straight from the jar. 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are essential for that tart flavor. If they’re out of season, use frozen cranberries, but don’t thaw them before cooking – just toss them in frozen!
Pineapple: Crushed pineapple adds sweetness and texture. If you want a lower-sugar option, opt for unsweetened crushed pineapple. You could also use fresh pineapple, just finely chop it!
Orange Juice & Zest: Freshly squeezed orange juice is best for flavor. If you’re in a pinch, bottled juice works too! The orange zest boosts the aroma, so don’t skip it. You can use lemon zest if needed.
Sugar: You can adjust the sugar based on your preference. Substitute with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener, or use a sugar alternative if you want something low-calorie.
Spices: Ground cinnamon and cloves add warmth but are optional. If you prefer a spicier flavor, you can add a pinch of nutmeg for a cozy twist!
How Do I Ensure My Sauce Turns Out Thick and Chunky?
The trick to getting your cranberry sauce thick and chunky is all in the cooking time. As the cranberries cook, they burst and release pectin, which helps thicken the sauce. Here’s how to achieve that perfect consistency:
- Start by boiling the mixture, which brings out the juices from the cranberries and pineapple.
- Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and stir occasionally. You want to let the cranberries burst naturally, which usually takes about 10-15 minutes.
- Keep an eye on it! If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it a little longer.
- After you remove it from heat, allow the sauce to cool. It will thicken further as it sits, so don’t panic if it seems a bit runny at first.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have a deliciously thick sauce that pairs perfectly with your meals!
Pineapple Cranberry Orange Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sauce:
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 1 cup crushed pineapple (with juice)
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/8 tsp ground cloves (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Pineapple Cranberry Orange Sauce takes about 10 minutes to prepare and another 20 minutes for cooking and thickening. So, you’ll have delicious sauce ready in about 30 minutes total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Rinse and Drain the Cranberries:
Start by rinsing the fresh cranberries thoroughly under cold water. Make sure to drain them well to remove excess water, as you want to prevent your sauce from being too watery.
2. Combine Ingredients in a Saucepan:
In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed cranberries, crushed pineapple (with its juice), fresh orange juice, and sugar. Stir everything together to ensure the sugar is evenly distributed among the ingredients.
3. Bring to a Boil:
Turn on the heat to medium and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, you’ll hear the cranberries pop as they start to cook!
4. Simmer for Thicker Sauce:
Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and stir occasionally. Let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes. During this time, you’ll notice the cranberries bursting and the mixture starting to thicken.
5. Add Zest and Optional Spices:
After the cranberries have burst and the sauce is coming together, add the orange zest. If you’re using ground cinnamon or cloves, sprinkle those in now and stir to combine everything.
6. Simmer a Bit Longer:
Allow the sauce to continue simmering for another 5 minutes. This extra cooking time will help achieve that perfect thick, chunky consistency.
7. Cool Down:
Remove the saucepan from heat and let the sauce cool. It will thicken even more as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems a bit loose at first!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer the cooled sauce to a serving dish. If you’d like, garnish with fresh orange segments or a few pineapple chunks for a pop of color! Now it’s ready to complement your favorite dishes. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries! Just add them directly to the saucepan without thawing them first. They’ll cook down nicely and provide that same delicious tartness.
How Sweet Can I Make This Sauce?
You can definitely adjust the sweetness! Start with the recommended 3/4 cup of sugar and taste as you go. If you prefer it sweeter, gradually add more sugar, stirring well after each addition until it reaches your desired sweetness.
Can I Store Leftovers, and How Long Will They Last?
Absolutely! Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for up to a week. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to allow it to cool completely before freezing.
How Can I Use This Sauce Beyond the Holidays?
This sauce is versatile! Use it as a topping for yogurt, pancakes, or ice cream. It also works great as a sandwich spread or a glaze for meats like chicken or pork!