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.

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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.

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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)

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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 cans of cranberry sauce does Ocean Spray make? ›

70 million is the number of cans of cranberry sauce Ocean Spray produces a year.

Why is my homemade cranberry sauce not thickening? ›

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. Another possibility is that the cranberries need to boil for longer, releasing their pectin and ensuring a jelly consistency.

What are the ingredients in canned cranberry sauce? ›

Their jellied cranberry sauce is made with cranberries, high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, and water.

Why are the labels upside down on Ocean Spray Cranberry Sauce? ›

Observant consumers have noticed that the Ocean Spray labels on jellied cranberry sauce cans are flipped, meaning the rounded edge that's typically on the bottom of most canned goods is on top of Ocean Spray cranberry sauce cans. According to Ocean Spray, that's intentional: It creates a seamless serving experience.

How many people does 1 can of cranberry sauce feed? ›

One 12-ounce bag of cranberries makes about 2 1/4 cups of basic cranberry sauce—in my house, that's enough for about five people. Going the canned route? You'll need at least one can for six people.

How many ridges are on a 14 oz can of Ocean Spray jellied cranberry sauce? ›

17 — Ridges on a 14-ounce can of Ocean Spray Jellied Cranberry Sauce.

Does homemade cranberry sauce thicken as it cools? ›

The sauce will thicken as it cools. If you want a cranberry mold that holds its shape, continue to boil the mixture so that more pectin is released from the fruit, additional water evaporates, and the sauce becomes thick enough to set into a firm gel.

What to do when cranberry sauce doesn t set? ›

If you have followed these instructions, and for some reason the sauce still won't gel, add 1 envelope of unflavoured gelatin to the sauce and bring to a hard boil, stirring frequently. Reduce heat to medium-high; cook an additional 5 minutes.

Why does my homemade cranberry sauce taste bitter? ›

Dear Evelyn: I had the same problem when I first started making my own cranberry sauce. I found out that you should cook them just until they pop. Further cooking will make them bitter, and once that happens, you need to start again.

Why is cranberry sauce so expensive? ›

Costs are up

That includes cranberry sauce, whose price is up about 18% compared to last year because cranberry crops are smaller this year, sparking a supply squeeze.

How do you know if cranberry sauce has gone bad? ›

Most varieties should last a full year if the can remains dent-free, but keep an eye on that "best before" date to be safe. If you open the can and the sauce appears discolored, or the smell or taste seems off, go ahead and toss it.

Is canned cranberry sauce better than homemade? ›

While there are some editors who prefer homemade cranberry sauce, the canned variety also has quite a following. "There's something so beautifully perfect about the texture of canned cranberry sauce, and none of those homemade mess will ever compete," says Senior Digital Food Editor Kimberly Holland.

How do you spice up Ocean Spray cranberry sauce? ›

A drop or two of rosewater or orange blossom water, a pinch of dried lavender buds, a sprinkle of fresh minced mint, tarragon, or cilantro; some fresh ginger or galangal or lemongrass; use a judicious hand to bring these fresh flavors into your canned sauce.

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. *Not a low calorie food - See Nutrition Facts for sugar and calorie content.

Who owns Ocean Spray cranberry sauce? ›

Who owns Ocean Spray? Ocean Spray is owned by the 700 cranberry growers across the United States, Canada and Chile who are part of our vibrant cooperative. As farmer-owners, they are returned 100% of the profits from products made from their fruit.

How many cans of cranberry sauce is sold each year? ›

How Jellied Cranberry Sauce Is Made. Americans buy 75 million cans a year, with 85 percent sold during the Thanksgiving to Christmas season. Here's how it's made, from the farm to the factory.

How many cans of cranberry sauce are sold for Thanksgiving? ›

This process has been in use since the early 2000s. Adweek, which recently reported this important can caveat, noted that about 67 million cans are sold between Thanksgiving and Christmas. But like other Thanksgiving meal staples, canned cranberry sauce might be hard to come by.

Is it OK to drink Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice Everyday? ›

Although cranberry juice is safe to consume in moderation, drinking too much can cause side effects such as upset stomach, diarrhea, and blood sugar spikes. In the past, it was believed that cranberry juice can slow the growth of bacteria and therefore is useful in treating urinary tract infections.

How long does Ocean Spray jellied cranberry sauce last? ›

Prior to opening, cranberry sauce can be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator if you prefer it chilled. After opening, remove from the can and store tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

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