Print

Fresh Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce with Easy Orange Zest

fresh slow cooker cranberry sauce with orange zest - featured image
Print Recipe

This fresh slow cooker cranberry sauce with orange zest is a vibrant, effortless side dish perfect for any occasion. Made with simple ingredients, it’s a crowd-pleaser that balances tart cranberries with bright citrus and warm spices.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 2 tablespoons orange zest
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) orange juice
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) honey
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Rinse cranberries under cold water, discarding any soft or bruised berries and stems. Pat dry. If using frozen, do not thaw.
  2. Wash the orange thoroughly. Using a microplane, grate 2 tablespoons of orange zest, avoiding the white pith. Cut the orange in half and squeeze 1/2 cup of juice, straining out seeds.
  3. Add cranberries, orange zest, orange juice, granulated sugar, honey, cinnamon stick, ground ginger, and a pinch of salt to a 3-4 quart slow cooker. Stir to combine.
  4. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours or on HIGH for 2 hours. Stir halfway through.
  5. After cooking, cranberries should be soft and burst. The sauce will be liquidy but will thicken as it cools. Remove and discard the cinnamon stick.
  6. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed. For a smoother texture, use a potato masher or immersion blender to break down some berries. For chunky, leave most whole.
  7. Let the sauce cool in the slow cooker for about 30 minutes. Transfer to a serving bowl or mason jars. Garnish with fresh orange slices or a cinnamon stick if desired.

Notes

For best flavor, use organic oranges for the zest. If using frozen cranberries, do not thaw. The sauce thickens as it cools; if too thick after cooling, stir in a tablespoon of water or orange juice. Make ahead: the sauce tastes better the next day. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry sauce, slow cooker, orange zest, Thanksgiving, Christmas, easy, homemade, gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan option

Find it online: https://dinadinnertable.com/fresh-slow-cooker-cranberry-sauce-with-easy-orange-zest/