Orange-Ginger-Spice Cranberry Sauce will make you wonder why you ever ate store-bought. A fantastic condiment for Thanksgiving turkey and more! It's easy to make a few days in advance and keep in the refrigerator until your big event. 
(Updated post)
I've probably hated cranberry sauce for â…” of my life.
This is likely because every Thanksgiving, my mom would pull out a cut crystal serving dish, pop open a can of jellied cranberry sauce, and unceremoniously dump it on top.
The SLURP-PLOP! sound it made was nauseating.
Then, she'd set it on the table with its own fancy serving knife so that everyone could cut slices off the can-shaped blob.
Gah! HEINOUS.
Ginger, 5-spice, and orange are perfect in cranberry sauce.
Since I'm a food blogger living in Wisconsin—the cranberry capital of the world—it would be a crime indeed if I served a can-shaped blob at my Thanksgiving table.
But people in my family DO like cranberry sauce, so...
Cranberry sauce in the making. No more can-shaped blobs!
A few years ago, I started playing with various cranberry sauce recipes and came up with this flavor combo.
Ginger and spice are the perfect foil to the tartness of the cranberries and orange.
The sauce has been a hit ever since.
This recipe makes a thick, jelly-like cranberry sauce.
Most of the berries are completely broken down.
But, I like to save some to add near the end of the cooking time so that they retain some of their shape and texture.
This also makes for a very pretty sauce, IMO. If you like yours smooth, buzz it with an immersion blender.
To serve, I put all of my Orange-Ginger-Spice Cranberry Sauce in a large serving bowl (preferably either clear, white, or in a contrasting color).
I've also put individual servings in small ramekins. The latter is a really fun way to serve, but keep in mind that there's a bit more work and a few more dishes involved.
Work-ahead
I always make my Orange-Ginger Spice Cranberry Sauce as much as three days ahead. It keeps very well in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Are you a fan of work-ahead strategies for making a stress-free holiday dinner? Be sure to check out my Work-Ahead Thanksgiving Dinner Meal Plan (which, of course, applies to ANY holiday dinner!)!
Amazingly, I do enjoy cranberry sauce now—at least the homemade species. I can imagine pairing Orange-Ginger-Spice Cranberry Sauce with duck or lamb in addition to turkey.
Leftover Orange-Ginger-Spice Cranberry Sauce is, of course, great with leftover meat.
I've discovered that it's also delicious over plain Greek yogurt (I sometimes drizzle just a bit of organic maple syrup over the top) or atop oatmeal with a sprinkling of cocoa powder.
Stay tuned for more classic Thanksgiving recipes as we countdown to Turkey day here in the US!
Orange-Ginger-Spice Cranberry Sauce
Homemade cranberry sauce is incredibly easy and can be made in advance. No more can-shaped blobs!
Ingredients
- 2 tsp. mild-tasting vegetable oil
- 2 shallots, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries, 1 cup reserved
- 1 orange, zested (with a rasp) and juiced
- 1 tsp. Chinese 5-spice powder
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp. cornstarch
- 1 tbsp. cold water
Instructions
- Warm the oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the shallot and cook until soft, stirring frequently, ~5 minutes. Add the ginger and sauté for an additional minute.
- Mix in all but the reserved cranberries, along with the orange zest and juice, sugar, 5-spice powder, and ¼ cup water. Stir to dissolve sugar.
- Mix the cornstarch and water. When the mixture reaches a boil, stir in the cornstarch mixture.
- Reduce heat to low. Simmer until sauce thickens and berries have popped, 10 – 12 minutes. Stir in the reserved cup of berries. Cook an additional 2 minutes, or until the newly added berries are just starting to pop. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature or chill in the refrigerator before serving.
Notes
We prefer to keep some of the cranberries to be added near the end of the cook time so that they retain their shape and texture. If you prefer a more uniform consistency, add all of the cranberries at once.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1 gramsAmount Per Serving: Unsaturated Fat: 0g
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Beth says
I love homemade cranberry sauce! I never serve the canned stuff, either! I love this flavor combination! I'm going to try it this year!
Michelle says
Thank you, Beth! I hope you love it!
Laura says
Great recipe Michelle, and even if we do not celebrate Thanksgiving the supermarket sells fresh cranberries around this time of the year. I will make it for Christmas.
Michelle says
Thank you, Laura! I hope you enjoy it. 🙂
Eb Gargano | Easy Peasy Foodie says
Oh I am so with you - I hate the ready made cranberry sauce, but love real deal! And your recipe just looks awesome - love the addition of ginger and orange - really wish I could reach into my computer screen with a spoon right now (yep, I have been know to just sit there and eat cranberry sauce all by itself!!) Eb x
Michelle says
Thanks so much, Eb! I ate it on oatmeal yesterday, but I think I'll just try eating it straight. Great idea!
Jo Allison / Jo's Kitchen Larder says
I do love cranberry sauce and started making my own couple of years ago and have been enjoying it even more since then. Love the addition of ginger in your recipe! Sounds really delicious and looks fantastic too! #CookBlogShare
Michelle says
Thank you, Jo! I do love the ginger in the recipe. Thanks for stopping by!
Corina Blum says
This sounds delicious and very festive! The ginger, orange and 5 spice must go so well together with the cranberries.
Michelle says
Thank you, Corina! Festive is a great way to describe it!
Monika Dabrowski says
I absolutely love cranberry anything, especially the sauce, and I really like the addition of the 5 spice powder in this recipe! Thank you for bringing your lovely recipe to #CookBlogShare:)
Michelle says
Thank you so much, Monika! Although I used to hate them, I love cranberries now! I hope you enjoy this version. 😉
Edyta at Innocent Delight says
I agree with homemade cranberry sauce. I made mine with oranges as well but I never tried adding ginger. It sounds like such a great idea. I will try it this time 🙂
Michelle says
Thank you, Edyta! I hope you enjoy it!
Andrea Nine says
My mom loves cranberry sauce and I adore the addition of the Ginger!
Michelle says
I really hope your mom likes this version! Thank you!
Ellen says
Such a great idea to add ginger. Perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Michelle says
Thank you, Ellen! Have a wonderful holiday season!
Lisa | Garlic & Zest says
I hear you about that "slurp, pop" Gross. My grandparents did that, but they weren't from here and just did what was "customary" to regular Americans. I always appreciate a homemade cranberry sauce on the table. Tops!
Michelle says
Haha, thanks, Lisa! I think that a lot of Americans use the can-blob, but they know not what they do!
Patty @ Spoonabilities says
I just love home-made cranberry sauce. I'll try your recipe this year for sure! It looks wonderful.
Michelle says
Thank you, Patty! I hope you love it!
Felesha Bell says
Loving the addition of ginger!!
Michelle says
Thanks Felesha!