This Cranberry Pineapple Sauce is a fresh and fruity twist on a classic dish! With tangy cranberries and sweet pineapple, it adds a burst of flavor to your meals.
You can serve it with turkey, ham, or even just on toast. I love how it brightens up my holiday table, and it’s super easy to make. You won’t believe how quick it comes together!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh or frozen cranberries are essential for a tangy base. If you can’t find cranberries, try using dried cranberries, but remember to adjust the water to compensate for their sweetness.
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple adds a bright flavor, but canned pineapple chunks work too. Just make sure to drain them well. For a lower-sugar option, you can use unsweetened canned pineapple.
Sugar: Use granulated sugar for sweetness, but feel free to swap in honey or maple syrup for a natural touch. Just adjust the amount to taste!
Orange and Lemon Juice: Fresh juice enhances the flavor. If you’re out of oranges, you might use an extra bit of lemon juice or even lemon zest for brightness.
How Can I Make My Sauce Perfectly Thick?
The key to achieving a great consistency is monitoring the simmering time. When the mixture starts bubbling, switch to low heat and let it simmer gently. Keep stirring occasionally to help the cranberries burst, which thickens the sauce naturally.
- After 10-12 minutes on low, see how it looks. If it’s too runny, continue simmering a little longer while stirring often.
- Take it off the heat and let it cool. It will thicken even more as it cools!
- For a smoother texture, consider blending it a bit, but keep some chunks for that delightful bite.
How to Make Cranberry Pineapple Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sauce:
- 12 oz (about 3 cups) fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, finely chopped (or canned pineapple chunks drained)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tbsp fresh orange juice
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
For Garnish:
- 1 small sprig of fresh rosemary (for garnish and subtle flavor, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful sauce takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s super quick! You’ll want to let it cool slightly before serving, so allow for an additional few minutes after cooking for it to thicken up and develop its flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cranberries:
Start by rinsing the cranberries under cold water and draining them well. This cleans them and removes any impurities.
2. Combine Ingredients:
In a medium saucepan, mix the cranberries, chopped pineapple, sugar, water, orange juice, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if you’re using it). Stir it all together so everything is well combined!
3. Cook the Mixture:
Turn the heat to medium and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Make sure to stir occasionally to help dissolve the sugar. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low.
4. Simmer the Sauce:
Let the sauce simmer for about 10-12 minutes. During this time, the cranberries will burst, and the sauce will begin to thicken. Give it a stir now and then to prevent sticking.
5. Adjust the Consistency:
Continue cooking until the sauce reaches your desired thickness. Remember that it will thicken a bit more as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems a little runny at first!
6. Blend If Desired:
Once cooked, remove the saucepan from heat. If you like a smoother sauce, you can stir it vigorously or use a hand blender to blend it a little. It’s okay to leave some chunks for texture!
7. Transfer and Garnish:
Carefully transfer the sauce to a serving dish. If you want to get fancy, garnish with a small sprig of fresh rosemary for a lovely touch and aroma.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your vibrant and flavorful cranberry pineapple sauce chilled or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with turkey, ham, or even on your morning toast!
Enjoy making and sharing this delightful sauce with family and friends!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work perfectly in this sauce. Just use them directly from the freezer; there’s no need to thaw them first.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness?
If you prefer a less sweet sauce, start with 1/2 cup of sugar and taste as it cooks. You can always add more sugar if you want it sweeter. Remember that the tartness of the cranberries can balance the sweetness!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cranberry pineapple sauce in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last up to one week. Just give it a good stir before serving it again, and it may be ready to enjoy cold or gently warmed!
Can I Make This Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare this sauce a day or two in advance! Just let it cool completely, store it in the fridge, and it’ll be ready to serve when you need it. The flavors may deepen overnight, which is a nice bonus!
