This blueberry cranberry sauce is a perfect mix of sweet and tart! With fresh blueberries and tangy cranberries, it adds a pop of color to your meals.
It’s super easy to whip up, and it tastes great on everything from turkey to toast. I like to make a big batch and enjoy it all week long—so good! 😋
Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are key for this sauce. If you can’t find them, you can use frozen ones. Just thaw them out before cooking!
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries work best, but frozen ones can also be used as a substitute. Keep in mind that they might release more juice when cooked.
Sugar: I prefer granulated sugar for its sweetness. You could substitute with honey or maple syrup, but adjust the quantity to taste since they are sweeter than sugar.
Orange Juice and Zest: Freshly squeezed orange juice gives a bright flavor. If you’re out of oranges, lemon juice can provide a similar tang, but will change the taste slightly.
Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth to the flavor profile. If you’re not a fan of spices, feel free to skip them, or add a pinch of ginger for a different twist!
How do I prevent my sauce from becoming too watery?
To achieve the perfect consistency, follow these tips to avoid a watery sauce:
- Cook the sauce until sizzling. This allows the cranberries to break down and the mixture to thicken naturally.
- Allow the sauce to cool before serving. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
- If it turns out too thin, consider simmering it a bit longer to evaporate excess water. Stir frequently.
These simple techniques will let your blueberry cranberry sauce shine without being runny! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Blueberry Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- 1 cup fresh blueberries, plus extra for garnish
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional Ingredients:
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of preparation and 15 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’ll need about 25 minutes to make this tasty blueberry cranberry sauce, plus a little time to let it cool!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Berries:
Start by rinsing the cranberries and blueberries thoroughly under cold water. Make sure to drain them well so you don’t add extra water to the sauce!
2. Combine Ingredients in a Saucepan:
In a medium saucepan, mix the cranberries, blueberries, granulated sugar, water, orange juice, and orange zest. Stir everything together to combine well.
3. Cook the Sauce:
Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir occasionally until the mixture comes to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 to 15 minutes, stirring frequently. You’ll notice the cranberries popping and the sauce beginning to thicken.
4. Add Flavors:
If you’re using them, stir in the cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt at this point. Let it cook for another 2 minutes to blend the flavors beautifully.
5. Cool the Sauce:
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the sauce cool to room temperature. It will continue to thicken as it cools, giving you a nice, rich texture!
6. Serving Your Sauce:
Once cooled, transfer the blueberry cranberry sauce to a serving bowl or jar. For a lovely touch, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh blueberries on top before serving.
7. Enjoy:
Serve your sauce slightly chilled or at room temperature. It’s perfect alongside turkey, chicken, or even as a sweet spread on bread. Enjoy this vibrant and flavorful sauce anytime!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries or Blueberries in This Recipe?
Yes! You can absolutely use frozen cranberries or blueberries. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking for the best results. No need to change the cooking time; just keep an eye on the mixture for consistency!
How Do I Sweeten the Sauce to My Liking?
If you find the sauce isn’t sweet enough for your taste, feel free to add more sugar a tablespoon at a time while it’s cooking. Remember that the sweetness can balance out once the sauce cools, so taste it at room temperature before adding more sugar!
How Long Can I Store Leftover Sauce?
Your blueberry cranberry sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. Just make sure to let it cool completely before sealing it up!
Can I Make This Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! This sauce can be made up to three days in advance. Just keep it covered in the fridge, and it will still taste delicious when you serve it!
