This cranberry pineapple sauce is a sweet and tangy treat that’s perfect for any meal! It’s made with fresh cranberries and delicious pineapple juice, bringing a cheerful burst of flavor.
It’s so easy to make, you’ll wonder why you ever bought store-bought! I love serving it with turkey or ham, but honestly, it can brighten up any dish. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are essential for this sauce as they provide the tangy flavor. If you can’t find fresh ones, use frozen cranberries without added sugar. Just remember to thaw them before using!
Crushed Pineapple: Using crushed pineapple adds sweetness and helps balance the tartness of the cranberries. If you prefer, you can substitute with fresh pineapple, just chop it finely. Pineapple chunks work, too, but the texture will differ.
Sugar: The sugar level can be adjusted based on your taste. If you’re looking to cut down on sugar, consider using honey or agave syrup, or swap it with a sugar substitute like stevia.
Orange Zest: This adds a lovely brightness, but if you don’t have oranges, lemon zest is a good alternative. It will give a similar citrus note to the sauce.
How Do I Get the Perfect Texture in My Cranberry Sauce?
Getting the right texture is important. Start with washing the cranberries thoroughly; this cleans off any dirt or impurities. Then, when cooking, make sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Boil the mixture for about 10-15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cranberries burst, releasing their juices, and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Test for consistency. If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can use a potato masher or puree it briefly with an immersion blender.
- Let it cool; it thickens more as it sits, so don’t worry if it seems a bit runny when hot.
Homemade Cranberry Pineapple Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (340 g) fresh cranberries
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, with juice
- 3/4 to 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tsp grated orange zest (optional, for brightness)
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- Fresh rosemary sprig for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious cranberry pineapple sauce will take about 5 minutes to prep and around 20 minutes to cook. After that, let it cool to room temperature—total time is roughly 30-40 minutes before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cranberries:
Start by rinsing the fresh cranberries under cold water. As you rinse, pick through them and remove any that look shriveled or spoiled. This ensures your sauce is fresh and tasty!
2. Combine Ingredients:
In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed cranberries, crushed pineapple with juice, granulated sugar, and water. Stir everything together to ensure the sugar is evenly distributed.
3. Cook the Sauce:
Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low. This is where the magic happens! Let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll know it’s ready when the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Add Extra Flavors:
If you’re using it, now’s the time to stir in the orange zest and ground cinnamon for an extra layer of flavor. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
5. Cool Down:
Once your sauce has thickened to your liking, remove it from the heat. Allow it to cool to room temperature. Remember, it will thicken even more as it cools!
6. Serve It Up:
Transfer the cooled cranberry pineapple sauce to a serving bowl. For a garnish, you can place a fresh sprig of rosemary on top and sprinkle some diced pineapple pieces for extra flair if you like.
7. Enjoy!
Serve your vibrant, flavorful cranberry pineapple sauce chilled or at room temperature. It makes a fantastic addition to turkey, ham, or roasted vegetables. Dig in and enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries for This Recipe?
Yes, you can definitely use frozen cranberries! Just make sure to thaw them before using, and there’s no need to rinse them like you would fresh cranberries. Keep in mind that the sauce might take a little longer to thicken since frozen berries contain more moisture.
How Should I Store Leftover Cranberry Pineapple Sauce?
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before using it again!
Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Sauce?
Absolutely! You can adjust the sugar according to your taste preferences. Start with 3/4 cup of sugar, and add more if you find it too tart. If you want a healthier option, consider using honey or agave syrup as a substitute.
What Other Fruits Can I Add to This Sauce?
Feel free to get creative! You can add diced apples, pears, or even raisins for added sweetness and texture. Just keep the proportions similar so the base mixture remains balanced.