Elevate your meals with a burst of bold, tangy flavor in this Cranberry Balsamic Sauce.
This vibrant recipe blends tart cranberries with the rich depth of aged balsamic vinegar, creating a perfect balance of sweet and savory.
Whether you’re dressing up a holiday turkey, glazing roasted vegetables, or adding flair to sandwiches, this sauce brings gourmet flair to any dish.
Simple to prepare and irresistibly delicious, it’s a modern twist on a classic favorite that’s sure to impress.
How To Make Cranberry Balsamic Sauce?
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Course: Sauce
Cuisine: American
Yield: Approximately 2 cups
Equipment Needed
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Zester or fine grater
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Serving bowl
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a subtle kick)
- Pinch of salt
- Zest of 1 orange (optional, for brightness)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Simmer the Base
Combine cranberries, balsamic vinegar, and brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
2. Add Spice
Stir in the ground cinnamon, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and orange zest. Mix well to combine the flavors.
3. Simmer the Sauce
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
4. Blend (Optional)
For a smoother consistency, use an immersion blender directly in the saucepan or transfer the mixture to a blender. Blend until you reach your desired texture.
5. Serve
Spoon into a serving bowl and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley. Serve warm or chilled.
Nutritious Facts Of Cranberry Balsamic Sauce
- Calories: 70 kcal
- Sodium: 10 mg
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Sugars: 14 g
- Fiber: 2 g
Serving Suggestions
✤ Meat Pairings: Drizzle over roasted turkey, grilled chicken, or pork tenderloin for a sweet and tangy accent.
✤ Cheese Boards: Serve alongside a selection of cheeses, such as brie or goat cheese, with crackers or crusty bread.
✤ Sandwiches: Spread on sandwiches or wraps for an extra layer of flavor.
✤ Vegetarian Dishes: Use as a topping for roasted vegetables or grain bowls to add complexity.
Tips & Variations
❖ Use Fresh or Frozen Cranberries: Fresh cranberries provide the best texture, but frozen cranberries work just as well. No need to thaw before using.
❖ Balance Sweetness and Acidity: Balsamic vinegar adds tang and depth. If your sauce tastes too sharp, add a touch more sweetener (like honey or brown sugar).
❖ Simmer: Let the cranberries burst and the sauce reduce over low to medium heat. This develops flavor and gives it a syrupy consistency.
❖ Texture Control: For a smoother sauce, mash the cranberries or blend after cooking. For a chunkier texture, leave some berries whole or barely burst.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cranberry Balsamic Sauce?
A tangy and slightly sweet sauce made from cranberries and balsamic vinegar.
Can I use dried cranberries?
Fresh or frozen cranberries work best, but dried cranberries can be used if rehydrated.
Is it served hot or cold?
It can be served either, depending on preference.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, it stores well in the fridge for up to a week.
Can I freeze it?
Yes, freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Is it vegan?
Yes, if made without honey.
Conclusion
Cranberry Balsamic Sauce is a simple yet sophisticated way to add bold flavor to any meal.
Its tangy-sweet profile complements a variety of dishes, making it a versatile staple for both everyday dinners and festive feasts. Once you try it, you’ll find endless reasons to make it again.
Cranberry Balsamic Sauce
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Zester or fine grater
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Serving bowl
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/3 cup brown sugar adjust to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional for a subtle kick
- Pinch of salt
- Zest of 1 orange optional, for brightness
- Fresh cilantro or parsley chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Combine cranberries, balsamic vinegar, and brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Stir in the ground cinnamon, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and orange zest. Mix well to combine the flavors.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- For a smoother consistency, use an immersion blender directly in the saucepan or transfer the mixture to a blender. Blend until you reach your desired texture.
- Spoon into a serving bowl and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley. Serve warm or chilled.
Welcome to Arora’s Sauce Recipe, where every drop tells a story of tradition, innovation, and a boundless love for culinary arts. My name is Brazen, and I am the founder and chief sauce creator at Arora’s Kitchen. Born into a family with a rich heritage of culinary arts, I grew up surrounded by the aromas of spices and the sounds of simmering pots, which ignited my passion for cooking from a young age.
Inspired by generations of culinary expertise, I embarked on a professional quest to capture these fleeting aromas and flavors in bottles of sauce that could bring a gourmet experience to every meal.
As the founder of Arora’s Sauce Recipe, my mission is to inspire your culinary adventures with the finest sauces. Whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook, our sauces are crafted to elevate your cooking with every spoonful.
Thank you for choosing Arora’s Sauce Recipe. Here’s to a journey filled with flavor, passion, and unforgettable meals.