Homemade Cranberry Mustard Sauce is a delightful blend of tangy cranberries and zesty mustard, creating a balance of sweet, tart, and slightly spicy flavors.
With its vibrant color and bold taste, this sauce stands out as a festive and flavorful creation.
The combination of natural fruitiness and mustard’s sharpness makes it a truly unique condiment, perfect for those who enjoy sauces with depth and character.
How To Make Homemade Cranberry Mustard Sauce?
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Course: Sauce
Cuisine: American
Yield: About 1 cup (8 tbsp)
Equipment Needed
- A small saucepan
- Citrus juicer or small bowl for measuring liquids
- Spoon or whisk for stirring
- Optional: immersion blender or food processor (if you want it smooth)
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- ½ cup orange juice (or water, if you want a less sweet sauce)
- ⅓ cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard (optional—for texture)
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Simmer the Base
In a saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, and honey. Cook over medium heat until the cranberries burst and soften.
2. Blend in Flavor
Stir in Dijon mustard, whole-grain mustard, and ground ginger. Let the sauce thicken slightly as it simmers.
3. Season and Smooth
Add salt and pepper to taste. For a smoother texture, mash lightly or blend; for a rustic finish, leave it chunky.
4. Cool and Serve
Allow the sauce to cool to room temperature before serving. It pairs beautifully with roasted meats, sandwiches, or cheese boards.
Nutrition Facts Of Homemade Cranberry Mustard Sauce
(Per 2-tablespoon serving)
- Calories: 28 kcal
- Carbs: 7 g
- Fat: 0.1 g
- Protein: 0.1 g
- Sugar: 7 g
What Goes Best With Homemade Cranberry Mustard Sauce?
★ Roasted Meats: This sauce pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, chicken, pork, or ham, balancing savory flavors with tangy sweetness.
★ Sandwiches & Wraps: Use it as a flavorful spread on turkey or ham sandwiches, sliders, and wraps for a gourmet touch.
★ Dip for Appetizers: Serve it as a dipping sauce for chicken tenders, meatballs, or even crispy spring rolls.
★ Grilled Dishes: Brush it over grilled salmon, chicken, or pork chops during the last few minutes of cooking for a glossy, flavorful glaze.
Tips & Variations
✔ Different Mustards: Experiment with spicy brown mustard, horseradish mustard, or honey mustard to create unique flavor profiles.
✔ Add a Citrus Twist: Swap orange juice with lemon or lime juice for a sharper citrus punch. You can even add orange zest for an extra burst of fragrance.
✔ Make It Spicy: Stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce for a bold, spicy kick.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes! Frozen cranberries work just as well and don’t need to be thawed before cooking.
How long does this sauce last?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it typically lasts 7–10 days.
Can I freeze this sauce?
Yes. Freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Can I prepare this sauce in advance?
Yes, in fact, it tastes even better after a day or two, as the flavors have a chance to meld together.
What type of mustard works best?
Dijon gives smooth sharpness, while whole-grain adds texture. Some even mix both for balance.
Can I serve it warm or at room temperature?
Both work! Warm for glazing meats, chilled for dipping or spreading on sandwiches.
Conclusion
Homemade Cranberry Mustard Sauce captures the perfect harmony of tartness and spice, offering a bold yet balanced flavor profile.
Its rich color and layered taste make it a memorable addition to any recipe collection, celebrating both creativity and tradition in every spoonful.
Homemade Cranberry Mustard Sauce
Equipment
- A small saucepan
- Citrus juicer or small bowl for measuring liquids
- Spoon or whisk for stirring
- Optional: immersion blender or food processor (if you want it smooth)
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- ½ cup orange juice or water, if you want a less sweet sauce
- ⅓ cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard optional—for texture
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, and honey. Cook over medium heat until the cranberries burst and soften.
- Stir in Dijon mustard, whole-grain mustard, and ground ginger. Let the sauce thicken slightly as it simmers.
- Add salt and pepper to taste. For a smoother texture, mash lightly or blend; for a rustic finish, leave it chunky.
- Allow the sauce to cool to room temperature before serving. It pairs beautifully with roasted meats, sandwiches, or cheese boards.
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.