Go Back
- 12 oz fresh cranberries - 1 cup pomegranate juice - 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste) - 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds - Zest of 1 orange - Juice of 1 orange - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger - 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - Pinch of salt The fresh cranberries form the base of this sauce. They bring a tart taste that blends perfectly with sweet elements. Pomegranate juice adds depth and a lovely color. The sugar helps balance the tartness, but adjust it to your liking. Fresh pomegranate seeds give a nice crunch. The zest and juice of an orange brighten the flavors. Ground spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg add warmth for that festive touch. Lastly, a pinch of salt enhances all these flavors. For sugar, you can use honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener. These options can bring their own unique flavors. Choose organic cranberries if possible. They often taste better and are free from harmful chemicals. Conventional cranberries can work, but organic is a better choice for health and taste. This sauce has about 80 calories per serving. It packs a punch with vitamin C, thanks to the cranberries and orange. You also get antioxidants from the pomegranate juice. These nutrients help support health, especially during the holiday season. Enjoy your sauce, knowing it adds flavor and nutrition to your plate! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Start by rinsing 12 ounces of fresh cranberries under cold water. Remove any stems or bad berries. This step ensures you use only the best cranberries. 2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed cranberries, 1 cup of pomegranate juice, and 1/2 cup of sugar. Adjust the sugar to suit your taste. Add the zest and juice of 1 orange, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg. Don’t forget the tablespoon of lemon juice and a pinch of salt. Mixing these ingredients creates a vibrant flavor base. 3. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. 4. Watch closely as the cranberries begin to burst. This usually takes about 5 to 10 minutes. Once they burst, reduce the heat to low. Let the sauce simmer for another 10 to 15 minutes. This helps the sauce thicken and melds the flavors together. 5. Stir in 1/2 cup of pomegranate seeds, saving a few for later. This adds a nice crunch and burst of flavor. 6. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the sauce cool slightly. It will thicken more as it cools. Transfer it to a serving bowl. 7. If you’re not serving right away, refrigerate the sauce. You can make it one or two days ahead. It tastes even better after a day in the fridge! Use a festive bowl for serving. Garnish with the reserved pomegranate seeds and a sprig of fresh mint for a lovely holiday touch. How to balance sweetness and tartness To get the right mix of sweet and tart, use less sugar if you like tartness. I often start with half a cup of sugar. Taste the sauce as it cooks. If it’s too tart, add more sugar little by little. The orange juice also helps balance flavors. Additional spices to consider Adding spices can bring new flavors to your sauce. Try a pinch of allspice or cloves for warmth. You can also add a bit more ginger for a spicy kick. Experiment with these to find your favorite mix. Avoiding common pitfalls in sauce preparation Stay close to your pot while it simmers. Cranberries burst quickly, and you don’t want your sauce to stick to the bottom. Stir often to keep things moving. Keep an eye on the heat. Ideal simmering temperatures Simmer your sauce over medium heat. This helps the cranberries burst evenly. Once they start to pop, lower the heat to keep a gentle simmer. This will help the sauce thicken without burning. Festive serving suggestions Serve your sauce in a bright, festive bowl. A clear glass bowl shows off the color and texture. You can also serve it in small jars for a cute touch. Garnishing options to impress To make your sauce pop, add reserved pomegranate seeds on top. A sprig of fresh mint adds color and aroma. These small touches make your dish look special and inviting. Pro Tips Adjust the Sweetness: Taste the sauce as it cooks and adjust the sugar to your preference. Some may prefer a tangier sauce, while others may like it sweeter. Fresh Ingredients Matter: Using fresh cranberries and pure pomegranate juice will enhance the flavor and quality of your sauce significantly. Thickening Tips: If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer. You can also mash some of the cranberries to help thicken the mixture. Storage Suggestions: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can also be frozen for later use, making it a convenient make-ahead option for holiday meals. {{image_2}} If you want to switch things up, you can replace pomegranate juice. Try using cranberry juice or apple juice. Both options work well and add a nice flavor. You can also add other fruits like diced apples or pears. These fruits bring a fresh taste and texture to the sauce. For a vegan version, simply use plant-based sugar. Most sugars are vegan, but some may not be. This sauce is naturally gluten-free, so no need to worry there. If you need a sugar-free option, consider using a sugar substitute. Stevia or erythritol can be great choices. You can include other seasonal fruits like oranges, figs, or even berries. These fruits add fun flavors and colors. Spices can also change the taste. Try adding cloves or allspice for a winter twist. Experiment with your favorite holiday spices to make it your own! To store leftovers, pour the sauce into an airtight container. Seal it well to keep out air. Refrigerate the sauce for up to one week. If you want to save it for longer, you can freeze it. For long-term storage, use freezer-safe bags or containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. The sauce can last for about three months in the freezer. When you store the sauce in the fridge, it lasts for about a week. If you notice any off smells or mold, discard it. The color may change over time, but that does not always mean it is bad. Always check for any signs of spoilage before using it. To reheat the sauce, you can use a saucepan on low heat. Stir it often to avoid burning. You can also microwave it in short bursts. Warm it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Serving the sauce warm adds a rich flavor. However, it is also delicious cold, so feel free to serve it however you like. You can make cranberry pomegranate sauce one or two days before your meal. Just follow the recipe and let the sauce cool. After that, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will thicken as it cools, making it perfect for serving later. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Just make sure to let it thaw in the fridge before serving. Yes, frozen cranberries work well for this sauce. They can save time and still taste great. Just rinse them under cold water before using. You may need to adjust the cooking time since frozen cranberries might take a bit longer to cook down. The flavor will still be bright and festive, just like fresh ones. Cranberry pomegranate sauce pairs well with many holiday dishes. Here are some ideas: - Roast turkey or chicken - Ham - Stuffing - Mashed potatoes - Cheese platters This sauce adds a sweet and tart kick that enhances the flavors of your meal. To adjust the sweetness, taste the sauce while it's cooking. If it's too tart, add a little more sugar. Start with a tablespoon and mix well. You can also use honey or maple syrup for a different flavor. If it's too sweet, add a splash of lemon juice to balance it out. Always aim for a nice balance between sweet and tart. The cranberry pomegranate sauce is easy to make with fresh ingredients. You can adjust the sweetness and add your favorite spices for more flavor. Use leftovers creatively or serve it with seasonal dishes. Remember to store it well to keep it fresh. This sauce is perfect for festive meals or everyday enjoyment. Explore variations to fit your dietary needs and impress your guests. Enjoy this rich, tasty sauce and make it your own!

Cranberry Pomegranate Holiday Sauce

A festive sauce combining the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of pomegranate, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Condiment
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 80 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz fresh cranberries
  • 1 cup pomegranate juice
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
  • 1 zest orange
  • 1 juice orange
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 pinch salt

Instructions
 

  • Rinse the fresh cranberries under cold water and remove any stems or blemished berries.
  • In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, pomegranate juice, sugar, orange zest, orange juice, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.
  • Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
  • Once the cranberries start to burst (about 5-10 minutes), reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  • Stir in the pomegranate seeds, reserving a few for garnish, and remove from heat.
  • Allow the sauce to cool slightly before transferring it to a serving bowl. It will thicken more as it cools.
  • Refrigerate if not serving immediately. It can be made a day or two in advance.

Notes

Serve in a festive bowl, garnished with reserved pomegranate seeds and a sprig of fresh mint.
Keyword cranberry, holiday, pomegranate, sauce