Jamie Oliver’s Cranberry Sauce Recipe

If you’re looking to elevate your festive meals with a twist on the classic, Jamie Oliver’s Cranberry Sauce combines the tangy sweetness of fresh cranberries with a subtle depth of flavor from a few secret ingredients-making it the perfect accompaniment to turkey, stuffing, and all your holiday favorites.

What Is Jamie Oliver’s Cranberry Sauce

Jamie Oliver’s Cranberry Sauce is a modern, flavorful take on the traditional cranberry sauce. Known for its balanced mix of sweet, tart, and savory flavors, this recipe incorporates fresh cranberries, citrus, and a dash of spices, such as cinnamon and star anise, to create a vibrant and aromatic sauce. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, with just the right amount of zest to complement your holiday meal.

Jamie Oliver’s Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Ingredients Needed

To prepare Jamie Oliver’s Cranberry Sauce, you will need the following ingredients:

1. Fresh cranberries – The star of the dish, these berries offer the perfect tartness that defines cranberry sauce.
2. Orange zest and juice – Adds a fresh citrus note that cuts through the sweetness and tartness.
3. Sugar – Typically white sugar, which helps balance out the acidity and brings a smooth sweetness to the sauce.
4. Cinnamon stick – A hint of warm spice to give depth to the sauce.
5. Star anise – A fragrant spice that adds a unique aromatic flavor.
6. Apple cider vinegar – A touch of acidity that enhances the overall tanginess and helps to balance out the sweetness.
7. Water – To help cook down the cranberries and form a smooth sauce.
8. Pinch of salt – To enhance the flavors and balance out the sweetness.

Equipment Needed

You will need the following equipment to make Jamie Oliver’s Cranberry Sauce:

1. Medium-sized saucepan – Ideal for simmering the cranberries and other ingredients.
2. Wooden spoon – For stirring the mixture as it cooks and prevents burning.
3. Grater or zester – To zest the orange for a fragrant and flavorful addition.
4. Measuring spoons and cups – To ensure precise amounts of sugar, vinegar, and spices.
5. Strainer (optional) – In case you wish to remove the whole spices (like the cinnamon stick or star anise) before serving.
6. Knife – For cutting the orange in half and juicing it.

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Cranberry Sauce?

Making this cranberry sauce is quite simple and can be done in just a few easy steps:

1. Prepare the ingredients: Start by zesting the orange and then juice it. Set both the zest and juice aside. Rinse the fresh cranberries and make sure they are all intact. If any are squishy or bruised, discard them.
2. Simmer the cranberries: In a medium-sized saucepan, add the cranberries, orange juice, and water. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Add sugar and spices: Once the cranberries start to burst (after about 5 minutes), add the sugar, orange zest, cinnamon stick, star anise, and apple cider vinegar. Stir everything together and continue simmering for another 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
4. Taste and adjust: Taste the sauce and add more sugar or vinegar if necessary, depending on whether you want a sweeter or tangier sauce.
5. Strain (optional): If you prefer a smooth sauce, you can strain it to remove the whole spices, or leave them in for extra flavor.
6. Cool and serve: Once your cranberry sauce is done, let it cool before serving. It can be served at room temperature or chilled, depending on your preference.

Expert Tips

1. Make it ahead: Cranberry sauce can be made up to a week ahead of time, which is especially helpful during the busy holiday season. It actually tastes better after the flavors have had a chance to meld.
2. Adjust the sweetness: If you like your cranberry sauce on the sweeter side, feel free to increase the sugar. For a more tart sauce, reduce the sugar and add a touch more apple cider vinegar.
3. Add more flavors: Try incorporating other spices, such as cloves or a small pinch of nutmeg, for an additional layer of warmth and complexity. You can also experiment with adding a splash of brandy or port for an adult twist.
4. Use a food processor: If you prefer a smoother texture, use a food processor to blend the sauce once it’s done cooking. This will give you a perfectly creamy finish.
5. Serve with cheese: Pair the cranberry sauce with sharp cheeses like cheddar or blue cheese. The contrast in flavors is fantastic and will elevate your cheese board.

Jamie Oliver’s Cranberry Sauce is a showstopper for your festive spreads, bringing a delightful balance of sweetness, tanginess, and aromatic spice. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s an easy recipe to make and will complement your turkey and holiday meals beautifully. Whether you prepare it in advance or whip it up on the day, this sauce will add that perfect finishing touch to your celebration.

Easy Recipe Variations For Jamie Oliver’s Cranberry Sauce

Jamie Oliver’s cranberry sauce is a classic, delicious accompaniment for festive meals, particularly around Thanksgiving and Christmas. But if you’re looking to add a personal twist or explore some creative variations, there are plenty of options to experiment with. Here are a few easy recipe variations to elevate your cranberry sauce to a whole new level:

1. Orange And Ginger Cranberry Sauce

   • Add a zesty and aromatic depth to your sauce by incorporating fresh orange juice and zest. The citrusy notes enhance the natural tartness of the cranberries. You can also grate some fresh ginger into the sauce for a warming, slightly spicy kick.
   • How to: As the cranberries cook, add the juice and zest of one orange along with 1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger. Adjust the sugar to taste to balance the tartness.

2. Cinnamon And Clove Cranberry Sauce

   • Infusing your cranberry sauce with the warmth of cinnamon and cloves gives it an aromatic holiday feel. These spices pair wonderfully with the bright, tart berries, creating a rich, comforting flavor.
   • How to: Add 1 or 2 cinnamon sticks and a couple of whole cloves during the simmering process. Remove the spices before serving to prevent bitterness. You can also add a touch of brown sugar for a deeper sweetness.

3. Spiced Wine Cranberry Sauce

   • For a sophisticated twist, you can cook your cranberries with a splash of red wine (a dry variety like Cabernet Sauvignon works well). The wine adds complexity, while the spices infuse warmth.
   • How to: Use half a cup of red wine in place of part of the water or juice you normally use. Add in a cinnamon stick, star anise, or even a dash of nutmeg for extra spice.

4. Balsamic And Rosemary Cranberry Sauce

   • For a savory touch, combine balsamic vinegar with fresh rosemary to add both sweetness and depth to the sauce. This variation is particularly great if you’re serving the cranberry sauce with roasted meats, like turkey or pork.
   • How to: Stir in a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar and a sprig of rosemary while simmering the cranberries. Remove the rosemary before serving. The vinegar helps balance the sauce’s sweetness and adds a savory note.

5. Maple And Bourbon Cranberry Sauce

   • A bit of maple syrup and bourbon bring a Southern twist to the classic cranberry sauce. The maple syrup offers a lovely sweetness, while the bourbon imparts a smoky warmth and complexity.
   • How to: Add 2 tablespoons of maple syrup and 1 to 2 tablespoons of bourbon as the sauce simmers. If you prefer a more pronounced bourbon flavor, you can add more to taste.

6. Chili And Lime Cranberry Sauce

   • For those who like a bit of heat and citrusy tang, try adding fresh lime juice and a chopped red chili to the mix. This variation adds a refreshing kick to balance the sweetness of the cranberries, making it a great accompaniment for grilled meats or spicy dishes.
   • How to: Stir in the juice of one lime and finely chop a small red chili. Adjust the chili to your heat preference.

Best Practices To Store Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover cranberry sauce, you’ll want to ensure it stays fresh for the days following your festive meal. Proper storage is key to maintaining its vibrant flavor and texture. Here’s how to best store your cranberry sauce:

1. Cool Before Storing

   • Allow the cranberry sauce to cool completely at room temperature before storing it in the fridge. This will prevent condensation inside the container, which can make the sauce watery and alter its texture.

2. Use Airtight Containers

   • Store the cranberry sauce in an airtight container to keep it fresh and prevent it from absorbing other odors in the fridge. Glass containers or well-sealed plastic containers work best for this.

3. Refrigeration

   • Cranberry sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. The high acidity in the cranberries helps preserve the sauce, so it stays fresh longer than many other condiments.

4. Freezing

   • If you have a large amount of leftover cranberry sauce or want to prepare in advance for a future meal, cranberry sauce can be frozen. Spoon it into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion. You can also freeze individual portions in ice cube trays for easy serving sizes later.
   • To thaw, simply place the frozen sauce in the fridge for several hours or overnight. You can also gently reheat it in a saucepan over low heat if you prefer a warm sauce.

5. Reheating

   • When reheating cranberry sauce, do so gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. If the sauce has thickened too much during storage, add a splash of water or orange juice to loosen it to your desired consistency.

What Goes Well With Cranberry Sauce?

Cranberry sauce is the perfect partner for a variety of dishes, especially during the holiday season. Here are some of the best pairings that bring out the sauce’s sweet, tart flavor:

1. Roast Turkey

   • The traditional pairing! The juicy, savory flavor of roasted turkey beautifully contrasts with the sweet-tart cranberry sauce. The sauce can also serve as a delicious accompaniment for turkey sandwiches the day after.

2. Pork Dishes

   • Cranberry sauce pairs excellently with pork, from roasted pork tenderloin to ham. The sauce’s acidity complements the richness of the meat, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish.

3. Stuffing

   • The earthy, savory flavors of stuffing and the slightly sweet, tangy cranberry sauce balance each other out perfectly. The combination of textures from the bread and the sauce creates a delightful bite.

4. Cheese Platters

   • Try serving cranberry sauce alongside soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese, or even aged cheeses like cheddar. The sauce provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy, salty cheeses.

5. Grilled Meats

   • Cranberry sauce can add a flavorful twist to grilled meats like steak, chicken, or lamb. The sauce’s acidity cuts through the richness of grilled cuts, making each bite more enjoyable.

6. Roasted Vegetables

   • If you’re serving a vegetarian or plant-based meal, cranberry sauce pairs beautifully with roasted root vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, and Brussels sprouts.

7. Scones Or Biscuits

   • For a brunch or breakfast option, serve cranberry sauce as a topping for freshly baked scones or biscuits. The sweet-tart sauce adds a burst of flavor to these buttery baked goods.

Conclusion

Jamie Oliver’s cranberry sauce is a beloved holiday staple that can easily be customized with variations to suit your tastes. Whether you prefer a hint of spice, a splash of citrus, or even a touch of bourbon, these recipe variations allow you to create a sauce that is uniquely your own.

Storing the leftovers properly ensures you can enjoy the delicious sauce long after the main meal is over. And when it comes to serving, cranberry sauce pairs beautifully with everything from roast turkey to cheese platters and roasted vegetables, making it an incredibly versatile condiment that elevates many dishes. So, embrace the creative possibilities and enjoy this festive treat in all its forms!.

FAQs

What Ingredients Are Needed For Jamie Oliver’s Cranberry Sauce?

Jamie Oliver’s cranberry sauce typically includes fresh cranberries, sugar, orange juice, zest from an orange, and a cinnamon stick. Optional ingredients may include port or red wine for richness, and spices like star anise or cloves for added warmth.

Can I Use Frozen Cranberries In Jamie Oliver’s Cranberry Sauce Recipe?

Yes, frozen cranberries work perfectly well in this recipe. Just add them directly to the pan from frozen-no need to thaw them first. Cooking time may increase slightly.

How Long Does Jamie Oliver’s Cranberry Sauce Take To Cook?

The sauce typically takes about 15-20 minutes to cook. The cranberries will pop and break down as they cook, creating a rich, thick sauce.

Can Jamie Oliver’s Cranberry Sauce Be Made Ahead Of Time?

Absolutely. This sauce can be made several days in advance.

Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. It often tastes better after a day or two as the flavors deepen.

Is It Possible To Make Jamie Oliver’s Cranberry Sauce Without Refined Sugar?

Yes, you can substitute the sugar with alternatives like maple syrup, honey, or coconut sugar. Just note that these may slightly alter the taste and texture.

What Can I Do If The Sauce Is Too Tart?

If the sauce is too tart, you can balance it by adding a little extra sugar or a splash of orange juice. Sweetness can be adjusted to taste during or after cooking.

Does Jamie Oliver Add Alcohol To His Cranberry Sauce?

In some versions of the recipe, Jamie Oliver includes a splash of port or red wine to add depth and a festive richness. This is optional and can be omitted if preferred.

Can I Freeze Jamie Oliver’s Cranberry Sauce?

Yes, cranberry sauce freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container.

It can be stored for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.

What Dishes Pair Well With Jamie Oliver’s Cranberry Sauce?

Cranberry sauce is a classic pairing for roast turkey and chicken. It also complements roast pork, brie or camembert cheese, and even leftovers like turkey sandwiches.

How Thick Should The Cranberry Sauce Be When It’s Done?

The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. It will thicken further as it cools, so remove it from heat when it reaches a slightly looser consistency than you want in the final result.