Perfect for the holidays, this Easy Mandarin Orange Cranberry Sauce Recipe brightens any holiday table. We love making variations of cranberry sauce for Thanksgiving and Christmas, and mandarin orange adds the ideal citrus note to tart cranberries. Best of all, it comes together in about 20 minutes.
If you enjoy holiday classics, try our other recipes for holiday sides and mains.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This mandarin orange cranberry sauce is versatile and pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, garlic-herb chicken, roasted vegetables, or even a leftover sandwich. It’s a bright, zesty sauce that balances tart and sweet flavors.
- Make ahead: This sauce freezes well and can be prepared in advance for stress-free holiday entertaining.
- Quick and simple: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal hands-on time.
- Zesty orange flavor: Mandarin juice and zest lift the cranberries and add fresh citrus brightness.
- Versatile: Use as a condiment, a topping for baked brie, or mixed into other dishes.
Recipe Ingredients
Below are the ingredients used in this recipe. Quantities and full details are in the recipe card further down.
Cranberries: Fresh or frozen cranberries work well. Their tartness is balanced by the orange and sugars when cooked down.
Mandarin juice and zest: Fresh mandarin orange juice and zest add acidity and citrus complexity to the sauce.
White sugar: Granulated sugar brings sweetness and helps tame the cranberries’ tartness.
Brown sugar: Adds depth and a subtle caramel note from the molasses. You can substitute with maple syrup or honey if preferred.
Ginger: A small amount of grated fresh ginger adds a warm, slightly spicy finish.
Tips and Substitutions
- Fresh or frozen cranberries: Either is fine—adjust water and sugar to taste.
- Adjust sweetness: Cranberries vary in tartness; add more sugar if needed.
- Make ahead: Store in the refrigerator up to one week or freeze for about one month.
- Flavor variations: Add aromatics like cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice for a warm spice profile.
How to Make Homemade Mandarin Orange Cranberry Sauce
Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries with white sugar, brown sugar, mandarin zest and juice, grated ginger, water, and a pinch of salt. Stir to combine.
Step 2: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer on medium-low. Cook until most cranberries have popped and the sauce has thickened, about 15 minutes. Use the back of a spoon to break any stubborn berries.
Step 3: If you prefer a thinner sauce, stir in a little more water. Taste and add more sugar if the sauce is too tart. Let cool before serving or storing.
Storing: Transfer cooled sauce to an airtight container. Refrigerate up to one week or freeze for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Serving Recommendations
This cranberry sauce complements a wide range of dishes:
- Soups: A spoonful brightens roasted squash soups or other fall starters.
- Sides: Serve alongside mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, sage biscuits, or stuffing for a classic holiday spread.
- Salads: Toss a little into green salads or roasted vegetable salads for sweet-tart contrast.
- Main dishes: Excellent with roasted chicken, turkey breast, or alternative holiday mains.
- Other ideas: Use as a topping for baked brie, mix into sauces or cocktails, or spread on sandwiches.
Homemade Mandarin Orange Cranberry Sauce FAQs
Yes. Refrigerate for up to one week or freeze for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Try cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice for warmth. Fresh ginger is a great match if you prefer a bright, slightly spicy finish.
Serve it with holiday mains and sides, as a topping for baked brie, or in sandwiches. It’s also a tasty addition to salads and sauces.
More Holiday Recipes
Fish & Seafood
Baked Dijon Mustard Salmon with Dill
Dessert
Easy Meyer Lemon Pie with Honey Graham Cracker Crust
Breakfast
Brown Butter Banana Bread with Streusel Topping
Sides
The Best Chicken Gravy Recipe (From Scratch!)
If you make this Homemade Mandarin Orange Cranberry Sauce, leave a comment and a rating — we’d love to hear your thoughts. Tag your photos on social media and enjoy sharing this bright, easy sauce with friends and family.
Easy Mandarin Orange Cranberry Sauce Recipe (in 20 Minutes)
Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 ounce cranberries, fresh or frozen
- 1/4 cup white granulated sugar, plus more as needed
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- juice and zest of 1 mandarin orange
- 1 knob of ginger, grated
- 1/2 cup water, adjust with more depending on preferred consistency
- pinch of salt
Instructions
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Combine cranberries, white sugar, brown sugar, mandarin zest and juice, grated ginger, water, and a pinch of salt in a medium saucepan. Stir to combine.
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Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer over medium-low until cranberries have popped and the sauce thickens, about 15 minutes. Break berries with the back of a spoon as needed.
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Adjust consistency with additional water for a thinner sauce, or add more sugar if the sauce tastes too tart.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen cranberries: Either works—adjust liquid and sugar to taste.
- Adjust sweetness: If the sauce is too tart, add more sugar.
- Make ahead: Keeps in the fridge up to one week or frozen for one month.
- Spice variations: Cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice pair nicely if you want a warmer flavor profile.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is approximate.
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