Cranberry Mustard Sauce

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This Cranberry Mustard Sauce is a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and zesty flavors. Fresh cranberries and Dijon mustard blend with a splash of orange juice and zest for a bright, citrusy twist. Whether served with roasted meats, on sandwiches or as a dip, this easy-to-make sauce adds a burst of flavor to any dish. It's a great addition to your holiday meals or everyday cooking.

Cranberry Mustard Sauce in a red saucer.

My son loves this cranberry sauce so much that he eats it with a big spoon right out of the saucepan. I feel like if I didn't stop him, he'd probably eat it like soup! So I make sure to make a large pot of it by doubling, and sometimes even tripling, the ingredients, like I do with this Sundried Tomato Dressing. You can't go wrong with making extra sauce. It's so versatile. It pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, ham, pork, or chicken. You can also use it as a flavorful spread for sandwiches, a zesty dip for appetizers, or even as a unique glaze for grilled meats and vegetables. Its bright, tangy flavor adds a special touch to a variety of dishes.

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Reasons to love this recipe
Key Ingredients
Substitutions and variations
Preparation
Top Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Serving Suggestions
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Recipe
Comments

Reasons to love this recipe

Delicious Flavor Balance: It combines the tartness of cranberries with the sharpness of mustard and the bright zing of orange, creating a well-rounded delicious flavor balance.
This sauce can be used in a variety of ways, from a condiment for meats to a spread for sandwiches.
It's a perfect addition to festive meals and gatherings.
It's quick and easy: The recipe is simple and quick to prepare, with just a few basic steps, making it accessible even for novice cooks.
Great for Meal Prep: Like this Cilantro Lime Tahini Sauce, you can make a batch in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

Key Ingredients

all ingredients of Cranberry Mustard Sauce labeled.

Cranberries: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh or frozen cranberries.
Honey: Adds sweetness to balance the tartness of the cranberries. Honey also provides a subtle floral note.
Dijon Mustard: Like in the mock hollandaise sauce in this Broccoli Microgreens Breakfast Sandwich recipe, Dijon Mustard adds a sharp, tangy flavor. It complements the sweetness of the cranberries and adds depth and a bit of heat to the sauce.
Orange Juice: Introduces a citrusy brightness and complements the cranberries with its natural sweetness. It also adds a layer of freshness to the sauce.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds acidity to balance the sweetness and enhance the overall flavor. It helps brighten the sauce and adds a slight tanginess.
Cinnamon: Like in our Maple Cinnamon Baked Apples, cinnamon adds warmth and depth of flavor, giving the sauce a subtle hint of spice that pairs well with the cranberries and mustard. Cinnamon is optional and you can omit it if you like.

*** see the recipe card at the end of this post for the full list of ingredients and quantities

Substitutions and variations

Honey (or Maple Syrup): Replace with brown sugar, agave syrup, or any other liquid sweetener. Adjust sweetness based on your preference.
Dijon Mustard: Use yellow mustard for a milder flavor or spicy brown mustard for more heat.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Use white wine vinegar, rice vinegar, or lemon juice to maintain the acidity. Balsamic vinegar will also add a richer, deeper flavor as it does to this Arugula and Spinach Salad. Or, you can also drizzle a little balsamic glaze over the sauce before serving.
Orange Juice: Use lemon juice for a more intense citrus flavor, or use pineapple juice for a tropical twist.
Add Ginger: Add 1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger for a spicy and fresh bite that pairs well with the cranberries and mustard. I like using ginger to add a little healthy spice and flavor to a dish. You should definitely try these Baked Ginger Chicken Drumsticks and this Asparagus Kale Salad if you like fresh ginger recipes.

Preparation

STEP 1: Cook the cranberries

cranberry sauce cooking in a sauce pan on the stove.

In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, water, and orange juice. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook until the cranberries burst and soften, about 5–7 minutes.

STEP 2: Sweeten with honey

honey added to pan with cranberries, water, and orange juice.

Stir in the honey, blending it into the cranberry mixture. Continue simmering for another 2 minutes.

STEP 3: Add Mustard and Seasonings

cranberry sauce cooking in a sauce pan and stirred with a wooden spoon.,

Add the Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, orange zest, cinnamon (if using), and a small pinch of salt. Mix well to combine all the flavors.

STEP 4: Simmer

sauce simmering in a saucepan on the stovetop.

Let the sauce simmer for another 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Remove from heat and let the sauce cool slightly before serving. Adjust the amount of honey or orange juice based on your preferred level of sweetness.

Top Tips

Taste the sauce before adding more sweetener. Adjust the honey or maple syrup according to your preference for sweetness and tartness.
Avoid boiling the mixture vigorously. A gentle simmer helps the cranberries cook evenly and prevents the sauce from becoming too thick or sticking to the pan.
If you prefer a smoother sauce, blend it after cooking. An immersion blender is perfect for this, or you can transfer it to a regular blender.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a pinch of salt equal to?

A pinch of salt is generally considered to be about 1/16 teaspoon. It's a small amount, just enough to enhance the flavors without overwhelming them.

How do you cut the tartness out of cranberry sauce?

To reduce the tartness of cranberry sauce, you can add more sugar, honey, or maple syrup for sweetness. A small pinch of baking soda can neutralize acidity, and adding a bit of butter can smooth out the tartness for a more balanced taste.

What happens if you cook cranberry sauce too long?

If you cook cranberry sauce too long, the cranberries will break down too much, and the sauce will become too thick, with a jam-like consistency. Overcooking can also cause the natural pectin in the cranberries to release excessively, making the sauce gel-like or stiff as it cools. To avoid this, cook the sauce just until the cranberries burst and reach your desired consistency.

Serving Suggestions

Where do I begin?! This dish is just so versatile. Serve it as a condiment for roasted turkey, ham, pork, or chicken. It would be great with our Slow Cooker Sweet Duck Legs and this Pork and Dried Fruit Roll. Use it as a flavorful spread for turkey, chicken, or ham sandwiches, wraps, or sliders. Pair it with cheeses like brie, sharp cheddar, or goat cheese for a sweet-tangy contrast on a charcuterie board. Brush it on chicken, pork chops, or sausages while grilling or roasting for a flavorful glaze. It would be a great addition to this Cinnamon Pineapple and Beef Appetizer. Serve it as a dipping sauce for appetizers like chicken tenders, sausages, or even pretzels. Drizzle it over roasted or grilled vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or sweet potatoes. It'll taste great with these Healthy Turmeric Oven Roasted Vegetables. The possibilities are endless!

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