Cranberry Mustard Sauce

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Cranberry Mustard Sauce

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.

Prep Time5

Cook Time15

Total Time20

Course: Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine: American

Servings: tablespoons

Calories: 28kcal

Author: Irina

Equipment

Ingredients

1 cup cranberries fresh or frozen
⅓ cup water
⅓ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
⅓ cup honey or maple syrup
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon orange zest
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon optional
1 pinch salt

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Instructions

In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, water, and orange juice. Place the saucepan on the stove over medium-high heat and cover with a lid. Allow the mixture to heat until small bubbles start forming around the edges of the pan. This means the liquid is beginning to cook gently, but it should not be boiling vigorously. Lower the heat to a simmer. You’re aiming for a gentle bubbling rather than a rapid boil. Let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries begin to burst and soften. This should take about 5–7 minutes.
1 cup cranberries, ⅓ cup water, ⅓ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
Stir in the honey (or maple syrup), blending it into the cranberry mixture. Continue simmering for another 2 minutes.
⅓ cup honey
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.
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon orange zest, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 pinch salt
Let the sauce simmer for another 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. For a smoother texture, you can blend the sauce, or leave it chunky if you prefer.
Remove from heat and let the sauce cool slightly before serving. It will thicken as it cools. Adjust the amount of honey or orange juice based on your preferred level of sweetness.

Notes

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.

Nutrition