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Cranberry Orange Compote Recipe – The Perfect Thanksgiving Side Dish

This cranberry orange compote recipe is the perfect side dish for Thanksgiving. It is really the best cranberry sauce I have ever tasted!

Cranberry Orange Compote Recipe - The Perfect Thanksgiving Side Dish with fresh cranberries

Cranberry orange compote recipe

Who’s looking for Thanksgiving cranberry recipes? If you love a good cranberry sauce but don’t want the canned version, here is a homemade cranberry compote you will enjoy.

Forget the canned cranberry sauce this year and try this tasty Thanksgiving side dish recipe that is sure to knock your guests’ socks off! Using fresh cranberries, oranges, and a sugary grenadine, this side dish only takes about 15 minutes to complete from start to finish.

Easy Cranberry Orange Compote Side Dish

Cranberry compote Thanksgiving recipes are always a hit. Try making this cranberry orange sauce with the recipe below. I made this yesterday to test it out before the big day, it is simply divine!

Original recipe from Delish.com

Ingredients needed for this easy cranberry compote:

  • Fresh cranberries
  • Orange zest
  • Fresh orange juice
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar
  • Grenadine syrup
  • Red-wine vinegar

Don’t forget the veggies this Thanksgiving! If you love cranberries, try these cranberry bacon Brussles sprouts!

Fresh Cranberries in a bowl

How to make our orange cranberry compote

Combine all ingredients in a large saucepan or skillet and bring them to a boil. Simmer at a low temperature for 5-10 minutes or until the fresh cranberries are nice and soft and the liquid turns into a thick syrup.

I actually ended up simmering for a few more minutes to be sure the orange cranberry sauce was thoroughly done. You can serve this cranberry dish warm, refrigerate it, or eat it at room temperature. Either way, it is delicious!

Cranberry orange compote

Cranberry orange compote recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Side Dish
Servings 6 servings

Equipment

  • Large saucepan

Ingredients
  

  • 2 12 oz. bags cranberries (6 cups)
  • 1 tbsp. grated orange zest
  • 1 cup fresh orange juice
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup grenadine syrup
  • 2 tbsp. red-wine vinegar

Instructions
 

  • Combine all ingredients in a large sauce pan or skillet and bring them to a boil.
  • Simmer at a low temperature for 5-10 minutes or until the fresh cranberries are nice and soft and the liquid turns to a thick syrup.
    *I ended up simmering for 10 minutes to be sure the cranberries were softened and the recipe was well mixed.
  • Stir to combine all ingredients and remove from heat. Allow the cranberry orange compote to cool slightly.
  • You can serve this orange cranberry dish warm, refrigerate it, or eat it at room temperature, either way is delicious!

Easy cranberry recipe tips

Here are some tips for making this homemade cranberry sauce.

How to sweeten up your cranberry sauce

Easy cranberry orange compote side dish recipe - the perfect recipes with fresh cranberries for Thanksgiving!

I decided to use 1-1/2 cups of half brown sugar and half granulated white sugar (3/4 cup each), I love it extra sweet! This recipe makes enough for 8 servings, so double or even triple it if you need to feed an army.

You can also reduce the bitter taste in fresh cranberries by reheating them and adding maple syrup, apple juice, or a little more orange juice to the recipe.

What can I do with a bag of fresh cranberries?

If you have more cranberries left over, you can make so many amazing recipes! Try some of the following cranberry recipe ideas for using fresh cranberries:

Enjoy this fresh cranberry side dish recipe!

For such a good recipe using fresh cranberries, this is a must-try Thanksgiving side dish! I especially love the orange flavor, sets it off right.

Although this is the best cranberry sauce I have ever tried, I am open to other recipes, too. Know of any more delicious and easy cranberry side dish recipes? I’m taking all ideas, leave a comment below!

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