Jamie Oliver’s cranberry sauce is a simple yet flavorful recipe that elevates any holiday spread. Known for his fresh, vibrant approach to food, Jamie’s version combines the natural tartness of cranberries with a balance of sweet and zesty flavors. It’s more than just a condiment. it’s a burst of festive color and taste that pairs beautifully with turkey, stuffing or even a slice of creamy Brie.
Unlike some cranberry sauces that rely heavily on sugar, Jamie’s recipe adds a twist with ingredients like orange and a hint of fresh herbs. The result? A sauce that’s both tangy and sweet, with a slightly aromatic edge from the herbs and citrus. It’s definitely a recipe that feels like it’s designed to impress but still totally approachable to make.
Jamie Oliver Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Ingredients Needed
The ingredients for Jamie’s cranberry sauce are fresh and minimal, yet they come together to create a surprisingly complex flavor profile. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Fresh cranberries: The star of the show. You can find them in most grocery stores, especially around the holiday season.
- Caster sugar: This is a finer sugar that dissolves easily. You could swap it for granulated sugar but the finer texture will give a smoother sauce.
- Orange: Both the zest and juice are used, adding a citrusy zing that perfectly balances the tartness of the cranberries.
- Fresh rosemary: Just a sprig or two. The woody, earthy notes from rosemary bring an unexpected depth to the sauce.
- A splash of water: This helps to cook the cranberries down into a nice sauce.
- A pinch of salt: To enhance all the flavors and give that extra oomph.
It’s a minimal list but each ingredient plays a vital role in the final product. The orange gives the sauce a fresh sweetness while the rosemary introduces an aromatic twist that makes it feel a little more gourmet.
Equipment Needed
Making Jamie Oliver’s cranberry sauce doesn’t require any fancy equipment but a few basic items will help you pull it off with ease:
- Saucepan: A medium-sized one should do the trick. You’ll be simmering the cranberries, so you need something that can hold all of them comfortably and let them cook down evenly.
- Zester or grater: To zest the orange. A microplane is best but any fine grater will work. This ensures the zest is finely grated, releasing all those fragrant oils.
- Knife and chopping board: For prepping the orange and rosemary. You’ll need to chop the rosemary finely to prevent any big pieces from overpowering the sauce.
- Wooden spoon: To stir everything as it cooks, ensuring nothing sticks to the bottom and burns.
- Measuring spoons: For getting the sugar, salt and rosemary just right.
That’s about it! You don’t need anything complicated here. just basic kitchen tools to make something flavorful and festive.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Cranberry Sauce
Now comes the fun part: making the cranberry sauce! Here’s how you can do it in a few easy steps:
- Prep the ingredients: Zest the orange and then juice it. Finely chop the rosemary. Set these aside.
- Combine in a saucepan: Add the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, orange zest, a pinch of salt and a small splash of water into your saucepan. Stir everything together.
- Simmer: Put the saucepan on medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. As it heats up, the cranberries will start to pop and release their juices. Keep stirring occasionally to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom.
- Add rosemary: Once the cranberries start to soften and burst, add the finely chopped rosemary. Continue to simmer for another 10 minutes or so, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. If it gets too thick, add a little more water.
- Taste and adjust: Taste the sauce and see if it needs more sweetness or a little extra salt to balance it out. Stir well.
- Cool and serve: Once it’s done, remove the pan from the heat and let the sauce cool. The sauce can be served warm or at room temperature.
It’s a super simple recipe that comes together quickly but it feels rich and flavorful. The rosemary and orange elevate the cranberries in a way that makes it feel like you’ve spent way more time on it than you actually have.
What I Learnt
What stood out to me about Jamie Oliver’s cranberry sauce is how easy it is to elevate a classic recipe with just a few thoughtful ingredients. The fresh rosemary adds a unique flavor that really takes the sauce from basic to something special. Also, using fresh orange zest and juice makes a huge difference. It’s way fresher and more aromatic than just relying on sugar to sweeten things up.
Another thing I noticed was how forgiving the recipe is. It’s not overly finicky. You can adjust the sweetness, tweak the rosemary or even add a little extra water to thin it out, depending on your taste. It’s a flexible sauce that you can customize to your liking.
Recipe Tweaks For Jamie Oliver’s Cranberry Sauce
Jamie Oliver’s cranberry sauce is already pretty great as-is but sometimes we all like to tweak things a bit for personal flavor or a special twist. Here are some fun ways to customize it:
1. Add Citrus Zest:
Cranberries have a natural tartness, so adding a bit of orange or lemon zest can really brighten the flavor. A touch of lemon zest balances the sweet and tart notes while orange zest brings in a slightly sweeter, more fragrant aroma.
2. Spice It Up:
Spices like cinnamon, star anise or even a pinch of ground ginger can take your cranberry sauce from classic to unique. A cinnamon stick simmered in the sauce will infuse a subtle warmth that pairs beautifully with both sweet and savory dishes.
3. Use Different Sweeteners:
While Jamie uses sugar in the basic recipe, you can swap this out for honey, maple syrup or even agave for a different kind of sweetness. Honey especially pairs well with the tartness of cranberries and adds a depth of flavor.
4. Add a Splash of Alcohol:
If you want to give the sauce a grown-up touch, you can add a splash of port, red wine or bourbon. The alcohol cooks off but it leaves behind a rich, complex flavor that enhances the cranberry’s natural notes.
5. Mix In Some Fruit:
Cranberries are the star but you could sneak in some other fruits for variation. Chopped apples, pears or even dried fruits like raisins or apricots can create an interesting texture and add a bit of sweetness.
Storage Tips For Leftovers
Cranberry sauce is the perfect make-ahead dish but when it comes to storing leftovers, here’s what you need to know:
1. Refrigeration:
Once your cranberry sauce has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It should last up to a week and the flavors often deepen as it sits. Make sure the container is sealed tightly to keep the sauce from absorbing any other smells in the fridge.
2. Freezing:
If you made a large batch and want to keep it longer, cranberry sauce freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, leaving a little space for expansion. When you’re ready to use it, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. You might notice some liquid separation but just give it a good stir before serving.
3. Reheating Tips:
When reheating, do it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a bit of water or orange juice if it’s too thick after being stored. It’ll restore its smooth consistency in no time.
What To Eat With Jamie Oliver’s Cranberry Sauce?
Cranberry sauce isn’t just for Thanksgiving dinners. It’s a versatile condiment that pairs well with a ton of different dishes:
1. Roast Meats:
Of course, cranberry sauce shines with roast turkey and chicken but it’s also amazing with roast pork or duck. The tart sweetness cuts through the richness of the meat and adds a lovely contrast.
2. Sandwiches & Wraps:
Cranberry sauce is perfect for livening up sandwiches. Think turkey and cranberry sauce on a fresh baguette or a chicken wrap with a dollop of sauce for some zing. It also works great in veggie wraps. add some hummus, roasted veggies and a touch of cranberry sauce for a fresh, seasonal meal.
3. Cheese Platters:
Cranberry sauce can elevate a cheese board in an instant. It pairs beautifully with creamy cheeses like brie or goat cheese and it’s a natural companion for aged cheddar. Add some crackers and maybe a few nuts and you’ve got a standout snack.
4. Grains and Salads:
You’d be surprised how well cranberry sauce works as a topping for quinoa, couscous or wild rice. It’s also a delightful addition to salads, especially those with mixed greens, feta or roasted beets. The sauce’s tangy sweetness adds complexity to the dish.
5. Baked Goods:
Try cranberry sauce as a topping for warm scones, pancakes or even waffles. It’s a great way to switch up the usual syrup routine. You can also drizzle it over a bowl of oatmeal for a burst of flavor.
FAQs
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Cranberry Sauce Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can! It’s great to make it a few days before. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat when needed.
What Can I Add To Jamie Oliver’s Cranberry Sauce For Extra Flavor?
Try adding orange zest, a splash of balsamic vinegar, or a pinch of cinnamon for a twist on the classic recipe.
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Cranberry Sauce Without Sugar?
You can! You might want to swap it for honey or maple syrup to keep it sweet but more natural.
