Joanna Gaines Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Looking for the perfect holiday side dish that will impress your guests? This Joanna Gaines cranberry sauce recipe is exactly what you need! This tangerine cherry cranberry sauce combines the classic tartness of fresh cranberries with the bright citrus notes of tangerine and the sweet chewiness of dried cherries.

What makes this Joanna Gaines cranberry sauce recipe so special is its simplicity and incredible flavor profile. Unlike store-bought versions, this homemade cranberry sauce brings together warming spices like cinnamon, cloves, and star anise to create a sophisticated side dish that pairs beautifully with turkey, ham, or any holiday centerpiece.

Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner or attending as a guest, this Joanna Gaines cranberry sauce recipe is your ticket to culinary success. It’s surprisingly easy to make and requires just 15 minutes of active cooking time, making it perfect for busy holiday schedules.

My Personal Experience with Joanna Gaines Cranberry Sauce Recipe

I first discovered this Joanna Gaines cranberry sauce recipe during a particularly hectic Thanksgiving preparation, and it completely transformed my holiday cooking routine. The moment I heard those cranberries popping and crackling in the saucepan, I knew this was going to be something special – the kitchen filled with the most incredible aroma of citrus and warm spices.

What struck me most about this Joanna Gaines cranberry sauce recipe was how the tangerine elevated the traditional cranberry sauce to gourmet status. The dried cherries added an unexpected textural element that had my guests asking for the recipe all evening. Unlike the canned cranberry sauce I grew up with, this version had personality and depth.

The best part of making this Joanna Gaines cranberry sauce recipe is watching the transformation happen right before your eyes. In just 15 minutes, simple ingredients become this gorgeous, glossy sauce that looks like it came from a fancy restaurant. It’s become my go-to contribution for every holiday gathering, and I always make extra because it disappears so quickly!

Ingredients Required for Joanna Gaines Cranberry Sauce Recipe

• 1 package (12 oz) fresh cranberries
• 1 cup dried cherries (any variety)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 whole cloves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 star anise
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated tangerine zest (or orange zest)
• 1 cup liquid (combination of tangerine juice, orange juice, and/or water)

Kitchen Utensils List

• Heavy-bottom saucepan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Microplane grater or zester
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Citrus juicer (optional)
• Fine mesh strainer (for removing spices)
• Storage containers or jars

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Cooling Time: 30 minutes to room temperature
• Serves: 8-10 people

Recipe Instructions for Joanna Gaines Cranberry Sauce Recipe

1. Prepare the ingredients: Rinse fresh cranberries and remove any stems. Grate tangerine zest and juice tangerines to get about 2/3 cup juice. Top off with water to make 1 cup total liquid.
2. Combine dry ingredients: In a heavy-bottom saucepan, add cranberries, dried cherries, sugar, whole cloves, cinnamon stick, and star anise.
3. Add liquids: Sprinkle the freshly grated tangerine zest over the mixture, then pour in the tangerine juice and water combination.
4. Cook the sauce: Place saucepan over medium-high heat and stir to combine. Bring mixture to a simmer, listening for the delightful popping sounds of cranberries bursting.
5. Simmer and stir: Once simmering, reduce heat to low and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or scorching.
6. Check consistency: After 15 minutes, most cranberries should have collapsed. Gently pop any stubborn whole cranberries with your spoon.
7. Cool and finish: Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature. Remove and discard whole spices (cloves, cinnamon stick, and star anise) before serving.

Storage Guidance for Leftover Joanna Gaines Cranberry Sauce

Store your leftover Joanna Gaines cranberry sauce recipe in the refrigerator for up to one week in an airtight container. The flavors actually improve after a day, making it perfect for meal prep. You can also freeze portions for up to three months.

Serving and Pairing Ideas for Joanna Gaines Cranberry Sauce

1. Classic Holiday Pairing: Serve alongside roasted turkey, ham, or duck for the traditional holiday experience
2. Cheese Board Addition: Include as a sweet element on your charcuterie board with aged cheeses and crackers
3. Breakfast Twist: Swirl into oatmeal, yogurt, or spread on toast for a festive morning treat
4. Dessert Enhancement: Use as a topping for cheesecake, vanilla ice cream, or pound cake
5. Savory Applications: Pair with roasted pork tenderloin or use as a glaze for chicken thighs

Tips for Perfect Joanna Gaines Cranberry Sauce Recipe

1. Use fresh cranberries only: Frozen cranberries will make the sauce too watery and won’t provide the same texture
2. Don’t skip the zesting: Fresh tangerine or orange zest adds essential oils that canned juice simply can’t replicate
3. Listen for the pop: The cranberries will make popping sounds as they burst – this is exactly what you want to hear
4. Stir regularly: With this much sugar, stirring prevents burning and ensures even cooking throughout
5. Remove spices completely: Whole cloves are particularly unpleasant to bite into, so fish them out carefully before serving

This Joanna Gaines cranberry sauce recipe proves that sometimes the simplest dishes make the biggest impact. With just a few quality ingredients and 15 minutes of your time, you can create a restaurant-quality cranberry sauce that will become a family tradition.

The combination of tart cranberries, sweet dried cherries, and aromatic tangerine creates a complexity that store-bought versions simply can’t match.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions about this recipe that people often ask.

Can I make this cranberry sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cranberry sauce actually tastes better after sitting for a day as the flavors meld together. You can make it up to a week in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

Can I substitute orange for tangerine in this recipe?

Yes, you can easily substitute orange juice and zest for tangerine. The flavor will be slightly different but equally delicious – oranges tend to be a bit sweeter and less tart than tangerines.

What if I can’t find dried cherries?

Dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dried apricots make excellent substitutes. Each will bring a slightly different flavor profile but will work beautifully in this recipe.

Is it normal for the cranberries to pop and make noise?

Yes! The popping and crackling sounds are completely normal and indicate that the cranberries are cooking properly. This is actually one of the fun parts of making homemade cranberry sauce.

Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

You can reduce the sugar slightly, but keep in mind that cranberries are naturally very tart. Start by reducing the sugar by 1/4 cup and taste-test as you go.

How do I know when the cranberry sauce is done?

The sauce is ready when most cranberries have burst and collapsed, and the mixture has thickened to a jam-like consistency. This typically takes about 15 minutes of simmering.

Can I freeze this cranberry sauce?

Yes, you can freeze this cranberry sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and give it a good stir before serving, as separation may occur during freezing.

Ready to elevate your holiday table? Try this Joanna Gaines cranberry sauce recipe this season and watch it become the star of your spread! Don’t forget to share your results in the comments below. Feel free to share your experience with this recipe by trying it out. Don’t forget to drop a comment and provide your feedback on the blog for us to read.