I recall one Thanksgiving, I was in charge of bringing a side dish. Panic set in – I wanted something that wasn't the same old cranberry sauce from a can. I stumbled upon a recipe for roasted cranberries with orange zest and maple syrup, and it was a game-changer! The tartness of the cranberries, the sweetness of the maple syrup, and the bright citrusy notes of the orange zest created a symphony of flavors that danced on everyone's palates. Trust me; it was a hit, and it's been a Thanksgiving staple ever since.
These roasted cranberries are incredibly versatile. Serve them warm over vanilla ice cream, spoon them onto a baked brie for an elegant appetizer, or use them as a topping for pancakes or waffles. The possibilities are endless! I even love adding them to my Thanksgiving stuffing for a burst of flavor and color.
Required Equipments
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Small Bowl
- Zester
- Juicer
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
Roasted Cranberries with Orange Zest and Maple Syrup: Frequently Asked Questions
Roasted Cranberries with Orange Zest and Maple Syrup
Brighten up your table with Roasted Cranberries with Orange Zest and Maple Syrup! This easy recipe combines tart cranberries with sweet maple syrup and zesty orange for a flavorful side dish or topping that's perfect for the holidays and beyond. It's a real treat!
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 6 servings servings
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- Get started by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your cranberries roast evenly and come out perfectly juicy.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step is important because it prevents the cranberries from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Plus, who wants to scrub a sticky baking sheet?
- In a small bowl, combine 12 ounces of fresh cranberries (about 3 cups), 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup, 1 tablespoon of fresh orange zest (from about 1 large orange), and 2 tablespoons of fresh orange juice. Make sure the zest is finely grated and the orange juice is freshly squeezed – the fresher, the better!
- Gently toss all the ingredients together until the cranberries are evenly coated with the maple syrup and orange mixture. This ensures every cranberry gets its fair share of deliciousness.
- Spread the cranberries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding them to allow for even roasting and prevent them from steaming. You want them to roast, not stew!
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them – they’re done when the cranberries have softened and some have burst open. The bursting is a good sign, trust me!
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cranberries cool slightly before serving. As they cool, the juices will thicken slightly, creating a delightful sauce.
- Transfer the roasted cranberries to a serving dish and enjoy them warm or at room temperature. They're absolutely delightful on their own or as a topping for many dishes! Like ice cream or on top of a plain cake. I forgot to add some nuts to my most recent batch and I think that would be a good addition too!.
📝 Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- If you don't have fresh oranges, you can use bottled orange juice, but fresh is always best!
- Add a tablespoon of chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 80 kcal
Protein: 0.2 g
Fat: 0.2 g
Carbohydrates: 20 g
Fiber: 2 g
Calcium: 10 mg
