This cranberry sauce orange zest dip is an ideal holiday appetizer or sweet indulgence at any time of the year. So ridiculously easy to prepare, with practically no ingredients or steps, yet imparting so much of a splurge of zesty, fresh taste that it will impress even the most discerning taste buds. It's the type of recipe that's so ridiculously simple and so mind-bogglingly delicious; you know, the type you'll be using repeatedly and repeatedly.
I was inspired to make this recipe after one particularly memorable Thanksgiving dinner when the usual cranberry sauce was a bit. ho-hum. I wanted something more exciting, more zesty, a bit more dynamic. This dip came out of it, and it was really just a happy accident! I was looking for something interesting and unusual to serve to my family, and man, did it ever deliver!".
The combination of tart cranberries and orange zest is a breathtaking combination of flavor and texture. The orange zest adds a natural warmth and richness to the classic cranberry taste. It's the perfect blend of sweet and sour, with a touch of citrusy zing that tickles your tongue. And to finish it all off, it's extremely versatile! You can serve it with a range of dippers, so it's ideal for any party or just a pleasant evening in.
Required Equipments
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Citrus juicer (optional)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Small saucepan
- Serving bowl
Cranberry Sauce Dip with Orange Zest: Frequently Asked Questions
Cranberry Sauce Dip with Orange Zest
This easy cranberry sauce dip recipe features a delightful mix of tart cranberries and zesty orange, creating the perfect holiday appetizer or delightful anytime treat.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 4 servings
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- First things first, gather your ingredients! Make sure your cranberries are fresh and plump. If using frozen, make sure they are completely thawed before proceeding. This is really important, I learned this the hard way... once.
- Next, let's prep the cranberries. Give them a quick rinse and remove any stems. No need to be too precise here, unless you are one of *those* people.
- Now for the zest! Using a microplane or a fine grater, zest the orange. Aim for about 1 tablespoon of zest; try to avoid getting any of the bitter white pith. It's easier than you think, just go slow and steady.
- Grab a small saucepan and add the cranberries, orange zest, orange juice, sugar, and water. Give it a good stir. Make sure everything is nicely combined, but don't be overly zealous.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat, bring the mixture to a simmer, and then reduce the heat to low. You want a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil. Low and slow is the key here, otherwise you’ll have a cranberry explosion!!
- Once it comes to a simmer, cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- If you find that your cranberry sauce is a bit too chunky, you can use an immersion blender to give it a smoother texture. However, I personally prefer a little texture, so it’s up to you!
- Once the cranberry sauce is cooked to your liking, remove it from the heat and let it cool completely. This is very important, trust me.
- Once it's completely cooled, taste and adjust sweetness if needed. Maybe add a pinch more sugar, or even a dash of orange liqueur if you're feeling fancy. (Just sayin’)
- Transfer the cranberry sauce dip to a serving bowl and garnish with a few extra orange zest strips and maybe some fresh cranberries for that extra touch of elegance. (Or not. I'm not your boss!)
- Serve chilled or at room temperature with your favorite dippers and watch your friends swoon over this delicious cranberry creation. That’s it! Easy peasy! Seriously, you did it!
📝 Notes
- For a smoother consistency, use an immersion blender after cooking. Adjust sugar according to your preference. Don't be shy, taste it as you go!
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 150kcal
Protein: 1g
Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 2g
Calcium: 20mg
