Skip past the canned stuff and make homemade low FODMAP cranberry sauce! It was never really that good, anyway. With hints of orange paired with tart cranberries sweetened with sugar, it makes the most delicious cranberry sauce to go with Thanksgiving dinner or any time of year.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Only FOUR Ingredients
- Cranberries and Oranges Belong Together
- Gluten Free, Dairy Free, and Low FODMAP
Featured Ingredients
- Fresh Cranberries - These are seasonal items, but you can find a frozen option as well. I have not tested this with dried cranberries.
- Orange Juice - Freshly squeezed orange juice is best. Oranges and cranberries are a perfect pair.
- Sugar - White granulated sugar helps balance out the tartness of the cranberries.
- Water - Used to thin out the sauce to the thickness you want.
See the recipe card for the exact measurements and complete instructions.
Selected ingredients are based on guidance on current serving sizes measured by the Monash University Food App and FODMAP Friendly App at the time of publishing.
As always, follow your gut and modify as needed.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, dissolve the sugar into the water. Stir until the water is clear and the sugar is dissolved.
Step 2: Wash and remove any fresh cranberries that look bruised or not at their prime.
Add the cranberries and freshly squeezed orange juice to the saucepan with the sugar water. Stir until the desired thickness is reached.
Tips and Tricks
Want cranberry sauce to be as close as possible to the canned version? Puree the cranberry sauce using an immersion blender or a high-speed blender. Then, pour the sauce through a fine mesh strainer.
Make this weeks in advance and freeze! Defrost before Thanksgiving, and it is one less thing to do.
Leftover cranberry sauce is great over vanilla ice cream.
Ingredient Swaps
- Cranberries: Use frozen cranberries if you cannot find fresh ones. Allow them to thaw a bit, and keep in mind they will take longer to cook.
- Sweetener Options: Use pure maple syrup for an unrefined sugar option.
Variations
Cinnamon Cranberry Sauce: Add a cinnamon stick to the cranberry sauce.
More Orange Cranberry Sauce: Zest the orange before squeezing the juice for a more pronounced orange flavor.
Storing
Store: Keep leftover cranberry sauce in an airtight container and use within four days.
Freeze: Another option is to make it ahead of time and freeze it. Freeze in a freezer-friendly container and defrost the night before.
Reheat: Totally optional, but if you want to serve a gently warmed sauce with the Thanksgiving meal, reheat the sauce in a saucepan until warm.
Low FODMAP Notes
Low FODMAP information is based on the Monash University Food App and FODMAP Friendly App testing results. I highly recommend using these apps for guidance on ingredients and serving sizes and working with a Low FODMAP dietician.
As always, modify and adjust based on your own tolerance and individual needs on a modified low FODMAP diet.
- Fresh Cranberries - Safe at ½ cup or 50 grams per meal.
- Orange Juice (Freshly Squeezed) - Safe at ⅓ glass or 72 grams per meal.
- White Sugar - Safe at ¼ cup or 50 grams per meal.
For additional information on a low FODMAP diet, please visit Monash University or FODMAP Friendly. Both have websites and apps for additional guidance and testing results.
FAQs
Yes! Their tart flavor is a perfect option for anyone on a low FODMAP diet. Monash University has tested cranberries safe at ½ cup or 50 grams per meal.
Choose wisely. Freshly squeezed orange juice according to Monash Unvierstiy is the best option and safe at ⅓ glass or 72 grams per meal. Likewise, reconstituted orange juice is not a good option.
Review the ingredients carefully. Many brands contain high fructose corn syrup or other sweeteners such as apple juice - neither of which are good low FODMAP options.
Meal Planning
Of course, cranberry sauce has to be on every Thanksgiving menu! But it is also delicious as a topping for low FODMAP cornbread! Spread it over a block of lactose free cream cheese and enjoy with gluten free crackers as a Thanksgiving appetizer at Friendsgiving!
Additional Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes
- Gluten Free Dairy Free Green Bean Casserole - A great makeover for the classic green bean casserole.
- Low FODMAP Stuffing - Cubed gluten free bread toasted in garlic oil with Italian sausage
- Sweet Potato Mash - Two potatoes, sweet potatoes, and white potatoes to make a great low FODMAP sweet potato side dish.
Still looking for a great side dish recipe? Discover something new or a classic recipe!
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Recipe
Low FODMAP Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 cup white granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup water
- ⅔ cup freshly squeezed orange juice 4-6 oranges
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries (Note 1)
Instructions
- In a medium-sized saucepan, add the sugar and the water.
- Over medium-high heat, dissolve the sugar into the water. Stir constantly for three minutes with a wooden spoon.
- Once the sugar is dissolved, add the orange juice and the cranberries. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer until thickened about fifteen minutes. Stir occasionally.
- With a wooden spoon, smash the berries alongside the saucepan. Some of the cranberries may have burst on their own, that is normal.
- Cook on low heat for ten more minutes.
- Remove from the heat and serve immediately if interested in warm cranberry sauce. Otherwise, cool in an airtight container until ready to serve.
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