Copycat Whole Foods Cranberry Sauce Recipe

19

I’ve always believed that food is a reflection of the love and care we put into it, and creating your own version of a Whole Foods cranberry sauce is no exception.

How to make Whole Foods Cranberry Sauce

Whole Foods Cranberry Sauce is a ready-made holiday condiment sold in the prepared foods or refrigerated section at Whole Foods Market. It’s typically made with whole cranberries, sugar, and orange or citrus flavors, giving it a balance of tart and sweet.

Ingredients

• 12 oz fresh, whole cranberries (organic if possible)
• ¾ cup organic cane sugar (or substitute with maple syrup for a refined sugar-free option)
• ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice (adds a citrusy sweetness and depth)
• Zest of 1 orange (for extra brightness and flavor)
• ½ cup water

Optional add-ins:

• 1 cinnamon stick or ½ tsp ground cinnamon (for cozy warmth)
• 1–2 tsp freshly grated ginger (adds a hint of spice and freshness)
• ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (for added texture)
• A pinch of salt (to balance the sweetness)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cranberries: Rinse your cranberries thoroughly and pick out any bruised or mushy ones. Whole, fresh cranberries will give the best flavor and texture to your sauce.
2. Cook the Base: In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, water, and sugar (or maple syrup). Stir well to mix.
3. Simmer to Perfection: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the pan. As the cranberries heat up, they’ll begin to pop—this is when the sauce starts to thicken (usually after 10–12 minutes).
4. Add Additional Ingredients: If you’re adding optional ingredients like cinnamon, ginger, or nuts, stir them in once the cranberries begin to soften. Adjust sweetness or spice as necessary by tasting the sauce while it cooks.
5. Cool and Serve: Once the sauce has reached your preferred consistency (it thickens more as it cools), remove it from the heat and let it cool to room temperature. You can serve it immediately or refrigerate it until you’re ready. Cranberry sauce keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Tips for the Perfect Cranberry Sauce

• Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a tart Whole Foods Cranberry Sauce, use less sugar or maple syrup. For a sweeter version, increase the sweetener slightly or add a touch of honey.
• Get Creative: Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors! Add spices like nutmeg or cardamom for complexity, or stir in chopped fruits like apples or pears for more depth.
• Storage Tip: For longer storage, freeze the sauce in a sealed container for up to 2–3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
• Presentation Idea: For extra holiday flair, garnish your Whole Foods Cranberry Sauce with an orange twist, extra zest, or crushed nuts before serving.

What to serve with

Cranberry sauce is a versatile condiment that pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, far beyond the traditional Thanksgiving table.

1. Classic Holiday Pairings

Cranberry sauce is traditionally a star during the Thanksgiving and Christmas feasts. Serve it with:

• Roasted Turkey: The tartness of cranberry sauce perfectly balances the rich, savory flavor of turkey. Whether roasted, smoked, or deep-fried, turkey and cranberry sauce are a match made in holiday heaven.
• Honey-Glazed Ham: Cranberry sauce complements the sweetness of honey-glazed ham, adding an extra layer of fruity tartness.
• Stuffing/Dressing: Spoon some cranberry sauce over savory stuffing (or dressing). The mix of herbs, bread, and cranberries is irresistible.
• Mashed Potatoes: Use it as a side companion for creamy mashed potatoes to add a pop of brightness to an otherwise rich dish.

2. Plant-Based Dishes

For plant-based eaters, cranberry sauce adds a dynamic flavor to vegetarian and vegan dishes, making them festive and flavorful:

• Nut Roast or Lentil Loaf: The tangy sweetness of cranberry sauce pairs beautifully with the hearty texture of nut or lentil-based roasts.
• Vegan Meat Alternatives: Whether you’re serving plant-based “chicken” or “turkey” roasts, cranberry sauce is the perfect condiment to add flavor to the mix.
• Roasted Vegetables: Drizzle cranberry sauce over roasted vegetables like brussels sprouts, butternut squash, or carrots for a sweet-tart glaze.

Ingredients Substitutes

While the original Whole Foods-inspired cranberry sauce focuses on simple, wholesome ingredients, you can easily adapt the recipe to suit dietary preferences, ingredient availability, or flavor variations.

1. Fresh Cranberries

Original Ingredient: Fresh, whole cranberries are ideal for their tart flavor and the ability to thicken naturally as they cook.

Substitutes:

• Frozen Cranberries: Easily available year-round and work just as well. Use them straight from the freezer—no need to thaw before cooking.
• Dried Cranberries: If fresh or frozen cranberries aren’t available, rehydrate dried cranberries by soaking them in water or juice for 30 minutes before using them in the recipe. Note that dried cranberries are sweeter, so you may need less sugar in the recipe.
• Lingonberries or Red Currants: These tart fruits can act as a substitute in regions where cranberries aren’t readily accessible.

2. Cane Sugar

Original Ingredient: Organic cane sugar adds sweetness to balance the tartness of cranberries.

Substitutes:

• Maple Syrup: A refined sugar-free alternative that complements the natural flavors of cranberries. Use a 1:1 ratio.
• Honey: Adds a floral sweetness, but its intensity may vary depending on the type of honey. Use slightly less than the amount of sugar called for and taste as you go.
• Coconut Sugar: A minimally processed option that works well in cranberry sauce. Keep in mind it has a more caramel-like flavor.
• Date Syrup: A nutrient-rich, natural sweetener that helps achieve a deeper flavor. Adjust to taste since date syrup is less sweet than cane sugar.

Brown Sugar: For a more molasses-like flavor, use brown sugar instead (light or dark).

3. Orange Juice

Original Ingredient: Freshly squeezed orange juice adds brightness and sweetness to the cranberry sauce.

Substitutes:

• Apple Juice or Apple Cider: These create a milder sweetness and pair beautifully with the tart cranberries.
• Pineapple Juice: For a tropical twist, use unsweetened pineapple juice as an alternative to orange juice.
• Lemon Juice: If you don’t want extra sweetness, replace orange juice with freshly squeezed lemon juice to maintain tartness, balancing it with more sweetener as needed.
• Water: In a pinch, you can use water instead of any juice, but you’ll need to adjust the sweetness and flavor with additional sugar or spice.

4. Orange Zest

Original Ingredient: Orange zest provides a citrusy aroma and adds complexity to the cranberry sauce.

Substitutes:

• Lemon Zest: Works similarly but may result in a sharper citrus flavor. Use the same amount as orange zest.
• Clementine or Tangerine Zest: These milder citrus fruits are great alternatives, enhancing the sauce’s sweetness.
• Grapefruit Zest: For a slightly bitter edge and a unique twist.

Final Thoughts

Whole Foods cranberry sauce isn’t just a side dish—it’s a versatile condiment that can be used to enhance everything from savory roasts to sweet desserts.

More Sauce Recipes:

• Buffalo Wild Wings Golden Fire Sauce Recipe
• Buffalo Wild Wings Honey Garlic Sauce Recipe