If you’re craving the signature sweet-tart flavor served at McAlister’s Deli, this McAlister’s cranberry orange sauce recipe is the perfect way to recreate it at home.
Inspired by the restaurant favorite, this sauce captures the bright balance of tangy cranberries and fresh citrus that makes it so memorable.
It’s a must-try for anyone who loves classic deli flavors with a homemade touch.
This copycat McAlister’s cranberry orange sauce recipe, also known as a McAlister’s copycat orange cranberry sauce, uses simple, wholesome ingredients like fresh cranberries, vibrant orange juice, warm cinnamon, honey, and coconut sugar.
The result is a beautifully balanced cranberry orange sauce that tastes just like the original-sweet, tart, and bursting with fresh flavor-without relying on preservatives or artificial sweeteners.
Perfect for holidays, family dinners, or meal prep, this versatile cranberry sauce recipe with orange comes together quickly and adds a restaurant-quality finish to both everyday meals and special occasions.
Whether you serve it with turkey, chicken, sandwiches, or salads, this homemade version delivers the same crave-worthy flavor you expect from McAlister’s, right from your own kitchen.
What is McAlister’s Cranberry Orange Sauce and How Does It Taste?
McAlister’s cranberry orange sauce is a beloved signature condiment served at McAlister’s Deli, known for its perfect balance of tartness and sweetness.
This McAlister’s copycat orange cranberry sauce features fresh cranberries that burst with tangy flavor, complemented by aromatic orange essence and warm cinnamon spice.
The texture is thick and gelled with a delightful chunky consistency that spreads beautifully.
Each spoonful delivers bright citrus notes from the orange juice and zest, natural sweetness from honey, and the distinctive pop of whole cranberries.
It’s less gelatinous than canned cranberry sauce and offers a more sophisticated, fresh-tasting profile that enhances sandwiches, turkey, cheese plates, and holiday spreads.
McAlister’s Cranberry Orange Sauce Recipe Ingredients
For the Cranberry Orange Sauce:
- 1 pound (about 4 cups) fresh cranberries, rinsed and sorted
- 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed recommended)
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¾ cup coconut sugar (or substitute with white granulated sugar or brown sugar)
- ¼ cup honey
- Zest of 1 orange, freshly grated
Kitchen Utensils and Equipment
- Medium to large saucepan (3-quart capacity)
- Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula for stirring
- Fine grater or microplane for orange zest
- Immersion blender (or traditional blender)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Colander for rinsing cranberries
- Storage bowl with lid
- Citrus juicer (optional, for fresh orange juice)
Preparation and Cooking Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Chilling Time: 2 hours minimum
Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 12-16 servings (approximately 3 cups)
Copycat McAlister’s Cranberry Orange Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Fresh Cranberries
Rinse 1 pound of fresh cranberries under cold running water in a colander. Carefully sort through them, picking out and discarding any stems, leaves, or damaged berries. Pat dry gently if desired.
Step 2: Start the Sauce Base
Add the prepared cranberries to a medium saucepan. Place over low heat to warm the berries slightly for 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Seasonings
Pour in 1 cup of orange juice. Add 1½ teaspoons of ground cinnamon, ¾ cup coconut sugar, and ¼ cup honey to the saucepan.
Step 4: Incorporate Orange Zest
Using a fine grater, zest 1 orange directly into the saucepan, being careful to avoid the bitter white pith. Stir all ingredients together thoroughly.
Step 5: Bring to a Boil
Increase the heat to medium-high. Stir the mixture continuously until it comes to a rolling boil. You’ll hear the cranberries begin to pop-this is completely normal and essential for creating the thick sauce texture.
Step 6: Simmer the Cranberry Mixture
Once boiling vigorously with cranberries popping, reduce the heat to low. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Most cranberries should burst and soften during this time.
Step 7: Blend to Desired Consistency
Remove from heat. Using an immersion blender on low speed, pulse the mixture directly in the saucepan to achieve a chunky sauce consistency. For a smoother cranberry orange sauce, blend on high speed for 10-15 seconds. Alternatively, carefully transfer the hot mixture to a traditional blender, pulse to your preferred texture, then return to the saucepan.
Step 8: Chill and Set
Pour the warm cranberry orange sauce into a serving bowl. Allow it to cool at room temperature for 15 minutes, then cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. The sauce will thicken and develop a beautiful gelled texture as it chills. For best flavor development, prepare 1-2 days ahead.
Step 9: Serve
Serve the McAlister’s cranberry orange sauce cold alongside your favorite dishes. The chilled sauce will have a spreadable, jam-like consistency perfect for sandwiches and platters.
Customization and Pairing Ideas for Serving
1. Turkey and Poultry Pairings
This copycat McAlister’s cranberry orange sauce is the ultimate companion for roasted turkey, grilled chicken breast, or turkey sandwiches. Spread it generously on your Thanksgiving turkey sandwich or use it as a glaze during the last 10 minutes of roasting chicken thighs for a citrus-glazed finish that caramelizes beautifully.
2. Cheese Board Enhancement
Elevate your charcuterie and cheese boards by adding a small bowl of cranberry sauce recipe with orange alongside aged cheddar, creamy brie, goat cheese, and sharp blue cheese. The sweet-tart flavor cuts through rich, fatty cheeses and provides a sophisticated contrast that guests love.
3. Breakfast Applications
Transform your morning routine by swirling this cranberry orange sauce into Greek yogurt parfaits, spreading it on warm buttermilk biscuits, or layering it in overnight oats. It also makes an excellent topping for pancakes, waffles, and French toast when you want something more refined than traditional maple syrup.
4. Holiday turkey Ham Glaze
Create a stunning Tyler Florence-inspired cranberry sauce glaze for baked turkey ham by warming ½ cup of the sauce with 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard and brushing it over turkey ham during the final 20 minutes of baking. The orange and cinnamon notes complement the savory, salty turkey ham perfectly.
5. Vegetarian Protein Pairing
Don’t limit this sauce to traditional poultry-it pairs wonderfully with vegetarian proteins like herb-crusted tofu steaks, crispy tempeh bacon, or grilled portobello mushroom caps. The bright acidity and sweetness balance earthy, umami-rich plant-based dishes beautifully.
6. Dessert Incorporation
Get creative by using this McAlister’s copycat orange cranberry sauce as a filling for thumbprint cookies, a layer in vanilla cheesecake, or a topping for pound cake with whipped cream. The natural fruit sugars and bright citrus make it suitable for sweet applications beyond traditional savory uses.
7. Sandwich Spread Variations
Mix 2 tablespoons of cranberry orange sauce with ¼ cup of mayonnaise or cream cheese to create a flavored spread for turkey wraps, club sandwiches, or bagels with smoked salmon. This diluted version provides cranberry flavor without overwhelming other sandwich components while adding moisture and tang.
Essential Tips for Perfect Cranberry Orange Sauce
1. Choose Fresh, Quality Cranberries
Always use fresh cranberries rather than frozen when possible for the best texture in your McAlister’s cranberry orange sauce recipe.
Fresh berries pop more uniformly and create better consistency. If using frozen cranberries, don’t thaw them first-add them directly to the pan frozen and increase cooking time by 3-5 minutes to account for extra moisture.
2. Control Your Sweetness Level
The coconut sugar and honey combination provides complex sweetness, but you can adjust based on preference. For a tart cranberry sauce recipe with orange, reduce sugar to ½ cup. For sweeter palates, increase to 1 cup total sweetener. Taste after 15 minutes of simmering and adjust before the final texture sets-you can’t easily fix sweetness after chilling.
3. Fresh Orange Components Matter
Using freshly squeezed orange juice and fresh orange zest rather than bottled juice makes a noticeable difference in flavor brightness.
The natural oils in fresh zest contain aromatic compounds that dried zest simply can’t replicate. If you must use bottled juice, add an extra ½ teaspoon of zest to compensate for lost flavor intensity.
4. Don’t Rush the Popping Process
The distinctive popping sound of cranberries isn’t just satisfying-it’s essential for proper texture development.
Each berry that pops releases natural pectin, which creates the thick, gelled consistency characteristic of authentic McAlister’s copycat orange cranberry sauce.
If berries aren’t popping after 5 minutes of boiling, increase heat slightly until you hear frequent popping sounds.
5. Achieve Your Preferred Consistency
The immersion blender step determines your final texture. For chunky cranberry orange sauce similar to McAlister’s, pulse just 3-4 times on low. For a smoother sauce reminiscent of Tyler Florence cranberry sauce, blend on high for 15-20 seconds.
Remember that the sauce thickens considerably during refrigeration, so it should look slightly looser than your desired final consistency while warm.
6. The Chilling Time is Non-Negotiable
While it’s tempting to serve this cranberry sauce recipe with orange immediately, the 2-hour minimum chill time allows the pectin to fully activate and the flavors to meld.
The sauce transforms from a loose, warm compote into a thick, spreadable condiment during refrigeration.
For optimal flavor development and texture, prepare this copycat McAlister’s cranberry orange sauce recipe at least one day ahead.
7. Spice Adjustments and Additions
While cinnamon is the signature warm spice in this recipe, you can customize the flavor profile.
Add ¼ teaspoon ground ginger for warmth, a pinch of nutmeg for depth, or 2-3 whole cloves (removed before blending) for complexity.
For a more Tyler Florence cranberry sauce approach, add 1 tablespoon of orange juice during the last 5 minutes of simmering for sophisticated depth.
Storage and Reheating Guidance
Store your McAlister’s cranberry orange sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The sauce can also be frozen in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
This cranberry orange sauce is best served cold directly from the refrigerator-no reheating necessary, which preserves its thick, gelled texture perfectly.
McAlister's Cranberry Orange Sauce Recipe
If you’re craving the signature sweet-tart flavor served at McAlister’s Deli, this McAlister’s cranberry orange sauce recipe is the perfect way to recreate it at home. Inspired by the restaurant favorite, this sauce captures the bright balance of tangy cranberries and fresh citrus that makes it so memorable. It’s a must-try for anyone who loves classic deli flavors with a homemade touch.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (about 4 cups) fresh cranberries, rinsed and sorted
- 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed recommended)
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¾ cup coconut sugar (or substitute with white granulated sugar or brown sugar)
- ¼ cup honey
- Zest of 1 orange, freshly grated
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Fresh Cranberries
Rinse 1 pound of fresh cranberries under cold running water in a colander. Carefully sort through them, picking out and discarding any stems, leaves, or damaged berries. Pat dry gently if desired.
Step 2: Start the Sauce Base
Add the prepared cranberries to a medium saucepan. Place over low heat to warm the berries slightly for 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Seasonings
Pour in 1 cup of orange juice. Add 1½ teaspoons of ground cinnamon, ¾ cup coconut sugar, and ¼ cup honey to the saucepan.
Step 4: Incorporate Orange Zest
Using a fine grater, zest 1 orange directly into the saucepan, being careful to avoid the bitter white pith. Stir all ingredients together thoroughly.
Step 5: Bring to a Boil
Increase the heat to medium-high. Stir the mixture continuously until it comes to a rolling boil. You’ll hear the cranberries begin to pop-this is completely normal and essential for creating the thick sauce texture.
Step 6: Simmer the Cranberry Mixture
Once boiling vigorously with cranberries popping, reduce the heat to low. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Most cranberries should burst and soften during this time.
Step 7: Blend to Desired Consistency
Remove from heat. Using an immersion blender on low speed, pulse the mixture directly in the saucepan to achieve a chunky sauce consistency. For a smoother cranberry orange sauce, blend on high speed for 10-15 seconds. Alternatively, carefully transfer the hot mixture to a traditional blender, pulse to your preferred texture, then return to the saucepan.
Step 8: Chill and Set
Pour the warm cranberry orange sauce into a serving bowl. Allow it to cool at room temperature for 15 minutes, then cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. The sauce will thicken and develop a beautiful gelled texture as it chills. For best flavor development, prepare 1-2 days ahead.
Step 9: Serve
Serve the McAlister’s cranberry orange sauce cold alongside your favorite dishes. The chilled sauce will have a spreadable, jam-like consistency perfect for sandwiches and platters.
Notes
Store your McAlister’s cranberry orange sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The sauce can also be frozen in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. This cranberry orange sauce is best served cold directly from the refrigerator-no reheating necessary, which preserves its thick, gelled texture perfectly.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 80
Common Queries and FAQs
Q: Can I make this McAlister’s cranberry orange sauce recipe ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This copycat McAlister’s cranberry orange sauce actually improves with time. Prepare it 1-3 days before serving to allow flavors to develop fully. The sauce stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, making it perfect for holiday meal prep.
Q: What’s the difference between this and regular cranberry sauce?
A: McAlister’s copycat orange cranberry sauce features bright citrus notes from orange juice and fresh zest, plus warm cinnamon spice that traditional cranberry sauce typically lacks. The honey and coconut sugar combination creates a more complex sweetness profile than standard recipes, while the chunky-smooth texture is more refined than canned varieties.
Q: Can I substitute dried cranberries for fresh cranberries?
A: Fresh cranberries are essential for this cranberry sauce recipe with orange because they contain natural pectin that creates the proper gelled texture when heated. Dried cranberries won’t pop or release pectin the same way, resulting in a completely different consistency that won’t replicate the McAlister’s version.
Q: Why isn’t my cranberry orange sauce thickening properly?
A: Insufficient thickening usually occurs from three issues: not boiling vigorously enough to pop most berries, not simmering the full 20 minutes, or not allowing adequate refrigeration time. Ensure you hear frequent popping sounds during boiling, simmer the full duration, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours-preferably overnight-for proper gelling.
Q: Is coconut sugar necessary, or can I use regular sugar?
A: Coconut sugar adds subtle caramel notes to this McAlister’s cranberry orange sauce recipe, but it’s not essential. You can substitute equal amounts of white granulated sugar for a cleaner sweetness, or brown sugar for deeper molasses undertones. All options work well-choose based on your flavor preference and pantry availability.
Q: How can I make this cranberry orange sauce smoother or chunkier?
A: Control texture with your blending technique. For chunkier sauce similar to McAlister’s, pulse your immersion blender just 3-4 times. For Tyler Florence cranberry sauce-style smoothness, blend on high for 15-20 seconds. You can also skip blending entirely for a whole-berry relish, or blend completely smooth for a jam-like consistency.
Q: Can I reduce the sugar content in this recipe?
A: Yes, you can reduce the total sweetener to ½ cup (combining sugar and honey) for a more tart cranberry sauce recipe with orange. Keep in mind that cranberries are naturally very tart, so some sweetness is necessary for balance. Taste during cooking and adjust-you can always add more sweetener, but you can’t remove it once added.
Q: What dishes pair best with McAlister’s cranberry orange sauce?
A: This versatile copycat McAlister’s cranberry orange sauce complements roasted turkey, grilled chicken, baked turkey ham, and cheese boards.
It’s also excellent on sandwiches, mixed into yogurt, spread on biscuits, or served alongside cream cheese and crackers as an appetizer. The sweet-tart citrus flavor enhances both savory proteins and breakfast items beautifully.
Final Words
This copycat McAlister’s cranberry orange sauce recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with simple, wholesome ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
The combination of tart cranberries, bright orange essence, warm cinnamon, and natural sweeteners creates a versatile condiment that elevates everything from holiday turkey to everyday sandwiches.
With just 35 minutes of total hands-on time and the convenience of make-ahead preparation, you’ll never need store-bought cranberry sauce again.
Try this McAlister’s copycat orange cranberry sauce for your next gathering and watch it become your new signature dish!
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