• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Contact
  • Subscribe

Jo's Kitchen Larder

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • About
    • Contact
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Dips, Spreads, Sauces

    Published: Dec 8, 2018 · Modified: Jan 4, 2022 by joskitchenlarder · 20 Comments. · This post may contain affiliate links ·

    Easy Cranberry Compote (Sauce) with Rosemary

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe Bookmark Bookmarked!
    Cranberry sauce in a bowl with sprig of rosemary.

    Super versatile this Easy Cranberry Compote (Sauce) with Rosemary is not only for Christmas! Pair it with cold meats or roasts for savoury fare or try on pancakes or with ice cream for a delightful treat!

    Quick Cranberry Compote with Rosemary

    With fresh cranberries now widely available in the shops and markets, there really is no excuse not to give this super easy, Easy Cranberry Compote (Sauce) with Rosemary a go. Four ingredients and 20 minutes of your time is all it takes for this fabulous and beyond tasty Christmas side dish! However, bare in mind that this delightful take on cranberry sauce is not only for Christmas, oh no! It is a perfect accompaniment well beyond the festive season and as it happens, it is perfect with not only savoury but also sweet delights!

    This recipe is so easy and so delicious that you will think twice before cracking open that shop bought sauce you've got in the cupboard. It is simply beyond compare despite its simplicity. The season in which you can source fresh cranberries in the UK is very short but fret not as this recipe can also be made using frozen fruit which is widely available.

    Can I adapt recipe for Easy Cranberry Compote (Sauce) with Rosemary and how?

    When making this cranberry compote I decided to go for simplicity and let both cranberries and that umami hint of rosemary shine through.

    I've gone for orange juice to cook the cranberries in but feel free to use just water or half water and half juice. You could even use some cranberry juice! If you want things a bit more zesty you might want to add an orange peel or two, or maybe even a splash of port?

    The citrusy tang of orange juice and woodiness of rosemary comes through ever so subtly and then it hits you! It really is delicious! Make sure you don't put rosemary in too early though as it can make your compote quite bitter (trust me, I've been there, done that).

    Cranberry sauce in a serving bowl with a sprig of rosemary.

    Storing and freezing tips!

    When it comes to storing, this little festive side dish is perfect if you are preparing things in advance. Once cooked it can be stored, well chilled, in the fridge for up to 14 days.

    It also freezes really well in freezer safe bags or containers  for up to 3 months. To defrost, simply take it out of the freezer and pop into the fridge overnight and enjoy the following day.

    Serving suggestions for Easy Cranberry Compote (Sauce) with Rosemary!

    If you are wondering what you can serve this delight with beside the obvious choice of Christmas turkey, I would highly recommend it as accompaniment to any Sunday roast (chicken and duck in particular), cold meats and of course sweet delights! Yes I know, cranberry compote (sauce) might not be associated with desserts in particular but I encourage you to give it a go. I absolutely  love it on crepe style pancakes, very simple yet so delicious (you can find my foolproof classic pancakes recipe HERE).

    I have used this lovely compote in my delicious, easy and super impressive dessert Pancakes (Crepes) with Mascarpone Cream & Cranberry Compote. Perfect for Pancake Day and Valentine's Day too!

    Easy Cranberry Compote with Rosemary
    Print Pin
    5 from 8 votes

    Easy Cranberry Compote (Sauce) with Rosemary

    Super versatile this Easy Cranberry Compote (Sauce) with Rosemary is not only for Christmas! Pair it with cold meats or roasts for savoury fare or try on pancakes or with ice cream for a delightful treat!
    Course compote, Dessert, Sauce, Side Dish
    Cuisine American, British
    Keyword Christmas, cranberry compote, cranberry sauce, Thanksgiving
    Prep Time 5 minutes
    Cook Time 15 minutes
    Total Time 20 minutes
    Servings 1 Medium size jar
    Calories 541kcal
    Author Jo Allison

    Ingredients

    Metric - US Customary
    • 250 g fresh or frozen cranberries
    • 100 g light brown sugar
    • 100 ml orange juice
    • 1 sprig of fresh rosemary

    Instructions

    • Rinse cranberries (only if using fresh) in some cold water and drain.
    • Put sugar and orange juice in a medium pan and bring to gentle boil stirring to help sugar dissolve.
    • Add cranberries and simmer on low heat (stirring from time to time) for about 12-15 min until the fruit starts to soften and burst but still holds its shape (it will take less time if using frozen fruit). For mushier consistency cook for longer.
    • Towards the end of cooking time for last 2-3 minutes add one sprig of rosemary and make sure it is immersed in the fruit.
    • At the end of cooking time and once you are happy with the consistency of your compote take the pan off the heat and discard rosemary.
    • Enjoy!

    Notes

    • Nutritional information is approximate, for entire jar of the compote and meant as a guideline only.
    • Well chilled, the compote will keep in the fridge for 10-14 days.
    • Freeze in a freezer safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight.

    Nutrition

    Nutrition Facts
    Easy Cranberry Compote (Sauce) with Rosemary
    Amount Per Serving (0 g)
    Calories 541
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 0g0%
    Saturated Fat 0g0%
    Cholesterol 0mg0%
    Sodium 34mg1%
    Potassium 545mg16%
    Carbohydrates 139g46%
    Fiber 11g44%
    Sugar 115g128%
    Protein 1g2%
    Vitamin A 350IU7%
    Vitamin C 83.2mg101%
    Calcium 114mg11%
    Iron 1.5mg8%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    Tried this recipe?Tag me @Joskitchenlarder or use hashtag #joskitchenlarder!

    ***This post has been first published in February 2018 and updated in December 2018***

    SOME MORE FESTIVE RECIPES YOU MIGHT ENJOY:

    Vegan Roast Potatoes

    Vegan Onion Gravy

    Roasted Brussels sprouts with Balsamic Vinegar & Walnuts

    Easy Roasted Butternut Squash Veggie Wellington

    Braised Red Cabbage

    Sage and Onion Stuffing (Vegan)

    Mushroom and Walnut Pâté (Vegan)

    Roasted Brussels sprouts with Parmesan & Garlic

    Brussels sprouts, Bacon & Chestnuts Macaroni Cheese

    Party Sausages with Honey & Mustard Glaze

    Easy Cheese Puffs (Gougeres)

    Easy Chocolate Gingerbread Biscuits

    Melt In Your Mouth Almondy Mince Pies

    Dark Chocolate Cranberry Chestnut Cookies

    Puff Pastry Mince Pie Swirls

    MAKE SURE YOU STAY UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST RECIPES FROM JO’S KITCHEN LARDER

    Subscribe to our mailing list




    Have you tried my Easy Cranberry Compote (Sauce) with Rosemary? Leave a comment at the bottom of this post, I love reading them!

    You can also come and say hello over on my Facebook page, Twitter, Instagram or Pinterest

    Pin Easy Cranberry Compote (Sauce) with Rosemary For  Later!

    Cranberry sauce in a bowl with sprig of rosemary.

    Linkies

    Cook Blog Share with Everyday Healthy Recipes and Easy Peasy Foodie, Cook Once Eat Twice

    More Dips, Spreads & Sauces Recipes

    • Vegan Egg Salad
    • Easy Vegan Parmesan (2 Ways)
    • Vegan Onion Gravy
    • Blackberry Vinegar
    56 shares

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Please leave a comment & rating if you've made my recipe! Feel free to ask questions too, I reply to all! Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




      This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    1. Mayuri Patel says

      December 21, 2018 at 6:52 pm

      5 stars
      I don't mind rosemary in anything, adding to a cranberry compote is a wonderful suggestion. I can imagine how it would taste with pancakes or even topped on cheesecake.

      Reply
      • joskitchenlarder says

        December 23, 2018 at 10:26 pm

        Thank you Mayuri! 🙂 It goes beautifully with pancakes and I do love your cheesecake topping suggestion too!

        Reply
    2. Julia Frey says

      December 21, 2018 at 2:43 pm

      5 stars
      Such a lovely pairing with any meat on your holiday table, isn't it?! I love the addition of rosemary!

      Reply
      • joskitchenlarder says

        December 23, 2018 at 10:25 pm

        Thank you Julia! 🙂 I totally agree 🙂

        Reply
    3. Angela Roberts says

      December 21, 2018 at 2:19 pm

      5 stars
      I"ve recently had a cranberry rosemary compote with beef and it was fantastic. This is pretty and great for holidays.

      Reply
      • joskitchenlarder says

        December 23, 2018 at 10:24 pm

        Thank you Angela! 🙂 It really is such a delicious accompaniment to so many dishes but meats in particular.

        Reply
    4. Mandy says

      December 21, 2018 at 11:46 am

      5 stars
      Yum! Love cranberries in every way possible and your cranberry compote with rosemary sounds utterly delicious. Can't wait to try this.

      Reply
      • joskitchenlarder says

        December 23, 2018 at 10:23 pm

        Thanks Mandy! 🙂 Cranberries are fantastic and I love that they bring a little bit of colour too!

        Reply
    5. Choclette says

      December 20, 2018 at 8:25 pm

      5 stars
      I make cranberry sauce every year. As you say it's so quick and easy and knocks the socks off any commercial brand. Rosemary sounds like a lovely addition and what a splendid colour you've achieved. Maybe I cook mine for too long as I've never achieved such a gloriously bright colour. Wishing you and yours a very Marry Christmas and I hope you manage to get some relaxation time.

      Reply
      • joskitchenlarder says

        December 20, 2018 at 9:16 pm

        Thank you Choclette and very Merry Christmas to you too! 🙂

        Reply
    6. Angie | Fiesta Friday says

      December 17, 2018 at 12:59 am

      5 stars
      Good thing I still have fresh cranberries left from Thanksgiving. They last for a long time it seems in the fridge. Btw, is there a December Baking Crumbs Linky? I can't find it!

      Reply
      • joskitchenlarder says

        December 17, 2018 at 1:02 pm

        Fresh cranberries are definitely quite hardy and last long don't they! December #Baking Crumbs are hosted this month by Jenny over at Apply To Face Blog so feel free to pop in there and link up Angie 🙂 I will be doing December round up and January link up after New Year!

        Reply
    7. Anna | Once Upon A Food Blog says

      December 12, 2018 at 3:18 pm

      I love Cranberries at Christmas time or any time I'm eating poultry. I've never thought of putting them with pancakes but it sounds like a great idea. This compote looks delicious.

      Reply
      • joskitchenlarder says

        December 20, 2018 at 9:23 pm

        Thank you Anna! It really works a treat with pancakes too. It adds a bit of sweet and savoury note to them, you've got to try it! 🙂 x

        Reply
    8. Monika Dabrowski says

      February 04, 2018 at 8:57 am

      Such a simple yet tasty recipe, the rosemary sounds like an interesting addition to cranberries. I am sure this compote would be great even with ice cream. Thank you for sharing with #CookBlogShare:)

      Reply
      • joskitchenlarder says

        February 04, 2018 at 9:46 am

        Thanks Monika! Absolutely brilliant with ice cream too! 🙂

        Reply
    9. Midge @ Peachicks' Bakery says

      February 03, 2018 at 2:12 pm

      Oooh what a good idea, I'd never thought of putting rosemary in Cranberry sauce - bet its amazing!!

      Reply
      • joskitchenlarder says

        February 03, 2018 at 4:18 pm

        Thanks Midge ? It really is good and smells amazing too!

        Reply
    10. Corina Blum says

      February 03, 2018 at 9:53 am

      This sounds delicious and yes, it's a shame that cranberries tend to get forgotten about after Christmas. I think this would be brilliant on pancakes! Thanks for sharing with #CookOnceEatTwice x

      Reply
      • joskitchenlarder says

        February 03, 2018 at 4:16 pm

        Thanks Corina! I do love sweet tartness of cranberries against sweet and savoury dishes. When I tried this compote with pancakes I was sold! So good! Good thing is you can get frozen cranberries all year round now so scope for making this little condiment is there no matter what time of year it is! 🙂 x

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi! I’m Jo and this blog is where I share lots of simple, family friendly and mostly plant based recipes we enjoy eating and now you can easily recreate at home.

    More about me →

    Trending

    • Irish Soda Bread with Yogurt
    • Easy Wholemeal Bread Recipe (No Knead)
    • Vegetarian Sausage Rolls Recipe
    • Healthy Banana Flapjacks

    Footer

    ^ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy & Disclosures

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2017- 2023 Jo's Kitchen Larder | All Rights Reserved