We’ve always loved experimenting with bold flavors, and our cranberry aioli sauce recipe brings a festive twist to the classic creamy spread. Originating from Mediterranean roots aioli gets a seasonal upgrade with tart cranberries making it ideal for holiday feasts or everyday dips.
This vibrant sauce combines garlic’s punch with cranberry’s zing creating a versatile condiment that’ll elevate your meals. We’re confident you’ll find it simple to whip up and endlessly adaptable whether you’re pairing it with turkey or sandwiches.
Ingredients
In our cranberry aioli sauce recipe, we gather fresh, high-quality ingredients that blend the creamy richness of traditional aioli with the tart vibrancy of cranberries. This combination creates a versatile condiment perfect for elevating holiday dishes or everyday meals, as we discussed earlier.
To prepare this sauce, start with the base elements and move to flavor enhancers. Here’s our curated list of ingredients, ordered as they are typically used:
- Mayonnaise: 1 cup (full-fat, for a creamy base that provides the smooth texture we love in aioli).
- Fresh cranberries: 1 cup (whole, rinsed and roughly chopped to release their tart juices and add a festive pop of color and flavor).
- Garlic cloves: 3 medium cloves (minced finely for a pungent, aromatic kick that forms the heart of our sauce).
- Lemon juice: 2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed from 1 lemon, to balance the sweetness and add a bright, zesty acidity).
- Extra-virgin olive oil: 2 tablespoons (for emulsifying and enhancing the Mediterranean essence with its fruity notes).
- Honey or sugar: 1 tablespoon (to taste, helping to mellow the tartness of the cranberries and achieve a harmonious sweetness).
- Salt and black pepper: ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper (freshly ground, to season and amplify the overall flavors without overpowering).
These ingredients ensure our cranberry aioli sauce is not only easy to whip up but also packed with sensory appeal—envision the crisp tartness of cranberries mingling with the garlic’s bold aroma for a condiment that’s both innovative and irresistible.
Tools and Equipment
After selecting our fresh ingredients for the cranberry aioli sauce, we need the right tools to blend them into a smooth, vibrant condiment that elevates any meal. Having the proper equipment ensures efficiency and precision, making our preparation process seamless and enjoyable.
Essential Tools List
To create this cranberry aioli sauce recipe, we recommend the following tools, organized by their order of use:
- Food Processor or Blender: Our go-to for achieving a creamy texture, this tool quickly purees the cranberries and garlic with other ingredients, ensuring a homogeneous mixture that captures the tart essence of the sauce.
- Cutting Board and Sharp Knife: Start with these for chopping garlic and any whole cranberries, allowing us to prepare components efficiently and safely while minimizing waste.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy is key in our recipe, so these help us measure ingredients like lemon juice and honey precisely, guaranteeing balanced flavors every time.
- Mixing Bowl and Whisk: If we’re not using a food processor for everything, this duo lets us combine and emulsify the mixture by hand, incorporating air for a lighter, more velvety consistency.
- Spatula or Rubber Scraper: Perfect for scraping down sides of the blender or bowl, this tool ensures no ingredient is left behind, maximizing the bold cranberry and garlic notes.
- Storage Jar or Container: Once prepared, we use this to store the sauce in the refrigerator, keeping it fresh for up to a week and ready for versatile pairings like holiday turkey or sandwiches.
With these tools on hand, we’re set to move forward with confidence and create a cranberry aioli sauce that’s as easy to make as it is delicious.
Instructions
We guide you through preparing our cranberry aioli sauce with simple, step-by-step instructions that build on the fresh ingredients and tools we’ve outlined. This process ensures a creamy, tangy condiment ready in under 15 minutes.
Prep the Ingredients
First, we gather and prepare the components to achieve the perfect balance of tart cranberries and creamy base. Start by rinsing 1 cup of fresh cranberries under cold water and patting them dry with a paper towel to remove any impurities, ensuring a vibrant, jewel-like appearance in our sauce.
Next, peel and mince 2 garlic cloves using a sharp knife on a cutting board, aiming for fine pieces that release their pungent aroma and blend seamlessly for a bold flavor.
Then, juice 1 lemon to yield about 2 tablespoons, straining out any seeds for a bright, zesty tang that elevates the sauce’s freshness.
Finally, measure out the remaining items: 1 cup of mayonnaise for creaminess, 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil for smoothness, 1 tablespoon of honey or sugar to balance tartness, and ½ teaspoon each of salt and pepper for seasoning. These steps set the stage for a sauce with a vivid red hue and irresistible fruity kick.
Make the Aioli
We combine the prepped ingredients to create our cranberry aioli sauce, blending them into a luscious, velvety spread that tantalizes with its sweet-tart profile and garlic undertones.
Begin by adding the minced garlic, lemon juice, honey or sugar, salt, and pepper into a food processor or blender, pulsing for 10-15 seconds until the garlic is finely chopped and aromatic, releasing a fresh, pungent scent.
Next, incorporate the rinsed cranberries and mayonnaise, then drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil. Blend on medium speed for 30-45 seconds until smooth and creamy, pausing to scrape down the sides with a spatula for even texture—the result is a vibrant pink sauce with a glossy sheen and a delightful tang that awakens your taste buds.
Finally, taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then transfer the aioli to a storage jar. This yields about 1.5 cups of sauce, perfect for pairing with turkey or sandwiches, and it stores well for up to a week in the fridge.
| Yield | Prep Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5 cups | 5 minutes | 15 minutes |
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
To maximize the flavors of our Cranberry Aioli Sauce and ensure it remains fresh, we suggest preparing it ahead of time or storing it properly after making it. This approach lets the tart cranberries and creamy garlic notes develop even more, making it an ideal condiment for busy holiday gatherings or quick weeknight meals.
Make-Ahead Tips
Follow these simple steps to prepare our Cranberry Aioli Sauce in advance:
- Plan your prep time: Make the sauce up to 3 days ahead to allow the flavors to intensify. Simply follow the step-by-step instructions from our earlier section, then cover and refrigerate immediately after blending.
- Enhance the taste: After processing the ingredients, let the sauce rest in the fridge for at least 1 hour before serving. This resting period helps the cranberry acidity balance with the garlic and lemon, creating a smoother, more cohesive spread.
- Scale for events: If you’re serving a crowd, double the recipe to yield about 3 cups. Store portions in separate containers for easy access, ensuring you have enough for multiple uses like holiday appetizers or sandwich spreads.
Storage Tips
Proper storage keeps our Cranberry Aioli Sauce fresh and safe to eat. Always use clean, airtight containers to prevent contamination.
- Refrigerator storage: Transfer the sauce to a glass jar or airtight container and store in the fridge at 40°F (4°C) or below. It will stay fresh for up to 1 week, maintaining its vibrant pink color and creamy texture.
- Freezer option: For longer storage, portion the sauce into ice cube trays or freezer-safe bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before use, and give it a quick stir to restore its smooth consistency.
- Signs of spoilage: Check for off odors, mold, or separation before using. If you notice any, discard the sauce to avoid foodborne risks.
| Storage Method | Duration | Best Practices |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 1 week | Use airtight container; keep below 40°F (4°C) |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months | Portion into small amounts; thaw slowly in fridge |
Conclusion
We’ve crafted this cranberry aioli to bring a fresh burst of flavor to your kitchen adventures. It’s a simple way to elevate everyday meals or holiday spreads with its vibrant twist.
Trust us it’s versatile and fun to experiment with so dive in and enjoy the results in your next gathering.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is cranberry aioli sauce?
Cranberry aioli sauce is a festive twist on traditional aioli, blending creamy Mediterranean origins with tart cranberries. It’s a versatile condiment that adds vibrant flavor to holiday feasts, sandwiches, or turkey dishes, combining garlic and cranberry for a tangy, creamy spread that’s easy to prepare and perfect for everyday use.
What ingredients are needed for cranberry aioli sauce?
You’ll need mayonnaise, fresh cranberries, garlic, lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil, honey or sugar, and salt and pepper. These high-quality ingredients mix creamy richness with tart vibrancy, creating a flavorful sauce in minutes that’s ideal for enhancing meals.
What tools are required to make cranberry aioli sauce?
Essential tools include a food processor or blender for a smooth texture, a cutting board and sharp knife for prep, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, a mixing bowl and whisk for blending, and a spatula for mixing. These basics help create the sauce quickly and efficiently.
How do you make cranberry aioli sauce?
Start by prepping ingredients: rinse cranberries, mince garlic, and juice lemon. Combine everything in a food processor or blender, blending until smooth. It takes under 15 minutes to make about 1.5 cups of vibrant pink sauce, ready to elevate your dishes.
Can you make cranberry aioli sauce ahead of time?
Yes, prepare it up to three days in advance for better flavor. Let it rest in the fridge for at least an hour before serving to enhance taste. This makes it convenient for gatherings, and you can easily double the recipe if needed.
How should you store cranberry aioli sauce?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze portions for up to three months. Always use clean utensils to avoid contamination, and check for signs of spoilage like off odors or mold before use.
How long does cranberry aioli sauce last?
Freshly made sauce lasts up to a week in the fridge when stored properly in an airtight container. Frozen portions can last up to three months, but thaw in the fridge and use within a day or two for the best quality and safety.