42 Orange Recipes That Will Brighten Up Your Table

All the citrus-packed recipes your heart desires.

By

Hallie Milstein

Updated on August 12, 2024

Ginger-Orange Mocktails — Photo: Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Christina Daley

Give us an orange recipe any day of the week, any month of the year. There's just something about the bright, sweet flavor of the fruit that lends itself to cocktails, cookies, cakes, salads, and more. From our roasted orange chicken recipe to a couple of over-the-top orange cakes, our favorite orange recipes are a zesty crew of must-haves.

Here you'll find citrus-packed recipes that range from weeknight dinner options to holiday showstoppers. Grab a bag of oranges and get started on these bright and zippy recipes.

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White Cake With Cranberry Filling And Orange Buttercream

White Cake With Cranberry Filling and Orange Buttercream — Courtney West

Cranberry and orange is a flavorful duo we can't get enough of, especially during the holiday season. This Christmas white cake sings merrily with the tart, citrus flavors of a cherry, orange, and cranberry filling.

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Lemon-Orange Buttercream Frosting

Lemon-Orange Buttercream Frosting - Southern Living — Morgan Hunt Glaze; Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen; Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey

A few simple citrus additions send classic buttercream frosting over the edge. Use this smooth topping made with both orange and lemon juice on your favorite cakes and cookies to instantly brighten them up.

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Ambrosia Cinnamon Rolls

Ambrosia Cinnamon Rolls — Greg DuPree; Food Stylist: Ali Ramey; Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood

This playful spin on ambrosia is a citrus-filled breakfast winner. There's juicy oranges throughout this dish: juice in the dough, zest in the filling, and segments as a delectable garnish.

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Orange Rolls

Southern Living Orange Rolls in the dish to serve — Stacy K. Allen, Food Stylist: Ali Ramee, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

Start your morning off right with a delectable pastry made with sunshine-y Florida citrus. The gooey orange marmalade center is the ideal way to start the day.

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Key West Chicken

Key West Chicken — Will Dickey

This chicken recipe captures the flavors of South Florida in a tart and sweet marinade made with fresh orange juice and zest. A quick soak in the acidic marinade is all that's need to ensure a juicy grilled chicken breast every time.

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Cranberry-Orange Bundt Cake

cranberry orange bundt cake — Photographer: Isaac Nunn, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn

What Southerner can say no to a scrumptious Bundt cake? We've yet to meet a one. This Bundt takes advantage of the sweet and tart flavors of cranberries and oranges.

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Ginger-Orange Mocktails

Ginger-Orange Mocktails — Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Christina Daley

This tasty non-alcoholic beverage has just four ingredients, including a dash of Angostura orange bitters. Of course, guests can punch it up with a shot of vodka or gin.

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Best Ambrosia Ever

a plate of ambrosia salad — Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke

This best-ever take on ambrosia isn't quite like your grandmother made it, but you just might like it better. We use multiple types of oranges (navel, Cara Cara, and blood oranges) for an array of bright, fresh colors.

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Ginger-Citrus Pork Roast

Southern Living Ginger-Citrus Pork Roast on a plate to serve with rice and broccoli — Greg Dupree, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

"Made the pork a few weeks ago and put the leftovers in the freezer. Used them tonight for leftovers and it was even better the second time around! The pork was so flavorful, tender and juicy!" writes one Southern Living reader of this weeknight dinner made with fresh orange juice.

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Cranberry-Orange Muffins

Southern Living Cranberry Orange Muffins after baking — Molly Bolton

We love cranberry orange muffins for their cozy flavor profile—sweet, tart, and citrusy, with a touch of warmth from spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. This recipe is made similarly to many butter-based cakes, which results in a lighter, softer, more tender muffin.

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Honey-Soy-Glazed Salmon With Veggies And Oranges

Honey-Soy-Glazed Salmon with Veggies and Oranges — Alison Miksch

Roasting oranges with your salmon will enhance the dish's brightness and flavor. This quick citrus supper is ready in under half an hour.

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Cranberry-Orange Butter Cookies

Cranberry-Orange Butter Cookies — Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

This recipe makes two logs of dough that need to be chilled before slicing and baking. Alternatively, you can freeze one for later. Just thaw it in the fridge before slicing. Bonus points for no egg in the dough, which means you (and your crew of happy helpers) can snag a taste before baking.

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Homemade Orange Rolls

Homemade Orange Rolls — Greg Dupree; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

These rolls are the real deal—utterly decadent, with a zippy, orange-infused spin that you won't be able to resist. We recommend serving them with a sausage casserole and a bubbly mimosa.

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Cranberry-Orange Cake With Orange Buttercream

Cranberry-Orange Cake with Orange Buttercream — Photographer: Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Emily Neighbors Hall Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

The fresh oranges garnishing the top of this decadent layer cake top off a citrus confection that practically begs for a second slice. Orange zest and fresh-squeezed juice add brightness and balance the tart cranberries.

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Orange-Rosemary Roast Chicken

Orange-Rosemary Roast Chicken — Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

This is a weeknight winner all cooked up on a single sheet pan. Potatoes, rosemary, chicken thighs, Kalamata and Castelvetrano olives, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, and two naval oranges bring loads of flavor to the table.

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Cranberry-Orange Bread

Cranberry-Orange Bread — Alison Miksch; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

This homemade quick bread bursts with bright flavor thanks to the orange zest in the batter. Even more zest and orange juice is added to the icing on the cake.

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Cranberry Orange Sauce

Cranberry Orange Sauce — Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox

A classically elevated cranberry sauce, this Thanksgiving staple owes some of its holiday magic to freshly squeezed orange juice. Let it simmer on the stove while the rest of the meal comes together.

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Blood Orange Holiday Punch

Blood Orange Holiday Punch — Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Ruby red oranges guarantee a punch that's as vibrant as it is flavorful. This superb sipper is as good a reason as any to break out your punch bowl, and is soon to become your signature once everyone at the gathering catches an eyeful, then tastes a cup-full.

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Spiced Orange Rolls

Spiced orange rolls in green casserole dish — Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

Waking up to the tantalizing smell of Spiced Orange Rolls baking in the oven is a present for the whole household. Serve them with savory sides like bacon or a quiche, and you'll have the whole breakfast crew singing your praises.

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Orange Sherbet Punch

Orange Sherbet Punch — Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Ali Ramee, Prop Stylist Heather Chadduck

Put your old punch bowl to use for this much-loved drink made with two kinds of sherbet, ginger ale, and fresh juices. Dress it up with orange slices on top.

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Luscious Orange Panna Cotta

Luscious Orange Panna Cotta — Jennifer Davick; Styling: Lydia DeGaris Pursell

This orange eggless custard is an impressive dessert that will earn you the title of dessert royalty. Toss the orange sections with turbinado sugar, rather than granulated, for a richer flavor.

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Orange Chess Pie With Cranberry Gelée

Orange chess pie with cranberry gelÃ©e on white plate — Antonis Achilleos; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Lydia Pursell

The citrus filling in this luscious layered dessert is utterly delightful, especially paired with the tartness of the cranberry jelly layer. Be patient with this pie; it needs to be chilled completely before finishing.

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Fresh Citrus Cupcakes With Orange Buttercream

Fresh Citrus Cupcakes With Orange Buttercream — Beth Dreiling Hontzas; Styling: Buffy Hargett

These cupcakes offer tantalizing bright, citrus-filled bites all the way through. Orange zest and juice add vibrant flavor to these adorable miniature treats.

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Bourbon-Orange Biscotti

Bourbon-Orange Biscotti — Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Mary Clayton Carl Jones

If you love old-fashioned desserts, this spirited cookie is right up your alley. They're the perfect post-dinner treat and are well-suited for an espresso dip.

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Aperol And Blood Orange-Mint Spritz

Aperol and Blood Orange-Mint Spritz — Peter Frank Edwards

Tart and sweet blood oranges are the stars of this bubbly cocktail, though navel oranges make for an easy swap. The oranges are paired with the Italian aperitif Aperol, along with prosecco and a bit of mint for a sip that is sure to satisfy.

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Orange Cream Granita

Orange Cream Granita — Alison Miksch; Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham

A hot day calls for a refreshing, frozen treat, and this citrus granita is here to answer your prayers. Freshly squeezed orange juice, not from concentrate, is the trick to the tastiest, tangiest flavor.

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Fresh Orange Italian Cream Cake

Fresh Orange Italian Cream Cake — Southern Living

This irresistible dessert has tangy orange curd sandwiched between supple layers of cakes smothered in a pecan-cream cheese frosting. The fresh orange curd needs to chill for eight hours, so be sure to plan ahead.

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Cranberry Dreamsicle Trifle

Cranberry Dreamsicle Trifle

This gorgeous trifle is concocted from frozen pound cake, orange buttercream, and cranberries. Garnish with fluffy whipped cream, white chocolate curls, and rosemary sprigs.

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Spicy Cranberry Orange Relish

Spicy Cranberry Orange Relish — Greg Dupree; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

A much more interesting take on the Thanksgiving staple, this spicy-sweet cranberry sauce packs in loads more flavor than the canned stuff. Juice from one orange adds brightness while a jalapeño brings heat.

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Southern Sunrise Cocktail

Southern Living Tequila Sunrise two cocktails next to each other ready to serve — Stacy K. Allen; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

This summertime favorite cocktail has a short ingredient list that features, you guessed it, oranges. Mix in some tequila and grenadine, and you've got a winning summer sipper.

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Baked Ham With Brown Sugar-Citrus Glaze

Baked Ham with Brown Sugar-Citrus Glaze — Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer

A fresh and fruity finish is exactly what your holiday ham needs. Make sure to garnish with oranges too for a pretty presentation and temping citrus aroma.

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Texas Margarita

glasses of texas margarita with orange half moons and salt — Will Dickey

Unlike a typical margarita, this recipe serves up Texas-sized flavor thanks to fresh orange juice. A salt rim and orange wedge are the perfect way to garnish this twist on a classic cocktail.

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Classic Cranberry Salad

Classic Cranberry Salad — Emily Laurae

Cranberry salad wouldn't be the holiday staple it is without the help of oranges. This recipe uses the juice of two oranges to complement the other tasty fruits and nuts.

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Fresh Fig, Pecan, And Orange Crostata

Southern Living Fresh Fig, Pecan, And Orange Crostata — Antonis Achilleos, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn

Store-bought pie dough makes this rustic pie-like dessert filled with jammy figs, tangy cream cheese, and crunchy pecans extra easy. The secret to success with this dessert is mounding the fruit in the middle so none of the juices leak.

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Romaine Salad With Oranges And Radishes

Southern Living Romaine Salad With Oranges and Radishes on serving platter — Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Melissa Gray; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

Crunchy yet tender romaine lettuce shares the spotlight with crisp, peppery radishes and sweet pops of juicy orange segments in this salad. This zesty recipe will stand out alongside a flavorful main dish like roasted lamb.

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Orange Chiffon Cake

orange chiffon cake on a cake stand with coffee around — Photographer: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer

We thought that chiffon cake was as good as it got, but adding oranges to the mix is a game-changer. This delicate cake is light as air and tasty as can be with subtle notes of citrus.

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Orange-Roll Coffee Cake

Southern Living Orange Roll Coffee Cake sliced on a plate to serve with a cup of coffee — Greg Dupree, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

Senior Lifestyle Editor Ivy Odom's Orange-Roll Coffee Cake combines coffee cake and orange rolls into one gorgeous treat. The versatile cake can be made in a tube or Bundt pan, and can even be frozen so there's always something to satisfy your sweet tooth in the freezer.

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Mimosas

How to Make a Mimosa — Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox

What would brunch be without this classic two-ingredient cocktail? Although Champagne is traditional, any sparkling wine will work here, like cava or prosecco.

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Strawberry-Orange Fools

Southern Living Strawberry-Orange Fools in the glasses to serve — Greg Dupree, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen

Inspired by folks across the pond, this British dessert gets an American twist. Rustic layers of strawberries and oranges are stacked parfait-style with whipped cream, crushed waffle cones, and for a boozy kick, a splash of orange liqueur.

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Black-Eyed Susan

Southern Living Black Eyed Susan cocktail in glasses to serve — Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

What the mint julep is to the Kentucky Derby, the Black-Eyed Susan drink is to the Preakness Stakes. Recipes for the classic cocktail vary, but orange juice and vodka are staples, and our cocktail only requires three other ingredients to pull it all together.

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Five Golden Rings Fruit Salad

Southern Living Five Golden Rings Fruit Salad — Greg Dupree; Prop Stylist: Ginny Branch; Food Stylist: Micah Morton

This fruit salad features three kinds of oranges: Cara Cara, classic navel oranges, and red blood oranges, too. Although this salad has a Christmas-themed name, you can serve it all citrus season long.

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Mama Mae's Ambrosia Salad

Mama Mae's Ambrosia Salad — Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood

"For three generations, this ambrosia salad recipe has been served in a beautiful clear grass-green fluted glass bowl that is almost 90 years old. My grandmother received that bowl as a wedding gift in 1929, and it has been adorning sideboards while holding that scrumptious orange and coconut concoction at countless Christmas meals over the years," writes Nellah Bailey McGough, Southern Living's Business Operations Manager.

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