In a fit of productivity, I made several large batches of cranberry sauce last weekend and now have more than I can ever consume! I know some recipes that would benefit from the cranberry sauce, but I don’t have the time to make all of these dishes immediately. It would be nice to have a way to store cranberry sauce and then just use it as needed.
Cranberry sauce, often paired with roast turkey, is not just a Thanksgiving staple! You can use it to spruce up everyday dishes, or even as a sweet treat after meals. Having some on hand can be useful in case you feel quite creative in the kitchen.
Quick Answer
Cranberry sauce can be stored and frozen for future use. Both canned cranberry sauce and those made from scratch can be placed in the freezer with correct preparation. Simply place the sauce inside airtight containers or plastic zipping freezer bags to avoid changes in the quality.
Can You Freeze Cranberry Sauce?
The texture of frozen cranberry sauce will change once it has been thawed. The sauce may become less thick, or it may become somewhat watery. You can opt to mix the sauce after thawing.
Since the cranberry sauce might be placed inside the freezer with other kinds of food, make sure to seal with plastic wrap to prevent any odors from transferring, as well as to avoid freezer burn.
Canned cranberry sauce, if opened, can still be stored inside the freezer. Remember to place it inside an airtight container, and use within two months time.
Fresh cranberries can also be frozen. You can keep them inside their original container, or transfer them into tightly sealed freezer bags. These cranberries can be stored for up to a year.
As an alternative to the freezer, you can store cranberry sauce inside your refrigerator within two hours after making it. Keep it inside a covered container, but make sure to use it within two weeks.
If you want to store your cranberry sauce but you don’t have space left in your fridge, you can choose to can them instead. Place the jars in a cool dry place to preserve them without freezing.
How To Preserve Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry sauce can be preserved in two ways: by freezing and by canning them. Keep your leftovers for future meals with these easy steps:
- Make the cranberry sauce as usual, but try to reduce heat after dissolving the sugar completely.
- While still hot, portion the sauce into clean canning jars. Make sure that there are no air bubbles and that there is enough headspace inside the jar.
- Can the jars using a water bath canner for around 15 minutes at high heat.
- After the process, let the jars cool for 5 minutes.
- Let the sauce jars settle for around 12 to 24 hours in room temperature.
- Check the seal to ensure that the cranberry sauce has been properly canned. Wipe or rinse the jar to remove any sticky residue. Don’t forget to label the jar with the product name and date of preservation.
- Keep the jars in a cool dry place, and use within a year.
- To freeze the cranberry sauce, prepare the recipe as usual.
- Once cooled, chill the sauce for a few hours in the refrigerator, or until it is chilled completely.
- Place into freezer-safe containers, tempered jars, or plastic zipping bags. Thaw the cranberry sauce in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the morning if needed.
- You can now store your leftover cranberry sauce and use it as a sweet twist in your future meals!
How To Use Up Extra/Leftover Cranberry Sauce?
Cranberry sauce is a holiday staple, but what do you do with the leftovers? Here are five delicious ways to use up your leftover cranberry sauce:
- Make a Cranberry Sauce Milkshake – Combine 1 cup of cranberry sauce with 1 cup of vanilla ice cream and 1 cup of milk in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into glasses and enjoy!
- Add it to Yogurt – Give your yogurt a flavor boost by stirring in some leftover cranberry sauce. This is a great way to start your day or enjoy a healthy snack.
- Use it as a Topping for Oatmeal – Cranberry sauce makes a great topping for oatmeal. Just add it on top of your hot oatmeal with some chopped nuts and you’ll have a delicious and healthy breakfast.
- Make Cranberry Sauce Cookies – Combine 1 cup of cranberry sauce with 2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a bowl and stir until combined. Add in 1/2 cup of butter and stir until the mixture is crumbly. Add 1 egg and 1/2 cup of sugar and stir until well combined. Fold in 1 cup of chopped nuts (optional). Drop dough by spoonfuls onto a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes. These cookies are delicious and perfect for the holidays!
- Make Cranberry Sauce Cake – Combine 2 cups of cranberry sauce with 2 cups of self-rising flour, 1 cup of sugar, and 1 cup of milk in a bowl and stir until well combined. Pour into a greased and floured cake pan and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30-35 minutes. This cake is moist and delicious, and perfect for the holidays!
So there you have it – five delicious ways to use up your leftover cranberry sauce. Next time you find yourself with extra cranberry sauce, try one of these recipes and enjoy!
Cranberry Sauce Recipes
If you want to have something to munch on during a girls’ night in, a quick and easy meal to prepare is the Cranberry Sauce and Brie Bites. These bite-sized snacks are delicious with wine!
Do you have a craving for some pastries? Use that extra cranberry sauce as filling for your sweet treat, Cranberry Tartlets. Add a dollop of whipped cream and you’re good to go.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Y0yJvZnAdE
For that classic turkey and cranberry sauce pairing, prepare this tasty Clubhouse Turkey Dip Sandwich. Making use of your Thanksgiving leftovers, this recipe is a time and money saver!
Wrap Up
Yes, you can freeze cranberry sauce. Frozen cranberry sauce will last up to 3 months in the freezer if stored properly. Follow these easy steps for freezing cranberry sauce: Wash the cranberries, place them in a pot over medium heat. Add sugar, water, orange juice and zest. Allow the cranberry sauce to simmer for about 15 minutes or until it becomes thick and lumpy. Pour your cranberry sauce into a container with no air, allow it to cool down before putting in the freezer bag, make sure you push out all of the air while sealing tightly (to avoid freezer burn), store properly, and label the bag with today’s date.
How are you planning to use your frozen cranberry sauce? Let me know in the comment section below.