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Can You Freeze Cranberry Sauce? Learn the best tips and tricks to freeze cranberry sauce this holiday season.

Cranberry sauce in a bowl with slice lemons in the background with cranberries on the side
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You might be wondering if you can freeze cranberry sauce made from fresh cranberries and the answer is yes. However, homemade cranberry sauce freezes better than the canned variety.

Cranberry Sauce is delicious side dish served with Oven Roast Turkey Breast Recipe and Crockpot Spiral Ham. Make your cranberry sauce ahead of time to serve with your holiday meal to save time.

Why This Recipe Works

We always have leftover cranberry sauce after our holiday meal. These tips will help save your leftovers so you can enjoy the taste of the holidays for several months.

You can enjoy it with your oatmeal with cinnamon and brown sugar or even yogurt. We like to freeze in small portions so I can easily serve for breakfast or with Roast Chicken.

Keep reading for all the details and information you need to freeze these leftovers.

Cranberry Sauce in a bowl with a serving on a spoon

Can You Freeze Homemade Cranberry Sauce?

Yes, you certainly can. It freezes really well. Make sure the cranberry sauce is cool and put inside an airtight freezer-safe container.

You can use freezer-safe bags or containers. If you are short on freezer space, I suggest using freezer bags because they take up less room. The bags can stack and lay flat.

It can be frozen up to 3 months.

Can You Freeze Canned Cranberry Sauce?

It is not recommended. This type of cranberry sauce from the grocery store separates and the jellied texture changes. You will find it hard to slice and eat as a side dish.

However, it is still good to use in recipes with cranberry sauce. I just don’t suggest eating it alone.

Cranberry Orange Crock Pot Pork Tenderloin is a tasty example of how to use frozen cranberry sauce. Since it is mixed into another dish, it would be fine using it from the freezer.

If you decide to freeze canned cranberry sauce to use in recipes, make sure to use an airtight container to prevent freezer burn. It will keep up to 2 to 3 months.

If frozen over a longer period of time, it will start to lose flavor.

Cranberry sauce in a bowl

How to Thaw Cranberry Sauce?

  • Defrost in the fridge overnight.
  • Stir the cranberry sauce once it has thawed. It might separate a little so just be sure to stir it before serving.
  • Serve cold or warm if desired. If you prefer cranberry sauce warm, just reheat on the stove top on low.

Tips and Tricks

  • Make sure it is completely cool before freezing. It should be room temperature.
  • Freeze in smaller portions for using in recipes. This will help reduce waste and prevent you from thawing out too much.
  • Mark the date on the bags or freezer safe containers. You can easily keep up with how long it will last this way. You can even place in mason jars.
  • Get the air out. Try to get out as much air possible in the plastic bag.

How to Use Frozen Cranberry Sauce?

  • Appetizer. Pour cranberry sauce over a block of cream cheese. This is a delicious snack.
  • Leftover turkey sandwiches. Add cranberry sauce to turkey sandwiches, sliders or quesadillas.
  • Ice cream. It is delicious as a topping for ice cream.
  • Pancakes. For a delicious fall breakfast, top Baked Pancakes. We have even served over toast.

These are just a few suggestions for leftover cranberry sauce. The ideas are endless. I think you will agree how easy and delicious it is.

We love saving money this way and it helps to reduce waste. Plus, friends and family get to enjoy even more delicious meals.

Give it a try. Let us know how you plan to use it. See Leftover Cranberry Sauce Recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does Cranberry Sauce Last in the Refrigerator?

As long as you store the cranberry sauce in an airtight container, it will last up to 10 to 14 days.

What are the Benefits for Freezing Cranberry Sauce?

If you love to enjoy all the delicious Thanksgiving Foods even after the holidays, then having the cranberry sauce stocked is always a good idea. It stays fresh and maintains its delicious taste.

Is Cranberry Sauce Served Warm or Cold?

Cranberry Sauce is usually served cold but you can easily serve warm by heating in the microwave or medium saucepan sauce over Easy Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe.

Try one of our Cranberry Sauce Recipes

1. Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce
Cranberry sauce is so easy to make with just 3 ingredients. It is tangy, sweet and perfect for your holiday meal.
Cranberry sauce

2. Crockpot Cranberry Sauce

Crockpot Cranberry Sauce
Crockpot Cranberry Sauce is so easy in the slow cooker and delicious. With only 4 ingredients and hardly any work, you will love it.
Crockpot Cranberry Sauce

More Cranberry Recipes to Make

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Eating on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you cook delicious meals without busting your budget. Together we are going to cook real food… for real families!

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