How to Freeze Cranberry Sauce for Holidays to Come

What kind of recipe is it?

Cranberry sauce is a classic accompaniment to holiday meals, particularly turkey dinners, renowned for its vibrant color and tart-sweet flavor.

This versatile dish can be made from fresh or canned cranberries and often includes ingredients like sugar, orange zest, or spices to enhance its profile.

Freezing cranberry sauce is an excellent way to prolong its shelf life, making it ideal for busy hosts or anyone looking to save time during the festive season.

It’s perfect for anyone who enjoys traditional flavors and wants to elevate their dining experience effortlessly.

Sale

Fullstar The Original Pro Chopper - Vegetable Chopper and Spiralizer, Food Chopper with Container,...

The Original Pro Chopper – TikTok’s favorite veggie slicer and one of the top-rated kitchen gadgets of the season! Simple to use, set up, and...

Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
Fresh or frozen cranberries	1 bag (12 ounces)
Granulated sugar	1 to 1 ½ cups (adjust based on desired sweetness)
Water	1 cup
Orange zest	Zest of 1 medium orange (optional for flavor)
Ground cinnamon	½ teaspoon (optional, for added warmth)
Ground cloves	¼ teaspoon (optional, for spiced flavor)
Fresh orange juice	¼ cup (optional, enhances flavor)

This list guarantees you have everything needed to prepare and freeze a delicious cranberry sauce, enhancing its quality and flavor for future use. Adjust the sugar, spices, and citrus according to your personal taste preferences.

Geedel Rotary Cheese Grater, Kitchen Mandoline Vegetable Slicer with 3 Interchangeable Blades, Easy...

Makes Everything Simple : Just forget your bagged cheese! Only turn the handle for several times and get fresh shredded cheese, cutting the food...

Cooking Steps

Gather all ingredients and tools needed for making cranberry sauce: a medium saucepan (2-3 liters), cutting board, mixing spoon, measuring cups, and a food processor or blender.
Rinse 340 g (12 ounces) of fresh or frozen cranberries under cold water, discarding any damaged berries. Drain well.
In the medium saucepan, combine the rinsed cranberries, 200-300 g (1 to 1 ½ cups) of granulated sugar, and 240 ml (1 cup) of water. Stir to mix.
Optional: Add the zest of 1 medium orange, ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves, and 60 ml (¼ cup) of fresh orange juice for flavor enhancement.
Place the saucepan over medium heat (around 180-190°C/350-375°F). Stir occasionally until the mixture comes to a gentle boil, and you can hear the cranberries popping (approximately 8-10 minutes).
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low (around 130-150°C/275-300°F) and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes. The cranberries will burst and the sauce will thicken; it should coat the back of a spoon when ready.
Remove the saucepan from heat and let the sauce cool for about 15-20 minutes at room temperature. The sauce will thicken further as it cools.
If desired, transfer the cooled cranberry sauce to a food processor or blender to puree for a smoother texture; pulse until reaching your preferred consistency.
Once the sauce is fully cooled, spoon it into an airtight container or freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion during freezing. Label with the date.
Place the container/bags in the freezer, ensuring they’re laid flat for easy storage, for up to 6 months for best quality.
To thaw, transfer to the refrigerator for 24 hours before use. If a quicker thaw is needed, submerge the sealed bags in cold water for about 1-2 hours, changing the water as necessary.
After thawing, if the sauce appears too thick, stir in a little water or orange juice to reach desired consistency before serving.
Serve the cranberry sauce cold or at room temperature alongside your favorite dishes.

Chef Preserve Compact Vacuum Sealer for Food (Vacuum Sealer Machine + 30 Reusable Vacuum Bags)...

💰 REDUCE WASTE AND SAVE MONEY: Chef Preserve keeps FOOD FRESH 5 TIMES LONGER than non-vacuum storage methods. Never worry about spoilage ever...

Variations

Maple-Orange Cranberry Sauce: Substitute 60 ml (¼ cup) of sugar with 60 ml (¼ cup) of maple syrup and add 60 ml (¼ cup) of fresh orange juice for a rich, autumn-inspired flavor.
Spiced Pecan Cranberry Sauce: Mix in 100 g (1 cup) of chopped pecans and ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg for a nutty, spiced variation perfect for the holiday table.
Cranapple Sauce: Add 240 g (2 cups) of diced apples (unsweetened, preferably Granny Smith) to the saucepan for a fruity twist and reduced sweetness.
Vegan Ginger-Cranberry Sauce: Use agave syrup instead of granulated sugar and add 1 tablespoon of minced fresh ginger for a zesty, plant-based alternative.

Sale

Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel (SCV700-S-BR), Versatile Cookware for...

Generous Capacity: 7-quart slow cooker that comfortably serves 9+ people or fits a 7-pound roast

Tips on plating and presentation

Creating delicious variations of cranberry sauce can enhance a holiday meal, but how you present it can make a significant impact on the overall dining experience.

Consider using charming dishes like a crystal bowl or a rustic wooden board. Add a sprig of rosemary or a few orange slices for color, and don’t forget to serve it alongside festive utensils for a polished look.

Sale

Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers BPA Free Airtight Lids Ideal for Lunch Meal Prep &...

100% Leak-proof: Guaranteed no-spill seal and secure latches

What other dishes can I pair it with?

While cranberry sauce often takes center stage during holiday feasts, it pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes that enhance its tangy sweetness.

I love serving it alongside roasted turkey, as the flavors complement each other perfectly.

It’s also great with savory stuffing or even atop a warm brie cheese.

Trust me, you’ll want to experiment with these delicious combinations!

Sale

Etekcity Food Kitchen Scale, Digital Grams and Ounces for Weight Loss, Baking, Cooking, Keto and...

𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗪𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴: Supports 5 units (oz/lb:oz/fl'oz/g/mL), tare function, and includes 2 AAA...

What drinks can I pair it with?

Cranberry sauce isn’t just a standout at the dinner table; it also pairs wonderfully with a range of drinks that enhance its flavors.

I love enjoying it with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light sparkling cider, both of which complement the tartness.

For a cozy vibe, consider warming up with spiced apple cider. It’s a delightful combination that never disappoints!

Sale

Alpha Grillers Meat Thermometer Digital - Instant Read Food Thermometer for Cooking and Grilling...

Instant Read Food Thermometer | Our instant read thermometer features a temperature probe and advanced, highly accurate technology with 1-2 seconds...

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Can I Freeze Cranberry Sauce for Optimal Freshness?

I usually freeze cranberry sauce for up to a year. To maintain ideal freshness, I recommend using airtight containers and always labeling them, so I know exactly when I made them. Enjoy your cooking!

Can I Freeze Homemade Cranberry Sauce With Added Ingredients?

Yes, I can freeze homemade cranberry sauce with added ingredients. Just make sure everything’s well blended, and use airtight containers. I’ve found it’s best to consume it within a few months for ideal taste.

Should I Thaw Cranberry Sauce Before Serving?

I don’t thaw cranberry sauce before serving. I’ve found that serving it slightly chilled enhances the flavors, but you can definitely let it sit at room temperature for a bit if you prefer. Enjoy!

Can I Refreeze Cranberry Sauce After Thawing?

I wouldn’t recommend refreezing cranberry sauce after thawing. It can affect the texture and flavor. I prefer to serve it fresh after thawing and only freeze what I know I’ll use.

Is It Safe to Freeze Store-Bought Cranberry Sauce?

Absolutely, it’s safe to freeze store-bought cranberry sauce. I’ve done it myself many times! Just make sure it’s tightly sealed, and it’ll retain its flavor and texture for future use without any issues.