Do you ever find yourself with a big batch of leftover cranberry sauce after the holidays? If you do, chances are you’ve wondered “can you freeze cranberry sauce?”
Well, I have the answer to that and many other questions regarding this Thanksgiving favorite.
So, can you freeze cranberry sauce?
The great news is that the answer is YES! You absolutely can freeze cranberry sauce. It’s really easy to do, which means you can enjoy your favorite Thanksgiving sauce for much longer.
There are a couple of different ways to freeze cranberry sauce, both of which we’ll go through. Also, there are few key tips that you’ll need to know about, in order to best preserve the quality of the taste and texture of your Thanksgiving sauce.
Speaking of quality, once defrosted, the quality will depend on whether it’s homemade cranberry sauce or canned cranberry sauce. The two produce different results when frozen – more on this later.
First, let’s take a look at some basic equipment you’ll need to freeze cranberry sauce.
Products you need to freeze cranberry sauce
Here are a few key items you’ll need to freeze your Thanksgiving cranberry sauce:
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Does cranberry sauce go bad?
Yes, it can definitely go bad. When unopened it might last a long time – you could probably save it for next Thanksgiving – but once opened, it has a relatively short shelf life.
Similarly, homemade cranberry sauce can go bad in quite a quick space of time. That’s why freezing it makes perfect sense.
How long does cranberry sauce last in the fridge?
If we’re talking homemade cranberry sauce, it will last between 10–14 days. Of course, it will need to be properly stored, in an airtight container.
Leftover canned cranberry sauce will last around 7 days in the fridge.
How long does frozen cranberry sauce last?
Frozen cranberry sauce will keep its quality for up to 3 months. You can freeze it for a year, although the longer you go past 3 months the more the quality will suffer.
How long do cranberries last in the fridge?
If stored in an airtight container, fresh cranberries will last 3–4 weeks in the refrigerator.
Can you freeze fresh cranberries?
Freezing fresh cranberries is a great way to preserve their lifespan. You can store them in an airtight freeze-safe container or ziplock bag for up to a year.
You can eat them frozen, add them to yogurt or cereal or throw them into your favorite smoothie.
Can you freeze leftover canned cranberry sauce?
Yes you can, although you will notice some changes to the taste and texture.
Canned cranberry sauce from the grocery store doesn’t freeze as well as the homemade stuff, as it will have additives and preservatives that don’t hold up well to the freezing process.
Still, it is very convenient – you’ll be able to buy it at the closest supermarket or grocery store – so it’s good to know you can freeze it.
You’ll still follow the same freezing step-by-step process as the homemade version (see below). Of course, you can’t freeze it in the can or carton, so you’ll have to transfer it over to a freezable airtight container.
Can you freeze homemade cranberry sauce?
Homemade cranberry sauce freezes really well. If you freeze it properly – again, see below for the step-by-step guide – it will maintain its taste and consistency.
It’s easy to do and so easy to reheat again, ready to add that little bit of magic to your meal!
How do you defrost cranberry sauce?
The best way to keep that all-important rich fruity taste and luscious texture is to play the slow game. Trust me, your turkey deserves it.
Defrost it overnight in the refrigerator for best results. No fuss, no dramas. Just transfer from the freezer to the fridge and let it do the work.
As the temperature change isn’t too dramatic, your cranberry sauce won’t be too affected. Then you just need to serve it on the side of your favorite dish and you’re good to go!
Still, I’m aware that despite what Louis Armstrong said, there are times when we don’t have all the time in the world. So, if you need to defrost it in a hurry, don’t panic. There’s a way!
Fill up a dish with tap water – tepid or mildly cold will do – and add your bag of container of frozen cranberry sauce. Within hours, your cranberry sauce will be ready to roll.
Whatever you do, don’t defrost your cranberry sauce by simply leaving it on the kitchen side. Defrosting it at room temperature will increase the chances of harmful bacteria developing.
Can you refreeze cranberry sauce?
Although you can refreeze cranberry sauce, it will affect the taste and texture, so I don’t recommend it.
If you do refreeze it, it’s best to do it with cranberry sauce that has been defrosted in the fridge. That way, the quality won’t be affected too much.
To avoid the need to refreeze it, freeze it in smaller portions in the first place. That way, you only need to defrost the amount you need.
Tips for freezing cranberry sauce
Here are a few golden rules when it comes to freezing this Thanksgiving favorite:
- If freezing in freezer-safe bags, try to push out as much air as possible. This will preserve the quality for longer and prevent freezer burn.
- Defrost it in the fridge. It takes longer, but your taste buds will give thanks too!
- Remember – homemade freezes better than store-bought. Another incentive to make your own!
- Always label the container or bag with the date. That way, you know the lifespan of your frozen cranberry sauce.
📖 Recipe
How To Freeze Cranberry Sauce
Can you freeze cranberry sauce? Learn how to freeze cranberry sauce in a few easy steps, as well as the best way to thaw it.
Materials
- Airtight freezer-safe container
- Ziploc freezer bag
- Ice cube tray
- Labels
Tools
- Marker pen
Instructions
How to freeze cranberry sauce
- Allow it to cool completely, then keep it covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready.
- When ready, transfer it to an airtight freezer-safe container or ziploc bag. Make sure to leave a small gap at the top to allow the sauce to expand when frozen.
- Label the airtight freezer-safe container or ziploc bag with the contents and date of freezing.
- Place it in the freezer and use it within 3 months.
How to freeze cranberry sauce in small portions
- Allow it to cool completely, then keep it covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready.
- When ready, spoon individual portions into ice cube compartments.
- Freeze for 3–4 hours until fully frozen.
- Transfer cranberry sauce ice cubes into an airtight freezer-safe container or ziploc bag. Label the airtight freezer-safe container or ziploc bag with the contents and date of freezing.
Notes
- Your leftover Thanksgiving cranberry sauce will keep frozen for up to a year, although it will lose its flavor the longer it’s frozen. So, for best results, store in the freezer for no longer than 3 months.
What to do with leftover cranberry sauce
The good thing about this holiday favorite is its sheer versatility. Good for a savory meal and a sweet treat, there are so many uses for leftover Thanksgiving cranberry sauce. Here are just a few recipes you could add it to:
- Whole smoked turkey – once Thanksgiving is over, you can use your cranberry sauce for your Christmas turkey. This smoked turkey recipe is perfect for a festive feast!
- Leftover turkey casserole – a fantastic leftover recipe that packs plenty of flavor, this would be the perfect recipe to serve with your leftover Thanksgiving sauce
- Thai turkey meatballs – serve your sauce hot or cold and use it as a dip for this turkey meatball recipe. Add some orange zest to the meatballs for an extra fruity flavor
- Hearty venison meatballs – another fantastic meatball recipe, venison is a meat that really works well with cranberry sauce
- Oven-baked barbecue chicken – use your defrosted sauce as the fruity element to a barbecue sauce to this glaze
- Almond milk porridge – a spoonful of fruity cranberry would taste fantastic in this almond milk recipe
- Overnight oats with chia and blueberries – a fantastic breakfast/brunch recipe, this one is really tasty and works well with a little hit of extra fruity flavor
- Cranberry smoothie – a fantastic smoothie that’s full of flavor. Freeze your cranberry sauce in small portions and drop a few ice cubes into the mix
- Brioche French toast casserole – a big indulgent brunch recipe that’s just sensational. Even better with a spoonful of fruity sauce on the side to add an extra dimension of flavor
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