Cranberry Sauce Freezer Recipe
Easy healthy make ahead cranberry sauce. This fresh sauce is frozen and then cooked for the first time the day of your holiday gathering. Low in sugar and sweet so everyone can enjoy.
Hey Friends, what is your favorite holiday dish to pair with your cranberry sauce? We’ve got something new for you today – Healthy Cranberry sauce, but as a make-ahead freezer meal. It’s not your ordinary Thanksgiving staple, it’s a freezer meal wonder that perfectly balances tart cranberries with a flavorful sweetness, making it the perfect companion to your main dishes. Not only is it delicious, but it adds a pop of color that will bring
Why you’ll love this Cranberry Sauce recipe
- One-pot wonder
- Cost effective
- Versatile
- Extended Shelf Life
Make-Ahead Magic
Imagine the convenience of having this at your fingertips, ready to serve at a moment’s notice. Our Cranberry Sauce Recipe transforms meal prep from a chore to a delight, guaranteeing you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying all the things – people – you love. It’s the ultimate time-saver for busy days, holiday dinners, or whenever you have an inkling for a touch of sweetness with your meals.
Curious to see how simple gourmet can be? Grab your apron and let’s get to it!
Cranberry Sauce
Easy healthy make ahead cranberry sauce. This fresh sauce is frozen and then cooked for the first time the day of your holiday gathering. Low in sugar and sweet so everyone can enjoy.
Equipment
- 1 Serving Dish
- 1 One gallon freezer bag
- 1 Large, deep saute pan OR Instant pot
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb fresh cranberries or frozen
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Instructions
Freezer Prep Directions:
- Prepare a gallon freezer bag, labeling according to your preferred method.
- Add all ingredients to labeled freezer bag.
- Seal bag, removing as much air as possible and freeze for up to three months.
Stovetop Directions:
- Dump contents of gallon freezer bag into a large deep saute pan on the stovetop and set heat to medium high. (frozen cranberries will thaw quickly)
- Bring cranberries to a boil.
- Cover and let simmer 20-25 minutes. (Cranberries will start to pop open and mix together into a sauce when finished)
- Once sauce comes together remove from heat and serve (If you like it warm). Or store in serving container and set into fridge to cool.
- Serve when ready. (Sauce will thicken in fridge)
Instant Pot Directions
- Dump contents of gallon freezer bag into instant pot.
- Cover with lid, be sure vent is in sealed position, and set to high pressure for 2 minutes.
- Natural Pressure Release (NPR) for 5-10 minutes, then Quick Release (QR).
- Stir (Adding in extra honey for added sweetness if desired) then store in fridge to cool if desired. (Sauce will thicken in fridge)
Dietary Adjustments
Make it Gluten-Free
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
- This recipe is naturally dairy-free.
Freezer Labels
Notes
- Make it pretty by topping off the cranberries sauce with orange zest.
Nutrition
Calories: 97kcalCarbohydrates: 14.5gProtein: 0.1gFat: 0.1gSodium: 3mgPotassium: 106mgFiber: 0.6gSugar: 12.3gCalcium: 15mg
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Equipment needed to make this freezer friendly Cranberry Sauce
- 1 Serving Dish
- 1 gallon freezer bag
- 1 Large, deep saute pan OR Instant pot
Ingredients for your Delicious Cranberry Sauce
- 1 1/2 lb fresh cranberries or frozen
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 1/2 cup Maple syrup
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
How to make Family Friendly Cranberry Sauce
Prep/freezer directions:
- Prepare a gallon freezer bag, labeling according to your preferred method.
- Add all ingredients to labeled freezer bag.
- Seal bag, removing as much air as possible and freeze for up to three months.
Cooking directions:
- Dump contents of gallon freezer bag into a large deep saute pan on the stovetop and set heat to medium high. (frozen cranberries will thaw quickly)
- Bring cranberries to a boil.
- Cover and let simmer 20-25 minutes. (Cranberries will start to pop open and mix together into a sauce when finished)
- Once sauce comes together remove from heat and serve (If you like it warm). Or store in serving container and set into fridge to cool.
- Serve when ready. (Sauce will thicken in fridge)
Popular Substitutions and Additions:
Substitutions:
- Maple Syrup: Changing out the raw honey for maple syrup brings a rich, deep sweetness.
Additions:
- Cinnamon: Add 1 tsp of ground cinnamon for a comforting, spiced depth of flavor.
- Ginger: Add 1 tbsp of freshly grated ginger for a warm, spicy kick.
Fresh vs. Frozen Cranberries
If you are already planning on making this as a freezer friendly healthy cranberry sauce, using already frozen cranberries is a better option for convenience and availability. However, if fresh cranberries are in season, they are just as good for making and freezing. The choice of what is best, depends on availability of season and time.
Don’t forget to Pin this recipe for later!
How to Reheat and Store Cranberry Sauce
Best way to store leftover Cranberry Sauce?
Cranberry sauce is best stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Make sure to allow the cranberry sauce to completely cool to room temperature before storing.
How long will Cranberry Sauce last in the fridge?
When the cranberry sauce has properly been allowed to cool to room temperature, and the proper storage containers have been used, your leftovers will remain fresh for 3-5 days. Using the right freezer bags and prep tools helps keep your food fresher, longer!
Can I freeze Cranberry Sauce?
We always recommend freezing before cooking. Freezing after cooking has the potential to chance the texture of food, and the flavor profile may also be impacted by repeated freezing and thawing. To make this recipe into a raw freezer meal, add all ingredients into a freezer bag, remove excess air, seal and store for up to 3 months.
How to reheat Easy Cranberry Sauce
This is best reheated on the stovetop, but you could also choose to reheat in the oven or microwave as well. To reheat on the stovetop, place the leftovers in a saucepan, with a splash of water to prevent sticking. Then stir occasionally until desired temperature has been reached.
Cranberry Sauce: Your Questions Answered
Comment below if you have any questions we didn’t answer.
What to pair with your Healthy Cranberry Sauce?
Side Dishes:
Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Toppings
Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic Glaze
Wild Rice Pilaf with Toasted Almonds and Dried Cranberries
Desserts:
Vanilla Bean Cheesecake with Cranberry Topping
Apple Cranberry Crisp
Whole 30 Banana Coconut Ice Cream
Mocktails:
Holiday Spiced Cranberry Punch
Rosemary Cranberry Fizz
Cranberry-Orange Spritzer
How long will Cranberry sauce last in the fridge?
If stored properly in an airtight container, cooked cranberry sauce will stay fresh in the fridge for 10-14 days. Make sure the sauce has cooled completely before refrigerating.
Is Cranberry sauce healthy to eat?
While the amount of sweetener used in cranberry sauce needs to be taken into consideration, the health benefits of cranberries make cranberry sauce a great and healthy accompaniment.
What is cranberry sauce supposed to be eaten with?
Cranberry sauce pairs wonderfully with meats, such as turkey, pork, chicken, and ham. Traditionally, Americans pair it with turkey for Thanksgiving, but it is also delicious alongside Brie, goat cheese, cheddar, or Havarti. In particular, these cheeses pair well with cranberry sauce on a grilled sandwich.
Why did cranberry sauce become part of Thanksgiving dinner?
There are varying beliefs of when cranberry sauce became a part of Thanksgiving dinner, but it is said that by the 1860s, General Ulysses S. Grant ordered that cranberries be served as part of the soldiers’ Thanksgiving meal. It would seem that, by that point, cranberry sauce was a Thanksgiving staple. Serve this dish with some of these other Thanksgiving must haves!
What are the health benefits of cranberries?
Cranberries are packed with vitamin C and fiber, as well as manganese, which boosts metabolism. Cranberries are also known to prevent and/or treat various health ailments/conditions, like cancer, and stomach ulcers. They support skin and heart health and have many antioxidants, making them an extremely healthy fruit.
What is the most popular store-bought cranberry sauce?
By far, Ocean Spray is the most popular store-bought cranberry sauce. In fact, Ocean Spray’s jellied cranberry sauce is one of its most popular products, alongside it’s cranberry juice cocktail.
If you like this recipe here are some other Side Dish recipes you’re sure to love:
- DIY Freezer Hash Browns
- Slow Cooker Chex Mix
- Spiced Pumpkin Bread Recipe
- Stuffing with Sausage
- Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes
Don’t forget to come back and let me know how your Cranberry Sauce turned out!
And if you have ANY QUESTIONS comment here, I’m happy to help.
