Can You Freeze Cranberry Sauce? (2024)

FAQs

Can You Freeze Cranberry Sauce? ›

Yes, you can freeze homemade cranberry sauce—and it works well. It's best to store it in the freezer for up to 3 months; the taste may be affected due to its water content if frozen longer. Keep this in mind when putting away your leftover sauce and use it during this optimal period as part of an easy weeknight dinner.

According to OceanSpray, an authority on cranberries, it is not recommended to freeze canned cranberry sauce. If you do, you may find yourself with a watery-goop later thanks to the gelatin. Instead you can refrigerate leftover canned and homemade cranberry sauce in a closed, air-tight, container for up to two weeks.

When to Toss Cranberry Sauce. Cranberry sauce will last for two hours at room temperature. Homemade cranberry sauce will last in the fridge for 10 to 14 days. Canned cranberry sauce that has been opened will last up to a week in the fridge.

Homemade cranberry sauce keeps wonderfully in the freezer for up to three months. Pour your cooled cranberry sauce into freezer-friendly zip-top plastic bags, and remove as much air as possible from the bag before sealing. Make sure you label it with the food's name and the date you're putting it into the freezer.

To make-ahead: Cranberry relish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. To freeze: Store cranberry relish in a freezer safe container for 2-3 months. To use, remove it from the freezer and thaw it in the refrigerator.

Metals can corrode and rust in moist environments. However, you may store them in the refrigerator for a short period of time. It is best to store unopened commercially canned foods in a cool and dry place (such as in a cupboard). For best quality use closed canned fruits within 18 months.

Adding a teaspoon or two of fresh lemon or orange zest, a tablespoon of chopped candied peel, or even a splash of juice to your canned sauce will brighten flavors and bring in some homemade flavor.

Unopened canned cranberry sauce can last a year in the pantry but make sure to check the "best before" date to make sure it hasn't expired, and once open, it can be stored in a container with a tightly fitting lid for up to two weeks.

After a few years, if the can is undented, the cranberry sauce's texture, color, or flavor may change, but it likely won't be dangerous. Again, use your senses to test whether the cranberry sauce is still good. Signs of spoilage include cans that are leaking, rusting, bulging, or severely dented.

While refrigeration is a suitable method, leftover cranberry sauce will only last for a few weeks this way. So if you want to keep cranberry sauce longer than that, turn to the freezer to extend the life of your cranberry sauce.

How long is jellied cranberry sauce good for? ›

Once open, it can be stored in a container with a tightly fitting lid for up to two weeks. Just make sure to remove it from the can before storing, and don't freeze it as it could become watery upon thawing.

Health Benefits

Cranberries are also rich in vitamin C and fiber, as well as the metabolism-boosting mineral manganese. And yes, you reap all these benefits whether the cranberry sauce on your holiday table is homemade or canned, jellied or whole-berry.

In general, after they are opened, our juices and sauces may be kept tightly covered in the refrigerator for at least two weeks. For best quality and taste, use the product before the date stamped on it.

The real difference is that cranberry sauce is cooked while cranberry relish is made with raw ingredients. I consider this recipe more of a relish just because it has more texture than a traditional, smooth cranberry sauce.

Cranberry sauce is best served at room temperature or slightly chilled.

"You can freeze any unused sauce in an airtight container. Use it within six months for the best quality experience," says Birmingham.

this is not a food safety issue, just leaving the cans, refrigerating them, or opening and freezing the contents are all safe.

Simply pour the content into a pot and bring it to a low simmer. If you really want to jazz up the taste, you can get creative and add a little orange zest or other fruits that complement the sweet and tart flavor of cranberries.