It may seem impossible, but if you have any leftover cranberry sauce after Thanksgiving (or other occasion), you might wonder what to do with it. Can you freeze cranberry sauce, or is it best kept in the fridge? We answer this question and share the best way to store cranberry sauce—whether homemade or canned.
How Long to Keep Cranberry Sauce
Whether homemade or from a can, cranberry sauce lasts in the fridge for about two weeks as long as you store it in a covered container. During those weeks, take advantage and slather that cranberry sauce on leftover turkey sandwiches, stir it into yogurt and ice cream, and spread it onto pancakes or peanut butter sandwiches. After that time, if you have any cranberry sauce left (doubtful!), it’s time to think about freezing it.
Can You Freeze Cranberry Sauce?
Homemade
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.
Canned
While canned cranberry sauce can technically be frozen, it's best not to. Unlike its homemade counterpart, canned cranberry sauce doesn't freeze or defrost very well. The jellied texture changes after freezing, becoming more watery. Even the leading authority on canned cranberry sauce, Ocean Spray, agrees that freezing canned cranberry sauce is not recommended.
How to Freeze Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Follow these steps for freezing your homemade cranberry sauce.
Let Sauce Cool
It's important to let the cranberry sauce cool. Freezing it hot may affect your freezer's overall temperature.
Use an Airtight Container or Bag
Pour the cooled sauce into an airtight container or freezer-safe plastic bag. This will help prevent freezer burn.
Label Before Freezing
Remove air from the bag and seal. Then, be sure to label it with the date you freeze it so you know how long it will last.
You can also freeze cranberry sauce in smaller portions by pouring it into silicone ice molds. After freezing the tray and the sauce completely freezes, place the individual cranberry sauce cubes in a freezer-safe plastic bag.
How to Freeze Canned Cranberry Sauce
Though not recommended, if you really want to freeze canned cranberry sauce, simply follow the outlined steps above. But be warned: It should be used within a few weeks of freezing it. The sooner you use the frozen canned cranberry sauce, the better.
How to Thaw Frozen Cranberry Sauce
To defrost or thaw your frozen cranberry sauce, let it sit in the refrigerator overnight. You could also reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Be sure to stir it well before serving.
If you prefer to use your sauce on the spot and don't have time to wait overnight, you can thaw and reheat it on the stove. First, microwave it to soften it up. Alternatively, you can place the container in a bowl filled with hot water to thaw before reheating.
Benefits of Freezing Cranberry Sauce
Freezing your cranberry sauce has benefits. For starters, you'll be able to enjoy Thanksgiving leftovers for months after the holiday. Since freezing maintains the sauce's original taste, you'll love adding the classic cranberry flavor to everyday meals. You can also create more space in your refrigerator by freezing food.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you eat year-old cranberry sauce?
If unopened and stored in a cool pantry, canned cranberry sauce will keep for a year after its best-by date. It should taste fairly good, too, and it's safe to eat. The date on the can is for the quality, not a safety expiration date.
Can you freeze sauce in zip-top plastic bags?
Resealable freezer-safe bags are great for storing sauces or other liquids in the freezer. They stack well, taking up less freezer space, and are inexpensive.
Are mason jars freezer-safe for storing cranberry sauce?
Glass jars are perfect for freezing liquids like soups and sauces. They're airtight and help prevent freezer burn. However, not all glass jars are freezer-safe; those with straight sides are safe, while shouldered jars are not.
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FAQs
Use an Airtight Container or Bag
Can you freeze leftover homemade cranberry sauce? ›
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.
How to store homemade cranberry sauce? ›
How to Store Homemade Cranberry Sauce
- To refrigerate, transfer to a covered glass or plastic container, and it'll keep for 10 to 14 days.
- To freeze, transfer to a covered, airtight container or freezer-safe bag, and it'll stay fresh-tasting in your freezer for about 1 month.
Cranberry sauce is best served at room temperature or slightly chilled.
Do you just eat cranberry sauce out of the can? ›
It's perfectly fine to serve up cranberry sauce — whole berry or jelled — straight out of the can. But in my experience, heating the canned sauce up takes its flavor to the next level. Plus, it becomes a little more aesthetically pleasing.
Can I reheat homemade cranberry sauce? ›
To reheat, stir in 1 tablespoon of water per cup (100g) of cranberries into the bowl and reheat in the microwave as needed.
How long can cranberries last in the freezer? ›
Cranberries freeze well when properly stored. They retain their color, good flavor and quality for eight to 12 months. Maintaining a temperature of zero degrees Fahrenheit or below is recommended by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Is homemade cranberry sauce good for you? ›
The homemade cranberry sauce has nearly half the calories, carbohydrates, and sugars compared to the store brand. It also has more fiber as well as potassium! Thankfully, buying cranberry sauce at the store is not the only option. We have the perfect Simple Cranberry Sauce recipe to make for the upcoming holidays!
How to thicken up homemade cranberry sauce? ›
Try reducing the sauce down even further so more of the liquid cooks off and the mixture thickens. If that doesn't work, add a thickener like gelatin, pectin or a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch whisked into juice or water). Let the sauce cool before refrigerating to completely set.
Is it safe to put an unopened can of cranberry sauce in 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.
How long does Ocean Spray cranberry sauce last in the fridge? ›
We normally don't suggest freezing cranberry sauce. After thawing, it may become too watery. We do suggest making sauce ahead of time and storing it in an air-tight container in your refrigerator. It will keep for up to one week.
Why is my canned cranberry sauce runny? ›
The simplest reason that your cranberry sauce is too runny is that it has too much liquid in it. Usually, this is just water, but some people use orange juice or other flavored fluids.
What does cranberry sauce do for your body? ›
Packed with antioxidants
Cranberries are well known for being rich in antioxidants. One study found that among 20 common fruits, cranberries have the highest level of phenols, a type of antioxidant. The anthocyanins found in cranberries may have anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects.
How do you store leftover canned cranberry sauce? ›
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.
What to pair with cranberry sauce? ›
Use it up with these delicious recipe ideas.
- 1Braised pork with cranberry and five-spice. ...
- 2Turkey and cranberry burgers. ...
- 3Turkey and roast vegetable patties with cranberry dressing. ...
- 4Turkey, brie and cranberry sandwiches. ...
- 5Pork, cranberry and pistachio rissoles with hot potato salad.
Jars with tapered sides or straight sides are freezer safe; shouldered jars are not.
Can you freeze orange juice? ›
You can even freeze whole cartons of juice (just open and pour some out first to give it room to expand). But if we're honest, we'd recommend buying Eager juice that will wait patiently in the cupboard until you're ready to enjoy it. Keep that precious freezer space for ice cream instead.
Can you freeze opened cranberry juice? ›
If you would like to extend the life of your cranberry beyond its standard refrigerated shelf life, we recommend putting it in the freezer. Place the juice in a freezer-safe airtight container, and it will last for up to twelve months.
Can fresh cranberry relish be frozen? ›
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.
