25 Delicious Leftover Cranberry Sauce Recipes (2024)

Try any of these easy leftover cranberry sauce recipes to breathe new life into a festive favorite.

Between the muffins and meatballs, you’ll want to make extra on purpose.

25 Delicious Leftover Cranberry Sauce Recipes (1)

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Cranberry sauce is a holiday staple, after all, and no turkey feast is complete without it. But how often are you left with a cup or two sitting in the fridge?

But this year, you don’t need to worry about wasting food.

With these 25 fantastic leftover cranberry sauce recipes, you can make everything from breakfast and lunch all the way to dinner and dessert.

25 Delicious Ways to Use Up Leftover Cranberry Sauce

1. Leftover Cranberry Sauce Bars

These leftover cranberry sauce bars are a genius way to keep from wasting food.

The outside reminds me of an oaty apple crisp, while the inside is oozing with fruit filling.

Plus, with all the holiday baking you’re already doing, you probably have these six ingredients on hand.

2. Instant Pot Cranberry Meatballs

Hosting a Friendsgiving after the main holiday? These cranberry meatballs are fantastic for entertaining.

Leftover cranberry sauce gives these tender meatballs a wonderfully tangy and sweet kick. For an added pop, you can also use a sprinkle of orange zest.

Ground beef is the best choice for richness, though I enjoy a 50/50 blend of beef and pork. Although, I think ground turkey will work well too.

3. Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken

The minimal prep time and few ingredients make this a terrific choice for a weeknight dinner.

All you do is load up some chicken breasts in your slow cooker, pour over the cranberry sauce and BBQ sauce, then wait.

I like to stash my extra cranberry sauce in the freezer just for this recipe. Then when I know I’ll have a busy day, I let it defrost in the fridge the night before.

4. Cranberry Jello Salad

When it comes to leftover cranberry sauce, there is no shortage of fabulous desserts you can whip up. But if you want something quick and easy, this is number one on my list.

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You’ll layer a fruity mixture of cranberry sauce, Jell-O, crushed pineapple, and nuts in a casserole dish. You’ll then add a fluffy cream cheese layer on top.

Other than boiling water, there’s no cooking at all.

5. Leftover Cranberry Sauce Mini Cheesecake

How adorable will these mini cheesecakes be at your next party!

A muffin pan and liners help to achieve the perfect shape and it’s also a great trick for turning cheesecake into a beginner-friendly recipe.

Between the graham cracker crust, soft cream cheese, and cranberry topping, these mini cheesecakes are an immaculate bite!

6. Healthy Cranberry Crisp

Cranberry crisp is a holiday staple I’ve eaten every Christmas since I was a kid. Unfortunately, it’s full of sugar.

That’s why I make this version instead.

With this recipe, I get the holiday tradition I crave without all the sugar. It uses a zero-calorie sweetener and gluten-free flour for a healthier take.

7. Cranberry Thumbprint Cookies with Almond Glaze

If you’re looking in your fridge and wondering how to use up leftover cranberry sauce, why not try these thumbprint Christmas cookies?

The cookies are wonderfully buttery and are like a cross between shortbread and sugar cookies.

They’re finished off with a dollop of cranberry sauce and an almond glaze drizzle that makes these utterly divine.

8. Slow Cooker Cranberry BBQ Pulled Pork

Leftovers can become tiresome after a few days. So, this year, spruce things up with this lip-smacking sandwich.

This pork roast slowly cooks for hours with a tangy mixture of BBQ and cranberry sauce.

Once it’s fork-tender, shred up the meat, pile it high on a toasted bun, and dig in!

9. Orange Mousse with Cranberry Sauce

After a big turkey dinner, I often struggle to fit in dessert (I still try! It’s just not as easy).

That’s why this light and bright mousse is ideal for the holidays.

It’s a decadent infusion of Grand Marnier, orange zest, and white chocolate. All of which goes swimmingly with the cranberry sauce and sugared cranberry topping.

10. Cranberry Smoothie

I can’t believe I never thought to use cranberry sauce in a smoothie!

This is a fun and quick breakfast to add to your morning routine. All you do is blend leftover cranberry sauce with banana and coconut milk.

There’s also plenty of room for interpretation, like swapping out the coconut milk for nut milk.

You could also omit the banana for some Greek yogurt and chia seeds to thicken it up, or even use avocado.

11. Post-Thanksgiving Monte Cristo

Once you sink your teeth into this mouthwatering Monte Cristo, you’ll be so glad you saved some cranberry sauce.

The bread is nice and crisp while the inside is oozing with cheese, turkey, and cranberry sauce.

If you want this a little sweeter, add a dusting of powdered sugar. For a more tangy take, slather on a layer of dijon mustard.

12. Gluten-Free Cranberry Sauce Muffins

One of my favorite ways to use up leftover cranberry sauce is to turn it into these gluten-free muffins. They’re great for a quick breakfast or energizing afternoon snack.

Plus, they don’t fill you with empty carbs like regular muffins.

For an even healthier spin, add in some chopped nuts and use coconut sugar instead of refined sugar.

13. Crock Pot Cranberry Pork Chops

Elegant dinners don’t have to stop just because the holidays have come and gone.

You can still have a stress-free, restaurant-worthy meal at home thanks to this easy recipe.

With just 10-minutes of prep, you can have dinner cooking in the crockpot while you fix up some easy vegetable side dishes.

The balsamic vinegar and BBQ sauce give this special cranberry sauce a tangy and sweet flavor.

Serve with mashed potatoes or garlic green beans.

14. Cranberry Coffee Cake with Leftover Cranberry Sauce

Be it breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, this cranberry coffee cake is a true delight.

Almond, lemon, and vanilla extract infuse this cake with bright and cozy flavors, and the cranberry sauce is the perfect touch for a fruity swirl.

Pair this with any one of these espresso drinks for a truly indulgent coffee break.

15. Cranberry Mayonnaise

I enjoy a turkey sandwich as much as the next gal, but I miss the creamy goodness of mayo in most leftover recipes.

Luckily, with this recipe, you get the best of both worlds.

Aside from cranberry sauce and mayonnaise, you’ll also add a little bit of lemon, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

16. Leftover Turkey Sandwich

Speaking of Thanksgiving leftovers, turkey sandwiches are a classic, aren’t they?

Use the leftover cranberry sauce as is, or slather on some of that cranberry mayo I mentioned above.

Bonus points for also using up those leftover dinner rolls.

17. Cranberry Hand Pies

No matter the time of year, these cranberry hand pies are a delightful treat.

Feel free to add some more sugar to the filling, but if your cranberry sauce is already sweet I’d leave it out.

18. Cranberry Pancakes with Leftover Cranberry Sauce

Slow down this weekend and treat the family to a high stack of these sweet and tart fluffy pancakes.

Unusually, there’s cranberry sauce both in the pancakes and on top. The double dose makes this a great recipe if you have a ton of sauce leftover.

19. Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Bites

These nibbles are an impeccable winter appetizer and so easy to make.

You’ll start with a crostini, then smear on some goat cheese. Finally, top it off with cranberry sauce, and sprinkle over some toasted pecans.

20. Turkey & Stuffing Turnovers

Reinvent your leftover turkey sandwiches with these irresistible hand pies.

The puff pastry crust is flaky and buttery, while the inside is nothing but leftovers. Turkey, cranberry sauce, and stuffing to be exact.

If you’ve got some gravy, you can pour a little in there too.

21. Cranberry Sauce Bundt Cake

Baking is a fabulous way to use up leftover cranberry sauce and this recipe certainly doesn’t disappoint.

I love the crunch of the pecans and the tartness of the cranberries. It’s even got a lovely drizzle of a powdered sugar glaze to balance it all out.

22. Cranberry Pistachio Brie Appetizer

While this recipe is meant for sharing, you may not want to after the first bite!

The combination of creamy brie, sweet cranberry sauce, and salted pistachios is a fantastic balance of all the right flavors.

It’s so good, I could eat it up with a spoon!

23. Leftover Cranberry Sauce Parfait

I can’t decide what I love more about this recipe: the simplicity, or the taste!

These four-ingredient parfaits come together in less than five minutes and I bet you’ve already got all the ingredients too.

Plus, the assembly is so easy. Just layer Greek yogurt, cranberry sauce, and granola until you fill a glass. Then, drizzle on some honey to your liking.

24. Thanksgiving Pizza

Why order pizza the day after Thanksgiving when you can save some money and make one with leftover ingredients?

Cranberry sauce is a superb substitution for traditional red sauce. As for the toppings, some leftover turkey and shredded cheese nails it.

25. Cranberry Fluff

Few things are as heavenly and festive as this cranberry fluff.

Use frozen whipped topping to create a fluffy texture, then add in some crushed pineapple and mini marshmallows to make it a whimsical treat.

If eating as a dip, I recommend serving with pretzels and Graham Crackers. Otherwise, you can serve this as a side or even a cake filling.

25 Delicious Leftover Cranberry Sauce Recipes (2)

25 Delicious Ways to Use Leftover Cranberry Sauce

Try any of these delicious leftover cranberry sauce recipes to breathe new life into a festive favorite. Between the muffins and meatballs, you might want to make extra on purpose.

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25 Delicious Leftover Cranberry Sauce Recipes (3)

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25 Delicious Leftover Cranberry Sauce Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What else can I use cranberry sauce for? ›

Breakfast
  • Swirl cranberry sauce into a bowl of yogurt and granola. ...
  • Use the cranberry sauce as a filling for sweet rolls. ...
  • Use the cranberry sauce for filling in homemade Pop Tarts.
  • Make a simple maple cranberry syrup by heating some of the cranberry sauce with pure maple syrup in a saucepan on the stovetop.
6 days ago

How do you get the tartness out of cranberry sauce? ›

Add A Splash Of Vinegar

Their sharp tang counteracts bitter flavors without having to add extra sugar. While citrus is a natural pairing for cranberry sauce, bright, savory vinegars like sherry vinegar, balsamic vinegar, and apple cider vinegar play well with the bitter-tart berries.

How do you jazz up canned cranberry sauce? ›

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.

Can you freeze leftover 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.

What's healthier homemade or store bought cranberry sauce? ›

Nutritional Facts Face-Off

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.

What is canned cranberry sauce good for? ›

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.

Why do cranberry sauce cans open on the bottom? ›

But why? Ocean Spray says this is to get the cranberry sauce out in one intact piece. “The rounded part of the can that looks like the bottom has an air bubble in it,” Ocean Spray's representative explains. The bubble is there so you can “break the seal the sauce makes with the can.”

How to make cranberry taste better? ›

If you'd prefer, you could use simple syrup, coconut sugar, cane sugar, sugar-free sweetener, maple syrup, or raw honey. You could also omit the added sugar and make an unsweetened cranberry juice if you'd prefer. Fresh Citrus: oranges and lemons add sweet and acid to balance the cranberries tartness.

How to thicken up 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.

How do you fix bland cranberry sauce? ›

Maple syrup, brown sugar and even honey can make your cranberry sauce more dynamic. And don't forget the spices! Cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, citrus zest and star anise all work well with cranberries and can be added while the sauce cooks to infuse your sauce with flavor.

How do you eat cranberry sauce hot or cold? ›

Should cranberry sauce be served warm or cold? You could, of course, serve it straight out of the pot, but I think it's best after it's chilled in the fridge. Chilling it helps it firm up some more in the fridge, plus, serving it this way means you can make it days ahead of a holiday.

How do you heat up Ocean Spray cranberry sauce? ›

Boiling is critical to release pectin, the key gelling ingredient, from the cranberry. You must cook the sauce for at least 10 minutes at a full boil for the pectin to react with the sugar and create the proper gelled texture.

How long will cranberry sauce last in the refrigerator? ›

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.

Can you freeze Ocean Spray jellied 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.

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.

What are you supposed to eat cranberry sauce with? ›

Similar to a low-sugar jam or preserves, cranberry sauce is intensely flavored and delicious with meats, especially pork or pot roast. It also fares well with cheese, in desserts, and in quick breads.

Is cranberry sauce eaten by itself? ›

Canned cranberry sauce is delicious on its own, but there are ways you can dress it up for any meal.

Why do Americans eat cranberry sauce? ›

To help offset some tartness in the fruit, both the Native Americans and pilgrims used maple, honey and other natural sweeteners to make the cranberries more palatable. According to Wick, the tart fruit became popularly used to create cranberry sauce for turkey and other types of meat in the late 17th century.

What was cranberry sauce made for? ›

An account from the American colonies in 1672 mentions the ways that both Native Americans and European settlers used cranberries, "boyling them with sugar for a sauce to eat with their meat." And one of cranberry's earliest documented appearances with turkey can be found in the 1796 cookbook American Cookery, where ...

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