Leftover Cranberry Sauce Recipes (2024)

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Try 24 leftover cranberry recipes to turn cranberry sauce into something new. From muffins and pancakes to pork chops and more, these recipes do not disappoint.

Leftover Cranberry Sauce Recipes (1)

Leftover Cranberry Sauce Recipes

Don’t toss the leftover cranberry sauce at Thanksgiving. Make one of these quick and easy recipes instead. There are numerous recipes to try that are delicious.

From breakfast and brunch to lunch and dinner, the ideas are plentiful. We even have dessert options for leftover cranberry sauce. These recipes are so delicious that you will get excited about Thanksgiving leftovers.

How long does cranberry sauce last in the fridge?

Cranberry has a prolonged shelf life in the fridge. If stored properly, it will last up to 12 days. Just make sure to place the cranberry sauce inside an airtight container.

Leftover Cranberry Sauce Recipes (2)

Can you freeze leftover cranberry sauce?

You can actually freeze cranberry sauce to be able to use leftovers even longer. You will need to allow it to cool completely before freezing.

Then place inside a good freezer container. Make sure to label it so you know when it was initially frozen. this will help to prevent any confusion later.

It can be frozen up to a year. However, it is most flavorful when used within 6 months.

1. Easy Cranberry Muffins Recipe

Once you try these decadent Cranberry Sauce muffins, you will be hooked. They have the perfect blend of tartness and sweetness.

Leftover Cranberry Sauce Recipes (3)

Easy Cranberry Muffins Recipe

Try this easy and delicious Easy Cranberry Muffins Recipe next time you grab cranberries on sale. This is perfect for a breakfast or a snack around the holidays.

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2. Cranberry Orange Crock Pot Pork Tenderloin

The slow cooker makes it so easy to make tender and flavorful pork tenderloin. The cranberry sauce combines with oranges for a great flavor. This combination would be great with pulled pork too.

Leftover Cranberry Sauce Recipes (4)

Cranberry Pork Tenderloin

Looking for an easy and delicious recipe? You have to try this easy Cranberry Pork Tenderloin Recipe! It is packed with flavor!

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3. Thumbprint Cookies

Make this recipe but use leftover cranberry sauce instead of the raspberry jam. The tartness combines nicely with the buttery cookie.

Leftover Cranberry Sauce Recipes (5)

Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies

This easy Raspberry Thumbprint Cookie is so easy to make. This buttery cookie has a soft texture that is bursting with raspberry flavor.

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4. Cranberry Meatballs

Substitute cranberry sauce instead of jelly in this recipe. It is sweet and delicious for the perfect combination.

Leftover Cranberry Sauce Recipes (6)

Crock Pot Grape Jelly Meatballs

Make these delicious Crock Pot Grape Jelly Meatballs with only 3 ingredients! They are savory and sweet and amazing for game day, parties and much more.

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5. Cranberry Jello Salad

You only need 3 ingredients for this simple congealed salad. The cranberry sauce gives it the perfect amount of tartness.

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Cranberry Jello Salad

Cranberry Jello salad is the perfect dish to serve with turkey and more. You only need 3 ingredients to make this delicious jello salad.

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6. Cranberry Cheesecake

Leftover cranberry sauce is a delicious topping for cheesecake. It helps to balance out the sweetness of the cheesecake.

Leftover Cranberry Sauce Recipes (8)

Philadelphia No Bake Cheesecake

Philadelphia No Bake Cheesecake comes together with easy ingredients. The creamy and decadent custard filling tops a graham cracker crust.

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7. Cranberry Orange Bread

Anyone can whip up this quick bread in just minutes. The tasty blend of cranberries and orange give this bread the best flavor.

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Cranberry Orange Bread

Cranberry orange bread recipe is a tangy and sweet quick bread that can be made with little effort. Your kitchen will smell amazing.

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8. Cranberry Relish

In minutes, this relish comes together fast and easy. Cranberry Relish is an amazing side to turkey and more.

Leftover Cranberry Sauce Recipes (10)

Cranberry relish

Cranberry relish recipe has only 3 ingredients and goes perfectly with turkey, dressing and more. Make this for your next holiday meal.

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9. Cranberry Bars

Everyone will be fighting over these layered bars with cranberry sauce. They are sweet and delicious. You can use cranberry sauce or even fresh cranberries.

Leftover Cranberry Sauce Recipes (11)

Cranberry Bars

Cranberry Bars are rich, buttery and so easy to make. Perfect for the holidays and a great way to use up any leftover fresh cranberries or cranberry sauce.

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10. Dump and Bake Cranberry Chicken

Toss and go for a great meal without any prep work. With only 5 ingredients, this easy recipe makes the best chicken.

Leftover Cranberry Sauce Recipes (12)

Dump-and-Bake Cranberry Chicken

The most tender, juicy and flavorful baked chicken breasts! This 5-ingredientDump-and-Bake Cranberry Chickenis a cozy, easy dinner recipe that's perfect for cool nights.

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11. Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Danish

Everyone will love these flaky Danishes for breakfast. They are packed with cranberry sauce, cream cheese and more.

Leftover Cranberry Sauce Recipes (13)

Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Danish

Looking for a way to use up cranberry sauce? This easy Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Danish pastry is a delightful treat.

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12. Cranberry Baked Buttermilk Pancakes

Feed a crowd or large family with these easy to make baked pancakes. The added flavor of cranberries is delightful.

Leftover Cranberry Sauce Recipes (14)

Cranberry Baked Buttermilk Pancakes

They're easy because they're baked in a 9×13" pan instead of individually-made standing at the stove top.

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13. Turkey Cranberry Brie Grilled Cheese

Take the basic grilled cheese up a level with brie and cranberry sauce. It is so gooey and amazing.

Leftover Cranberry Sauce Recipes (15)

Turkey Cranberry Brie Grilled Cheese

Amazing recipe to use up thoseThanksgiving leftoversafter the holiday dinner.

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14. Cheesy Cranberry Turkey Baked Sliders

Dinner is super easy with this effortless 30 minute recipe for sliders. It is baked to perfection for the perfect sandwich packed with turkey and cranberries.

Leftover Cranberry Sauce Recipes (16)

Cheesy Cranberry Turkey Baked Sliders

Cheesy Cranberry Turkey Baked Sliders are a quick 30 minute recipe to use up holiday leftovers!

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15. Cranberry Fluff

The delicious blend of sweet and tangy is so amazing in this Cranberry Fluff recipe. The crushed pineapple and marshmallows make it even better.

Leftover Cranberry Sauce Recipes (17)

Cranberry Fluff

Whole-berry cranberry sauce, crushed pineapple and mini marshmallows combine with whipped topping to create a perfectly sweet and tangy Thanksgiving side dish in this Cranberry Fluff.

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16. Leftover Cranberry Sauce Parfaits

Turn leftovers into these sweet and tasty parfaits. Not only do they look gorgeous but they taste even better.

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Leftover Cranberry Sauce Parfaits

Making these easy leftover cranberry sauce parfaits is simple.

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17. Cranberry Sauce Bundt Cake

This reminds me of a coffee cake so you might be able to sneak a slice into breakfast. It is so moist and yummy.

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Cranberry Sauce Bundt Cake

Not sure what to do with leftover Thanksgiving cranberry sauce? Use it to make this easy, moist, and delicious Cranberry Sauce Bundt Cake.

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18. Cranberry Pancakes with Cranberry Sauce

Jazz up plain pancakes with cranberry sauce. It adds a ton of delicious flavor for the best breakfast.

Leftover Cranberry Sauce Recipes (20)

Cranberry Pancakes with Cranberry Sauce

Holidays yield A LOT of food, so why not clean out your fridge with these leftover cranberry sauce pancakes! Super fun, and they can be made using homemade or store-bought batter.

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19. Cranberry Hand Pies

Bite size hand pies make a decadent dessert. The flaky crust is packed with cranberry sauce for a real treat.

Leftover Cranberry Sauce Recipes (21)

Cranberry Hand Pies

Cranberry pie is more fun when you can have it all to yourself! Transform leftover cranberry sauce in this recipe for Cranberry Hand Pies!

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20. Cranberry Coffee Cake

The sweet and tart blend of flavors in this coffee cake is so tasty for breakfast or anytime of day. Just add a cup of coffee and you are set.

Leftover Cranberry Sauce Recipes (22)

Cranberry Coffee Cake

A moist, sweet-tart coffee cake, that's great for using up your leftover Cranberry Sauce

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21. Crock Pot Cranberry Pork Chops

The combination of brown sugar, barbecue sauce and cranberries makes a delicious sauce for pork. It is all simmered together perfectly and slow cooked to perfection.

Leftover Cranberry Sauce Recipes (23)

Crock Pot Cranberry Pork Chops

Would you believe me if I told you my kids like these Crock Pot Cranberry Pork Chops better than the holiday dinner that gave us the leftover cranberry sauce?

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22. Monte Cristo

Everyone loves a classic Monte Cristo sandwich and this variation is amazing. The cranberry sauce brings it all together for a great meal.

Leftover Cranberry Sauce Recipes (24)

Monte Cristo

Cranberry sauce, mustard, and cheese keep the sliced breast moist, and a golden brown egg batter elevates that old chestnut to showstopper status.

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23. Cranberry Smoothie

This smoothie recipe is sure to impress. Everyone will love the sweet and tart combination. While this might be a surprising ingredient to add to a smoothie, the results are fabulous.

Leftover Cranberry Sauce Recipes (25)

Cranberry Smoothie

This cranberry smoothie is easy to make and filled with lots of good-for-you ingredients (but ones you don't need to hunt down). Refreshingly tart and tasty.

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24. Orange Mousse with Cranberry Sauce

This layered Mousse dessert is smooth and creamy. The orange zest and cranberries make a fabulous dessert. Feel free to top with whipped cream.

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Orange Mousse with Cranberry Sauce

This Orange Mousse with Cranberry Sauce is a light, elegant dessert that showcases the sweet-tart beauty of cranberries! You can use store-bought or leftover cranberry sauce for the topping, so it comes together quickly and easily!

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There are so many delicious recipes.

The options are endless for using cranberry sauce to make new recipes. You might want to have leftovers just to be able to make these yummy ideas.

Instead of tossing leftover cranberry sauce, transform it into something new. Your family will love it. Not only does it help to prevent waste but and save money but these recipes taste great.

Give it a try and let us know what you make. I think you will be impressed how tasty these recipes turn out.

More Thanksgiving leftover Recipes:

  • Leftover turkey recipes
  • 50Thanksgiving leftover recipes
Leftover Cranberry Sauce Recipes (27)

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About the Author

Leftover Cranberry Sauce Recipes (36)

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Leftover Cranberry Sauce Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What else can I use cranberry sauce for? ›

Crantastic! 12 Ways to Enjoy Your Leftover Cranberry Sauce
  • Make the ultimate… grilled cheese! ...
  • Pour it over your… pancakes! ...
  • Spoon it into… muffins! ...
  • Roll it up in... cinnamon rolls! ...
  • Stir it into... yogurt! ...
  • Whip it into a… smoothie! ...
  • Top your… toast! ...
  • Bake it into… homemade pop tarts!

How long does cranberry sauce last in the fridge? ›

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.

Can you freeze unused 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.

Can you melt canned cranberry sauce? ›

A can of cranberry sauce typically contains cranberries, high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, and water, so when you plop it into a pot on low heat, it is going to melt down into an almost jam-like consistency, but that's not all that is going to change.

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 cut 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.

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!

Should cranberry sauce be cold when served? ›

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.

Does cranberry sauce need to be reheated? ›

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.

Is canned jellied cranberry sauce good for you? ›

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.

Can you freeze cranberry sauce in mason jars? ›

It can also make it easier to thaw out quickly. You could also use silicone molds for this and break off a cube of cranberry sauce at a time when ready to use. Another idea is to freeze your homemade cranberry sauce in mini mason jars.

Can I eat expired cranberry sauce? ›

Most varieties should last a full year if the can remains dent-free, but keep an eye on that "best before" date to be safe. If you open the can and the sauce appears discolored, or the smell or taste seems off, go ahead and toss it.

How to jazz up 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.

Why do they put the label on cranberry sauce upside down? ›

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.”

What do you 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.

What is the best way to serve cranberry sauce? ›

The traditional way of serving jellied cranberry sauce is sliced into rounds. With the column set on its side, slice into ¼-inch thick rounds and then arrange the slices on a serving platter. Serve the slices plain, garnished as desired, or read on for easy upgrades.

Can you just eat canned cranberry sauce? ›

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.

Why do people use cranberry sauce? ›

For instance, cranberries were mixed with meat and fat as a way to help extend the shelf life of the meat. The indigenous people then introduced the cranberry to the English pilgrims when they arrived in North America. According to Wick, they helped the pilgrims understand what cranberries were and how to use them.

What is the difference between whole berry cranberry sauce and jellied cranberry sauce? ›

The major variation you're likely to come across is "whole berry" versus "jellied." The only difference between them is that the jellied sauce is cooked until the berries have completely broken down. They both slide out of the can as a wobbly red cylinder.

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