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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Try these other recipes

Homemade Seasoning Blends

Easy Alfredo Sauce Recipe

Easy Cake

Best Vanilla Cake Recipe

Easy Side Dishes

What to Serve with Pancakes

Quick and Easy Pork

Cranberry Pork Tenderloin

Oven Baked

Best Homemade Pancake and Waffle Mix

All Recipes

Easy Scrambled Egg Muffins

Easy Salad

Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe

Easy Appetizer

Dill Pickle Deviled Eggs

About the Author

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Eating on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you cook delicious meals without busting your budget. Together we are going to cook real food… for real families!

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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!

More items...

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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.

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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.

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How to doctor up canned jellied 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.

What does cranberry sauce do for your body? ›

The great amount of antioxidants found in cranberries, such as proanthocyanidins, could help lower your chance of getting cancer. However, more research is needed to confirm this. Cranberries have two big benefits for heart health: lowering blood pressure and improving cholesterol.

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What meat do you eat cranberry sauce with? ›

Cranberry sauce can be used with a variety of meats, including turkey, pork, chicken, and ham. Cranberry sauce is often eaten in conjunction with turkey for Christmas in the United Kingdom and Canada or Thanksgiving in the United States and Canada, and it is only rarely eaten or served in other contexts there.

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Can dogs eat cranberries? ›

Both fresh and dried cranberries are safe to feed to dogs in small quantities. Whether your dog will like this tart treat is another question. Either way, moderation is important when feeding cranberries to dogs, as with any treat, as too many can lead to an upset stomach.

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Should cranberry sauce be served warm or cold? ›

Typically served chilled, our recipe can be made up to 3 days ahead.

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How to tell when cranberry sauce is done? ›

Pull the sauce off the stove once you hear or see the first few cranberries burst. You want some of them to burst but others to remain whole for the best texture. The sauce can be made up to 1 week in advance; keep refrigerated, and do not add the nuts until Thanksgiving Day, a few hours before serving.

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Can you freeze cranberry sauce in mason jars? ›

You can use any airtight container that is freezer-safe, but mason jars are my favorite for both freezing and serving cranberry sauce.

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Is it better to freeze cranberries or cranberry sauce? ›

Homemade cranberry sauce takes about 30 minutes to make and it freezes better because it uses fresh cranberries. (The fresher the fruit you use, the better the taste!) If you plan on freezing fresh cranberry sauce, it's ideal to freeze it within a day of making it.

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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.

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Why is the label upside down on a can of cranberry sauce? ›

If the can were stored with the air bubble on the bottom for an extended time, the cranberry sauce would “crush it,” rendering it useless. By turning the can upside down, meaning that Ocean Spray attaches the label upside down, consumers will store the can with the air bubble at the top.

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What's the difference between cranberry sauce and cranberry jelly? ›

Cranberry sauce can be served either as a gooey liquid or as a solid jelly. The jellied version is solid enough to retain the shape of the container in which it's placed whereas the sauce version is much more fluid. The difference between the fluid sauce and the jelly versions comes down to pectin.

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Why is canned cranberry sauce so good? ›

The reason cranberry sauce goes so well with Thanksgiving dinner has everything to do with tannins. Located in the cranberry's skin, tannins bind with protein and fats—such as turkey, gravy, and buttery mashed potatoes—much the way a tannin-forward red wine, like Chianti, pairs with a fatty steak.

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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.

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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.

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Can you melt 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.

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What do you use cranberry and verjuice sauce for? ›

Cranberry & Verjuice Sauce earns its place at the Christmas table as a natural partner to a roast turkey with all the trimmings. It can also be used as an appetiser or lunch on a sliced crusty baguette with chunks of creamy camembert.

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