Ditch the can and unlock a world of flavor with this easy Crockpot Cranberry Sauce!
With just a handful of ingredients and a few hours of slow cooking, you'll have a vibrant and delicious side dish perfect for any holiday gathering.
Check out the other Easy Recipes for Thanksgiving to help you have a delicious celebration!
We always used to just open a can of cranberry sauce for Thanksgiving dinner. But a few years ago, I tried making this homemade recipe, and wow!
It was SO much better. I seriously couldn't believe I hadn't tried it sooner. The flavor was amazing, and it was so easy to make.
Looking for more Thanksgiving Side Dishes? Try my Company's Coming Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe or my Classic Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe.
Table of Contents
Expert Tips
Use fresh cranberries for the best flavor and texture. Avoid cranberries that are shriveled or soft. The amount of sugar can be adjusted to your preference. If you prefer a tarter sauce, reduce the sugar by ¼ cup. For a sweeter sauce, increase it by ¼ cup.
One of the best things about this cranberry sauce is that you can make it ahead of time! Feel free to prepare it a day or two before Thanksgiving, or even freeze it a week or two in advance.
This allows you to check one more task off your holiday to-do list and frees up valuable time closer to the big day.
And if you happen to have any leftovers (though it's unlikely!), try spooning some over a turkey sandwich with leftover turkey. Trust me, it's a delicious way to enjoy those Thanksgiving flavors for days to come!
🛒Helpful Kitchen Tools
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Main Ingredients Needed
Here's a quick overview of the ingredients for this recipe. Find the exact amounts and click the Instacart button to easily add them to your cart – all in the printable recipe card below!
Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- Swap out the cinnamon for ginger, cloves or even nutmeg would be nice.
- A teaspoon of vanilla or almond extract for even more flavor.
- Add toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch.
- Dice a pear or apple and add it to the crockpot along with the cranberries.
- You can also make this recipe using my Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce recipe.
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Start by adding all of the ingredients to your crock pot. Give everything a good stir to ensure the sugar is evenly distributed. Cover and cook on high for approximately 3 hours.
Step 2: After 3 hours, remove the lid and give the sauce another stir. Use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to gently mash some of the cranberries. This will help to thicken the sauce and release more of their juices.
Step 3: Continue cooking the cranberry sauce uncovered for another 45 minutes, or until it reaches your desired consistency. Most of the cranberries will have popped, and the sauce will be noticeably thicker.
Step 4: Once the cranberry sauce is cooked to perfection, turn off the crock pot and allow it to cool completely. This will allow the sauce to thicken further. Serve it chilled or at room temperature.
Before You Begin!
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Storage Tips
Refrigerator: Any leftover cranberry sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Can you Freeze Cranberry Sauce?
Before freezing, make sure your cranberry sauce has cooled completely to room temperature. This prevents ice crystals from forming and affecting the texture. Transfer the cranberry sauce to airtight, freezer-safe containers, leaving about half an inch of headspace for expansion. Use the frozen cranberry sauce within 2-3 months.
More Recipes to Love
Check out more family favorite crock pot recipes to help you have a great holiday celebration!
- How to Roast a Turkey
- Crockpot Thanksgiving Recipes
- Crockpot Glazed Carrots
- AND if you have leftover cranberry sauce, you need to make these EASY Turkey Slider Sandwiches!
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📖 Recipe Card
Crockpot Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place all the ingredients in the crock pot and stir.
- Cover and cook on high for about 3 hours.
- Remove the lid, stir and mash some of the cranberries.
- Continue to cook uncovered for another 45 minutes or until the sauce has thickened and most of the cranberries have popped.
- Let cool before serving or place in a container to store in the refrigerator.
- This sauce also freezes well.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!This recipe has been updated since it first appeared in 2015 with new photos, information and a new printable recipe card that includes nutritional information. I hope you enjoy the updates as much as I enjoyed working on them!
Kathi says
Another yummy recipe to make with the berries I gather here in Alaska. Thank you!
Lois says
Thank you for the lovely comment! Hope you enjoy the recipe...it's a family favorite here!
Joanne says
I don't normally like cranberry sauce (more for the texture because I do love cranberries!) and I think I'd love this!
Fred Spoelstra says
As a guy who loves Thanksgiving food this Cranberry recipe not only adds to that enjoyment, but it also let's me be part of the cooking side of things. So guys, if you want to help out in the Thanksgiving kitchen, this recipe is no fail and delicious for you to make. Not only was it easy, but the kitchen smelled great. I think the ladies or cooks in your life will appreciate the help and the company (I hope) in the kitchen.
Lois says
Thank you Fred! I'm glad you found the recipe easy to prepare and delicious!
Beverly says
Wow, this cranberry sauce looks amazing. Congratulations, you are being featured on Happiness Is Homemade this weekend. I hope you stop by.
https://www.eclecticredbarn.com/2021/11/happiness-is-homemade-party_01749502664.html
Hugs,
Bev
Lois says
Thank you so much!
Michelle Frank | Flipped-Out Food says
I grew up with cranberry sauce that came in the form of a a can-shaped blob. It made the most revolting "slurp-PLOP!" sound as my mom flopped it onto her fanciest crystal serving dish. Cranberry sauce is SO EASY to make yourself—there's no excuse for the canned stuff. I love the addition of cinnamon and orange zest in your version!
Lois says
Thanks for visiting. I was quite surprised at how easy Homemade Cranberry Sauce is to make as well!
Emily says
There really is nothing quite like cranberry sauce that's homemade. There's no comparison with canned.
Valerie Rath says
Homemade Cranberry Sauce is just the best and also my most favorite dish at any Thanksgiving table.