What is Thanksgiving without cranberry sauce? Why does making it feel like an afterthought amidst all the turkey, stuffing, etc.? What is pie madness? What is Cranberry Sauce? Is it so incredibly simple, it practically makes itself, and the flavor? Oh my goodness, the taste! Is it sweet, tart, and just a little bit spiced? I think of it as the cranberry sauce version of throwing everything into a slow cooker like I do. When making a pot roast, only this is way easier and infinitely sweeter! What is your favorite Thanksgiving recipe? Is the next few months coming? I don’t blame them a bit.

What is Cranberry Sauce?

Think of it as the lazy person’s cranberry sauce (but in the best way possible). What is a cranberry crockpot recipe? What are some good orange zest and cinnamon recipes? The slow cooking process allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a deep, rich, and flavorful dish. What makes a perfect sauce? Is it a set-it-and-forget kind of recipe? What’s a really busy week? What are some of the best sauces for side dishes? cranberry brie bites, muffins and even salsa – the other recipes are the same. What are the possibilities?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Okay, where do I even start? There are SO many reasons to fall head-over-heels in love with this recipe. What I love most is how ridiculously easy it is. Seriously, you just dump everything in the crockpot, stir, and let it do its thing!

Flavor Explosion:What is the best jellied stuff you can get in a can? This sauce is bursting with fresh cranberry flavor, balanced perfectly with sweetness and a hint of vanilla. What are some of the best ways to use orange zest in a dish?
EffortlessIt tastes like you spent hours slaving away in the kitchen, but really, it only takes about 5 minutes. What is the best way to prep for a big What is my kind of cooking?
Budget-Friendly: Cranberries are super affordable, especially during the holidays. Plus, you probably already have most of the other ingredients in your pantry.
Incredibly versatile: Of course, it’s amazing as a side dish with turkey or ham, but don’t stop there! Use it as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal, spread it on sandwiches, or even stir it into cocktails. Leftovers? You can even make cranberry cocktails!

If you’re a fan of easy, delicious recipes like my Apple Crisp, then you’re going to absolutely adore this Crockpot Cranberry Sauce. It’s simple, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser. And trust me, once you make it this way, you’ll never go back to the canned stuff!

How to Make Crockpot Cranberry Sauce

Quick Overview

What is a good crockpot cranberry sauce recipe? How do you combine cranberries, sugar, water, orange zest and spices in a blender? In a slow cooker, stir everything together, and cook on low for several hours. The cranberries will burst and soften, creating a luscious sauce that’s ready to be enjoyed. I love this method because it frees up oven space during the holidays, and the slow cooking process. Really intensifies the flavors.

Ingredients

What is Cranberry Sauce?

Is it better to buy fresh or frozen cranberries? No need to thaw them!
1 cup granulated sugar: 1 teaspoon. How sweet you want your sauce? I sometimes use 3/4 cup if I’m feeling less sweet.
1 cup water: This helps the cranberries cook down and create that saucy consistency.
Zest of 1 orange: This adds a lovely citrusy aroma and flavor. Don’t skip it! I always try to use organic oranges if I can.
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, cozy spice.
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Just a pinch adds depth of flavor.
Pinch of salt: Enhances all the other flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

In a crockpot, combine the cranberries, sugar, water, orange zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside. Stir everything together until the sugar is somewhat dissolved. Don’t worry if it’s not completely dissolved – it will all come together as it cooks!

Step 2: Cook

Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or until cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened. has thickened to your liking. How long does it take for a crockpot to cook?

Step 3: Cool and Serve

Once the sauce is done, let it cool slightly before serving. It will thicken up even more as it cools. You can serve it warm, at room temperature, or chilled. I personally love it chilled! It is also important to taste the sauce for sweetness. Add more sugar if you feel the sauce needs it at this point. If you do, stir well and let the sauce sit for a bit so the sugar can dissolve and incorporate.

Step 4: Enjoy!

What are some of the best side dishes to serve with your favorite holiday meal? What is the best way What are some rave reviews?

What should I serve it with?

What are some great recipes for crockpot cranberry sauce?

With the Classic Thanksgiving Feast: The Classical Thanksgiving. Obviously, it’s a must-have alongside your turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and gravy. It’s the perfect sweet and tart counterpoint to all those savory dishes.
How do I elevate my breakfast?Is it good to spoon over yogurt, oatmeal, or even pancakes? What is a good way to start the day?
Brunch Superstar:Serve it with baked brie and crackers, or as a topping for waffles or French toast. What is your favorite way to serve a delicious brunch?
Dress up Dessert:Can you use this as a topping for ice cream, cheesecake, or even brownies? The tartness of cranberries cuts through the sweetness of the dessert perfectly.
Cozy Snacks:Spread it on sandwiches or wraps with turkey or ham and cheese. What is a good lunch or snack?

Growing up, my grandma always had cranberry sauce on the table, not just for Thanksgiving, but for any special occasion. She’d put it on everything from roast chicken to ham sandwiches. It’s one of those flavors that just brings back happy memories. I’ve even stirred a spoonful into my holiday cocktails for a festive twist – trust me, it’s delicious!

How do I make a crockpot cranberry sauce?

Over the years, I’ve made my fair share of cranberry sauce, and I’ve learned a few tricks along the way.

Orange Zest is the key.Don’t skip orange zest! It adds a brightness and complexity that really elevates the flavor of the sauce. Make sure to zest the orange before juicing it (if you are going to juice it).
How do you adjust the sweetness of your drink?If you prefer a less sweet sauce, start with 3/4 cup of sugar and add more to taste. Can you use natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey? Can you change the flavor?
Spice it Up: Feel free to experiment with other spices like ginger, cloves, or allspice. A pinch of cayenne pepper can also add a nice little kick.
Add Some Texture: If you like a chunkier sauce, add some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Make it Ahead: This sauce can be made several days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. In fact, I think it tastes even better after the flavors have had a chance to meld together.
Thicken it Up: If your sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by stirring in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of cold water during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Add some liquor: A little orange liqueur or even bourbon adds complexity to the flavors, make sure to do this at the last 30 minutes of the cooking process.

One time, I accidentally added a whole teaspoon of nutmeg instead of 1/4 teaspoon. The sauce was still delicious, but the nutmeg flavor was definitely overpowering! So, lesson learned: measure your spices carefully!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Proper storage is key to keeping your Crockpot Cranberry Sauce fresh and delicious.

Room Temperature: You can leave the sauce at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After that, it needs to be refrigerated.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It will thicken up even more as it chills.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the sauce for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to use the cranberry sauce as a glaze, it’s best to apply it right before serving.

I usually make a double batch of this sauce so I can freeze some for later. It’s such a treat to have homemade cranberry sauce on hand whenever the craving strikes!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen cranberries?

Absolutely! There’s no need to thaw them, just toss them straight into the crockpot. I almost always use frozen because it’s what I have on hand. They work just as well as fresh.

Can I reduce the amount of sugar?

Yes, you can definitely reduce the sugar. I recommend starting with 3/4 cup and adding more to taste if needed. You can also use a natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey, but it will slightly alter the flavor.

Can I make this on the stovetop?

Yes, you can! Combine all the ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Then, reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened.

My sauce is too tart. What can I do?

Add a little more sugar or a touch of honey to balance the tartness. Start with a tablespoon at a time and taste as you go.

Can I add other fruits?

Definitely! Chopped apples, pears, or even dried cranberries would be delicious additions. Just add them to the crockpot along with the other ingredients.

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Cranberry Sauce is more than just a side dish – it’s a taste of home, a reminder of happy holidays, and a testament to the fact that delicious food doesn’t have to be complicated. It is easy, it bursts with flavor, and it is budget friendly. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other easy holiday recipes like my famous Apple Crisp or the classic Pumpkin Pie. I can’t wait to hear how your Crockpot Cranberry Sauce turns out! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think, and don’t forget to share your own variations. Happy cooking!