Easy Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce
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Homemade cranberry sauce is one of those small yet impactful touches that can elevate your Thanksgiving dinner. There’s a special satisfaction in knowing you can easily adapt this classic side dish with various ingredients, and it will still turn out fantastic. This easy slow cooker cranberry sauce is a simple, hands-off option that yields rich flavors and vibrant color—perfect for your holiday spread.
The slow cooker method works beautifully for any cranberry sauce recipe, letting you set it and forget it while you prepare other dishes. You can skip the constant stirring and simply let the slow cooker bring out the cranberries’ natural sweetness and tartness, melding them with your chosen flavors.
In this version, orange juice, orange marmalade, and a hint of cinnamon create a deliciously warm and fruity sauce. The orange pairs so well with cranberries, adding a citrus brightness and a bit of texture with the bits of orange zest from the marmalade. The spice of cinnamon brings a cozy depth to the sauce, making it the perfect addition to complement turkey and all your Thanksgiving sides.
Ingredients to Make Easy Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce RECIPE
- FRESH CRANBERRIES
- ORANGE MARMALADE
- WHITE SUGAR
- CINNAMON
- ORANGE JUICE
Instructions to Make Easy Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce
To make this flavorful crockpot cranberry sauce, start by adding all the ingredients — fresh cranberries, orange juice, orange marmalade, sugar, and a touch of cinnamon — into your slow cooker. Give everything a gentle stir to combine and coat the cranberries with the sugar and marmalade.
Set the slow cooker to high and cover with the lid, allowing the sauce to cook for about 3 hours. During this time, the cranberries will start to burst, releasing their juices and combining with the other ingredients to form a vibrant, sweet-tart sauce. After the 3-hour mark, carefully remove the lid and use a spoon to gently smash any remaining whole cranberries against the side of the slow cooker. This helps release their flavor and ensures a smoother sauce.
After smashing the cranberries, leave the lid off the crock pot and cook for an additional 30 minutes on high. This step allows the sauce to thicken as some of the liquid evaporates, creating the perfect consistency. Once done, let the sauce cool to room temperature before transferring it to a storage container. Store in the refrigerator for up to a week, ready to serve alongside your Thanksgiving feast!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cranberry sauce ahead of time?
Yes, this cranberry sauce can be made up to a week ahead! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors often deepen over time, making it even tastier.
Can I freeze the cranberry sauce?
Absolutely! Once cooled, place the cranberry sauce in an airtight, freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw it in the fridge the night before you plan to serve it.
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries instead of fresh in this recipe! No need to thaw them first—just add them straight to the slow cooker. Frozen cranberries will cook down beautifully and yield the same delicious results.
Can I make this sauce on the stovetop instead of in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can easily make this on the stove top. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
What if the sauce is too thick?
If your cranberry sauce is too thick, stir in a little bit of water or extra orange juice until you reach the desired consistency.
Is this cranberry sauce very sweet?
The sauce is balanced between sweet and tart, thanks to the cranberries and orange juice. You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar according to your taste.
What are other ways to use leftover cranberry sauce?
Use it as a flavorful spread on a leftover turkey sandwich. Heat and drizzle over pancakes, waffles, French toast, or ice cream for a delicious fruity syrup alternative.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
- Cranberry Feta Pinwheels
- Hot Cranberry Orange Cider
- Cranberry Chili Cheese Spread
- Baked Cranberry Pear Pudding
Easy Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- 12 oz bag fresh cranberries
- ¾ cup orange marmalade
- ¾ cup sugar
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ cup orange juice
Instructions
- Combine everything together in a slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 hours.
- After 3 hours, gently smash cranberries against the side of the crockpot to help the rest pop and stir.
- Leave the lid off and cook for 30 minutes on HIGH.
- You can store this in the refrigerator up to 1 week.
Nutrition
Recipe adapted from The Frugal Girls.
