25 Ways To Use Leftover Cranberry Sauce

Have leftover cranberry sauce from your Thanksgiving or Christmas feast? Learn the 25 best ways to use cranberry sauce in both sweet and savory foods so it doesn’t go to waste!

Cranberry sauce is a condiment made from cranberries, sugar, and water, often with additional flavorings like orange zest or cinnamon. It has a sweet and tangy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the savory dishes traditionally served during holiday dinners. It is most commonly associated with Thanksgiving and Christmas meals, where it is served as a side dish to complement the flavors of turkey, stuffing, and other rich, hearty dishes.

But what do you do with the leftovers once the feast is over? While it’s always delicious spread on a turkey sandwich, there are plenty of other creative ways to put it to use!

🍹25 Ways To Use Leftover Cranberry Sauce

1. Cranberry Yogurt Parfait: Layer about 2 tablespoons of cranberry sauce between layers of Greek yogurt and granola for a delicious breakfast or snack.
2. Cranberry Vinaigrette: Whisk together 3 tablespoons cranberry sauce with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper to taste for a tangy salad dressing.
3. Cranberry Grilled Cheese: Spread 1 tablespoon cranberry sauce between slices of bread and cheese. Grill until crispy.
4. Cranberry Swirl Pancakes: Prepare pancake batter as usual. Before flipping, swirl in 1 tablespoon of cranberry sauce.
5. Cranberry Mustard Dip: Mix 3 tablespoons of cranberry sauce with 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard for a sweet and tangy dip.
6. Cranberry Oatmeal: Stir 2 tablespoons of cranberry sauce into your morning oatmeal for added flavor.
7. Cranberry Smoothie: Blend 2 tablespoons of cranberry sauce with a banana, 1/2 cup of yogurt, and ice for a refreshing drink.
8. Cranberry Meatballs: Add 1/2 cup cranberry sauce to your meatball mixture for a slightly sweet and tangy twist.
9. Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread: Mix 1/4 cup of cranberry sauce with 8 ounces of softened cream cheese for a delightful bread spread.
10. Cranberry Brie Bites: Spread a teaspoon of cranberry sauce on small puff pastry squares, top with brie, and bake until golden.
11. Cranberry Swirl Brownies: Prepare the brownie batter, and before baking, swirl in 1/4 cup cranberry sauce.
12. Cranberry Rice Pilaf: Stir 2 tablespoons of cranberry sauce into cooked rice along with sautéed onions and herbs.
13. Cranberry Scones: Incorporate 1/2 cup of cranberry sauce into your favorite scone recipe for added flavor.
14. Cranberry Sorbet: Blend 1 cup cranberry sauce with 1 cup water and sugar to taste. Freeze and enjoy as a sorbet.
15. Cranberry Cocktail: Mix 1 tablespoon of cranberry sauce into your favorite cocktail or mocktail for a fruity twist.
16. Cranberry BBQ Glaze: Mix 1/2 cup cranberry sauce with 1/2 cup BBQ sauce and use as a glaze for chicken or pork.
17. Cranberry Tuna Salad: Add 2 tablespoons of cranberry sauce to tuna salad for a sweet contrast.
18. Cranberry Hummus: Swirl 2 tablespoons of cranberry sauce into your favorite hummus recipe for a festive touch.
19. Cranberry Protein Bars: Incorporate 1/4 cup cranberry sauce into your homemade protein or granola bars.
20. Cranberry Muffin Mix-in: Add 1/2 cup cranberry sauce into your muffin mix before baking.
21. Cranberry Ice Cream Topping: Warm up cranberry sauce and pour over ice cream for a tangy-sweet contrast.
22. Cranberry Popcorn Drizzle: Melt 3 tablespoons of cranberry sauce and drizzle over popcorn for a sweet treat.
23. Cranberry Stuffed Chicken Breasts: Use 2 tablespoons of cranberry sauce as stuffing for chicken breasts before baking or grilling.
24. Cranberry Glazed Carrots: Mix 1/4 cup cranberry sauce with 2 tablespoons of butter and toss with roasted or steamed carrots.
25. Cranberry Chia Pudding: Stir in 2 tablespoons of cranberry sauce into your usual chia pudding recipe for added flavor and color.

❔FAQ

Can leftover cranberry sauce be frozen?

Yes, leftover cranberry sauce can be frozen. Just transfer it to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag, leaving some space for expansion, and store it in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

How long can you keep leftover cranberry sauce?

Leftover cranberry sauce can typically be kept in the refrigerator for up to 10-14 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and prevent it from absorbing other odors in the fridge.

How long does a jar of cranberry sauce last in the fridge?

An unopened jar of store-bought cranberry sauce can last in the refrigerator for up to a year, while an opened jar should be used within about 10-14 days. Homemade cranberry sauce, however, should be consumed within 10-14 days of making it, regardless of whether it’s kept in the refrigerator or the freezer.