How to Freeze Cranberry Sauce

Can you freeze homemade cranberry sauce? The good news is, yes, you can! In fact, it’s best to freeze homemade cranberry sauce.

Homemade cranberry sauce can be prepared in less than 30 minutes, and because it’s made with fresh cranberries, it’s much easier to freeze (the fresher the fruit, the better the taste!). If you have leftover homemade cranberry sauce that you won’t be able to use within a week, freezing it is a great option. Just be sure to freeze it within a day of making it, so even after freezing, the fresh taste of the cranberry sauce is preserved.

Can Canned Cranberry Sauce Be Frozen?

If you’re using canned fresh or jelly cranberry sauce, it’s best to avoid freezing it. Ocean Spray recommends not freezing canned cranberry sauce. When frozen, the gelatin in jelly cranberry sauce can cause it to become mushy.

Instead, store leftover canned or homemade cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will keep for up to a week.

How to Freeze Homemade Cranberry Sauce

Freezing homemade cranberry sauce is easy:

1. Let the cranberry sauce cool to room temperature before freezing it.

2. Pour the cranberry sauce into an airtight container or freezer bag. Be sure to remove all the air from the bag to prevent freezer burn (or use a vacuum sealer).

3. If you’re freezing a large batch of homemade cranberry sauce, divide it into several freezer bags.

4. For smaller portions, use silicone molds to create cube-sized portions.

5. Another option is to use straight-sided mini Mason jars (avoid jars with shoulders as they risk cracking), leaving about 1 inch of space below the rim to allow for expansion.

How to Thaw Homemade Cranberry Sauce

Thaw cranberry sauce in the refrigerator overnight. Stir well before serving. You can also reheat thawed sauce on the stove or in the microwave.

If you’re in a hurry or forgot to thaw the cranberry sauce overnight, start by microwaving it for a quick thaw, then transfer it to a skillet and thaw it slowly on the stove over low heat.

Alternatively, place the freezer bag in a bowl of cold water and let it float until thawed enough to pour into a pan for reheating.