Slow cooker cranberry sauce is a must-have for any holiday dinner.
Whether you’re planning a spread of Thanksgiving side dishes or looking for easy Christmas sides, this recipe has got you covered.
It’s also perfect for those who want a vegetarian side that everyone will love.
With the convenience of being a Thanksgiving crockpot recipe, you can focus on enjoying the festivities rather than spending all day in the kitchen.
Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce Ingredients
These ingredients make this sauce sweet, tart, and totally irresistible:
- Fresh Cranberries: The star of the show, providing that classic tart flavor.
- Orange Juice: Adds a bright citrus note that complements the cranberries.
- Water: Helps balance the consistency.
- Maple Syrup, Granulated or Brown Sugar, or Your Preferred Sweetener: Adds sweetness; choose your favorite!
- Orange Peel: Infuses the sauce with a zesty kick.
- Cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth of flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: Gives a smooth, rich undertone.
Tips and Notes
Make your holiday cooking even easier with these helpful tips:
- Frozen Cranberries: You can use frozen cranberries straight from the freezer; no need to thaw them.
- Consistency: If you like a thicker sauce, cook it uncovered for the last 30-45 minutes.
- Make Ahead: This sauce can be made in advance and stored in the fridge, saving you time on the big day.
- Flavor Boost: Add a splash of brandy or port for a boozy twist.
How to Make Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce
- Combine Ingredients: Place cranberries, orange juice, water, sweetener, orange peel, and cinnamon in a 4-quart slow cooker. Stir to mix well.
- Cook: Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 hours, stirring once every hour.
- Finish: Uncover, stir in the vanilla extract, and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Thicken: Remove the orange peel and let the sauce sit for at least 15 minutes to thicken. Serve warm or refrigerate for later.
Storage
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Freeze: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before using.
- Reheat: Warm in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally.
This slow cooker cranberry sauce is not just for holiday dinners but also perfect for Thanksgiving leftover recipes like this delicious Thanksgiving turkey sliders.
Enjoy this sweet and tart holiday staple at your next holiday dinner!
Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce
Make this sweet and tart slow cooker cranberry sauce for a perfect holiday side dish. It's easy, delicious, and ideal for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners. Enjoy it with turkey or use it for Thanksgiving leftover recipes like turkey sliders. A holiday staple made simple!
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, or your preferred sweetener (adding more/less to taste)
- 1 3 inch strip orange peel
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Place cranberries, orange juice, water, sweetener, orange peel, and cinnamon in a 4-quart slow cooker. Stir to mix well.
- Cook: Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 hours, stirring once every hour.
- Finish: Uncover, stir in the vanilla extract, and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Thicken: Remove the orange peel and let the sauce sit for at least 15 minutes to thicken. Serve warm or refrigerate for later.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Yield
8Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 57Total Fat 0gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 0gCholesterol 0mgSodium 4mgCarbohydrates 14gFiber 2gSugar 11gProtein 0g
