cranberry sauce slow cooker recipe

The Best cranberry sauce slow cooker recipe

I’ve always been a fan of cranberry sauce, and I’m excited to share with you my favorite slow cooker recipe. As a busy mom, I love that this recipe is easy to prepare and can simmer away while I attend to other tasks. My family and kids adore this sauce, and it’s perfect for the holidays or any time of year when we need a burst of flavor.

Cranberries are packed with antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties, making them a great addition to our meals. This slow cooker recipe allows us to enjoy the benefits of cranberries in a delicious and effortless way. The story of cranberry sauce begins in North America, where Native Americans first cultivated the fruit for its tart flavor and numerous health benefits.

European settlers adopted the fruit and began using it in cooking and medicine. Today, cranberry sauce is a staple at many holiday tables, particularly in the United States. When I first made this slow cooker recipe, I was blown away by how easy it was to prepare and how delicious it tasted.

The slow cooker method allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a rich and tangy sauce that’s perfect for topping turkey, pork, or even using as a dip. My kids love helping me prepare the ingredients, from rinsing the fresh or frozen cranberries to mixing the sugar and spices. In terms of key home cooking technique, this recipe showcases the importance of patience when cooking with low heat over an extended period.

Allowing the cranberries to simmer slowly breaks down their tough cell walls, releasing their natural sweetness and making them easier to digest. This technique also helps preserve the delicate flavor of the berries.

Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce

4.8 from 946 votes

A tangy and sweet cranberry sauce made effortlessly in the slow cooker. Perfect for holiday meals or as a condiment for sandwiches.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time2 hours
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time2 hours 10 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 120 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Ingredients

4 cups fresh cranberries
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup orange juice
1/2 cup water
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp salt

👨‍🍳Directions

1Rinse the cranberries and remove any stems or soft berries.
2Add cranberries to the slow cooker.
3Add sugar, orange juice, water, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to the slow cooker.
4Stir well to combine all ingredients.
5Cover and cook on low heat for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally until the cranberries have broken down and the sauce has thickened.
6Once the sauce has thickened and the cranberries have broken down, turn off the slow cooker.
7Use a potato masher or immersion blender to mash any remaining whole cranberries until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
8If the sauce is too thick, add a little more water or orange juice to reach your preferred consistency.
9Let the sauce cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container.
10Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

🔧Equipment

Slow cooker
Measuring cups
Wooden spoon

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 120 kcal🧈Total Fat: 0.2g💛Saturated Fat: 0g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 75mg🌾Total Carbs: 30g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 26g🥩Protein: 0.5g

📝Notes

Tips: For a smoother sauce, blend it with an immersion blender. You can adjust the sugar to taste. Add a cinnamon stick for extra flavor.

This slow cooker recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply want a delicious side dish for everyday meals. The best part?

It’s incredibly easy to make ahead of time and store in an airtight container for later use. When reheating, simply warm it up in your slow cooker or on the stovetop until heated through.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce

Q: What type of cranberries should I use?

In this recipe, you can use either fresh or frozen cranberries. If using frozen, make sure to thaw them first before adding them to the slow cooker.

Q: Can I make this recipe without sugar?

Yes, you can reduce or omit sugar depending on your taste preferences. Keep in mind that using less sugar will result in a less sweet sauce.

Q: How long does it take for the cranberries to break down?

Cooking time will vary depending on your slow cooker’s heat setting and desired level of consistency. Typically, it takes around 2-3 hours on low heat for the cranberries to break down completely.

Q: Can I store leftover cranberry sauce?

Affirmative! Cranberry sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or frozen for up to 6 months.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegan diets?

This recipe is vegan-friendly as long as you use a plant-based sweetener instead of refined sugar.

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