slow cooker cranberry sauce recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
slow cooker cranberry sauce recipe
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The Best slow cooker cranberry sauce recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite slow cooker cranberry sauce recipe! This dish has been a staple in our household for years, and I just can’t get enough of it.

The combination of sweet and tart flavors is absolutely perfect, and the best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make. Just toss all the ingredients into your slow cooker in the morning, and by dinner time, you’ll have a delicious sauce that’s perfect for serving over turkey, stuffing, or even as a dip for crackers.

My family loves this recipe because it’s always a crowd-pleaser, and I love it because it’s so easy to make ahead of time. Plus, the fact that it’s made with fresh cranberries means that it’s packed with nutrients and antioxidants that are great for our health.

I’ve served this sauce at countless family gatherings and holidays, and it’s always been a hit. Whether you’re looking for a new twist on traditional cranberry sauce or just want a simple recipe that’s perfect for weeknight meals, this slow cooker cranberry sauce is sure to become a favorite in your household too.

Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce

Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce

4.8 from 1874 votes

A hands-off cranberry sauce with bright citrus and warm spice, made entirely in the slow cooker. It is perfect for holiday dinners or as a topping for yogurt and pancakes.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time3 hours
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time3 hours 10 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 150 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Cranberry Sauce

12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon orange zest
1 cinnamon stick
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon salt

👨‍🍳Directions

1Rinse the cranberries and pick out any soft or bruised ones.
2Place the cranberries into the slow cooker along with the sugar, orange juice, water, orange zest, cinnamon stick, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
3Stir everything together with a wooden spoon until the sugar is mostly dissolved.
4Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to LOW heat.
5Cook for 3 hours, stirring once after 1.
5 hours, until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened to a jam-like consistency.
6The sauce should coat the back of a spoon and look glossy.
7Turn off the slow cooker and remove the cinnamon stick.
8Use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to lightly mash the cranberries if you prefer a smoother sauce, or leave them whole for a chunkier texture.
9Let the sauce cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container.
10Refrigerate the cranberry sauce for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
11Serve chilled or at room temperature.
12The sauce will thicken further as it cools.

🔧Equipment

Slow cooker (3 to 4 quart)
Measuring cups and spoons
Wooden spoon
Zester or fine grater
Citrus juicer (optional)
Airtight storage container

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 150 kcal🧈Total Fat: 0g💛Saturated Fat: 0g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 40mg🌾Total Carbs: 38g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 32g🥩Protein: 0g

📝Notes

Tips: For a less sweet sauce, reduce the sugar to 3/4 cup. You can add 1/4 cup of bourbon or rum in the last 30 minutes of cooking for an adult twist. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.

Watch Video Of How Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce Works

This slow cooker cranberry sauce recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just need a quick and easy side dish for weeknight meals.

The best part is that it makes ahead of time beautifully, so feel free to prepare it early in the day or even overnight and let your slow cooker do all the work while you’re busy with other things.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how well it pairs with both sweet and savory dishes – try serving it over roasted turkey or pork chops for added flavor.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce

Q: What type of cranberries should I use for this recipe?

I recommend using fresh or frozen cranberries for this recipe. If you’re using frozen cranberries, just thaw them first before adding them to the slow cooker.

Q: Can I make this recipe in a regular pot on the stovetop?

No, this recipe requires a slow cooker to cook the cranberries down into a thick and syrupy sauce.

Q: How long does it take to cook the sauce in the slow cooker?

The cooking time will depend on the strength of your slow cooker, but generally speaking, you can expect the sauce to be ready in 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high.

Q: Can I store this sauce in the fridge or freezer?

Yes, you can store this sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freeze it for up to 6 months.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians or vegans?

This recipe is vegetarian-friendly but not vegan-friendly due to the honey used as a sweetener. You can substitute the honey with maple syrup if you need to make this recipe vegan-friendly.

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