This slow cooker cranberry sauce is a perfect blend of tangy and sweet. With just a few simple ingredients like fresh cranberries, sugar, and orange juice, it’s super easy to make!
It’s great because you can just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do its magic. I love how my kitchen smells like the holidays while it’s cooking. Who needs candles? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries provide the best flavor, but frozen ones work well too. If you’re dealing with allergies, try using other fruits like cherries or blueberries, though the taste will differ.
Granulated Sugar: This is essential for balancing the tartness of the cranberries. You could swap with honey or maple syrup, but remember, liquid sweeteners can alter the texture a bit.
Orange Juice & Zest: Fresh orange juice and zest brighten the sauce. If you’re out of oranges, lemon juice or apple juice can work as substitutes, just adjust the amount to taste since they can be more acidic.
Spices (Cinnamon & Cloves): These spices add warmth to the sauce. Feel free to play around or leave them out if you’re not a fan. Nutmeg is another great spice to consider!
How Do I Prevent the Cranberries from Sticking or Burning?
To ensure your cranberry sauce cooks perfectly, it’s important to manage the cooking time and temperature. Here are some tips:
- Make sure to stir the mixture gently every hour. This keeps everything well mixed and prevents sticking at the bottom.
- Cook on low heat; it may take longer, but your sauce will develop better flavor without burning.
- If it thickens too much before the cranberries burst, add a splash more orange juice and mix.
Following these steps will help you achieve that glossy, delightful cranberry sauce without any burnt bits ruining the fun!
How to Make Delicious Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (about 340g) fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup orange juice (preferably fresh)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Fresh rosemary sprig (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This slow cooker cranberry sauce takes about 10 minutes to prep, and then you’ll need to let it cook for 2 to 3 hours on low. After that, it cools down before serving, making it a simple dish to make ahead of time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cranberries:
Start by rinsing the cranberries under cold water. Make sure to check for and pick out any stems or soft berries that may not be good to use. This helps ensure you have the freshest taste in your sauce.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In the insert of your slow cooker, combine the rinsed cranberries, granulated sugar, orange juice, orange zest, ground cinnamon, ground cloves (if you’re using them), and salt. Give everything a gentle stir to mix the ingredients together well.
3. Cook Low and Slow:
Cover your slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for about 2 to 3 hours. Remember to stir the mixture once or twice during cooking. This keeps it from sticking and helps everything cook evenly.
4. Check for Thickness:
As the sauce cooks, the cranberries will burst, and you’ll see the sauce begin to thicken. Keep an eye on it and cook until you reach your desired thickness and there are minimal whole berries left. You want it nicely saucy!
5. Taste and Adjust:
Once the sauce is done cooking, taste it! If you prefer it sweeter, you can add a little more sugar or adjust any spices according to your liking.
6. Cool and Serve:
Turn off the slow cooker and let the sauce cool slightly. It will thicken even more as it cools. Then, transfer it to a serving bowl. If you want, you can garnish with a fresh rosemary sprig for a touch of elegance.
7. Enjoy!
Your slow cooker cranberry sauce is now ready to be served warm or chilled alongside your favorite holiday dishes. Enjoy the delightful flavors!
This simple recipe yields a luscious, glossy cranberry sauce that adds a wonderful touch to any meal, making it a holiday favorite!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh. Just toss them straight into the slow cooker without thawing first. They might release a bit more liquid, so keep an eye on the sauce for thickness.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Cranberry Sauce?
You can store leftover cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. It also freezes nicely for up to 3 months—just thaw in the fridge overnight before serving!
Can I Make This Cranberry Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes! This sauce can be made a day or two in advance. Just prepare it as directed and store it in the fridge. It often tastes even better after the flavors have melded together!
What Can I Serve with Cranberry Sauce?
Cranberry sauce pairs perfectly with turkey, ham, or roast chicken. It’s also delicious on sandwiches or even served with cheese and crackers for a lovely appetizer!
