Can You Freeze Cranberry Sauce?

Got leftover cranberry sauce? Lucky you! How long does cranberry sauce last, you might wonder? Whether homemade or from a can, cranberry sauce keeps in the fridge for about two weeks, as long as you store the cranberry sauce in a covered container. So for those weeks, slather that cranberry sauce on leftover turkey sandwiches; stir it into yogurt and ice cream; and spread it onto pancakes or even peanut butter sandwiches. After that time, if you have any cranberry sauce left (doubtful!), it’s time to think about freezing it.

Can You Freeze Homemade Cranberry Sauce?

Homemade cranberry sauce freezes beautifully. Pack homemade cranberry sauce in an airtight container or freezer-safe plastic bag to prevent freezer burn. For best results, use the frozen cranberry sauce within a couple of months, and defrost in the refrigerator overnight.

Can You Freeze Canned Cranberry Sauce?

Technically, you can freeze canned cranberry sauce, using the instructions above. However, while homemade cranberry sauce freezes and defrosts well, canned cranberry sauce does not. The jellied texture changes, becoming more watery. The leading authority on canned cranberry sauce, Ocean Spray, agrees that freezing canned cranberry sauce is not recommended. So if you are a canned cranberry family, we suggest finding creative ways to serve the condiment for those two weeks after the holiday when it’s in the fridge. Try a turkey cranberry chutney sandwich, for starters.