This slow cooker cranberry sauce is super easy and packed with flavor. Just toss fresh cranberries, sugar, and a hint of orange juice into the pot and let it cook!
No more stove watching for me! I love how the slow cooker does all the work. Plus, the sweet-tart taste makes it a perfect side for turkey or any holiday feast!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Cranberries: The star of this sauce! They provide a wonderful tartness. If fresh cranberries aren’t available, you can use frozen ones—just don’t thaw them first!
Sugar: Regular granulated sugar is ideal for balancing the tartness. To reduce sugar, consider using honey or maple syrup, but start with less since they are sweeter.
Orange Juice & Zest: Fresh juice and zest add a bright flavor. If you’re in a pinch, bottled juice works, but fresh is best for flavor. You can also swap it with lemon juice for a tangy twist.
Rosemary: Fresh rosemary gives a lovely aroma. If you’re out of rosemary, thyme or even bay leaves could provide a nice herbal note as well.
Spices: Cinnamon or cloves are great additions for warmth. If you prefer, you could use a pinch of nutmeg or allspice instead for variety.
How Can I Get the Perfect Texture for My Cranberry Sauce?
The texture of your cranberry sauce is key to making it appealing. Here are some tips to ensure it’s just right:
- First, rinse and sort the cranberries to remove any that are mushy or shriveled.
- As you cook, the cranberries will burst open and create a thick sauce. Stirring occasionally helps break them down evenly.
- If it’s too thick for your taste, add a little more water or orange juice at the end to reach your desired consistency.
Let the sauce cool—it will thicken more as it sits, making for a perfect spread for your Thanksgiving turkey or holiday treats!
Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries (about 3 cups)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (about 1 orange)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/4 cup water
- 1-2 sprigs fresh rosemary (for flavor)
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon or a pinch of cloves (for warm spices)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and then you’ll let your slow cooker do the magic for about 2 to 3 hours. After that, you can let it cool just a bit before serving! Total time is around 2 to 3 hours and 15 minutes. So easy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cranberries:
Begin by rinsing the fresh cranberries under cold water. Make sure to pick through them and remove any bad berries or stems. This step ensures your sauce is fresh and delicious!
2. Mix Ingredients in the Slow Cooker:
In the slow cooker, combine the rinsed cranberries with the granulated sugar, fresh orange juice, orange zest, and water. These ingredients will blend beautifully as they cook.
3. Add Flavorful Herbs:
Place the fresh rosemary sprigs on top of the mixture. This will give your cranberry sauce a lovely aromatic flavor while it cooks. If you’re using spices like cinnamon or cloves, sprinkle those in now too!
4. Stir and Cook:
Gently stir the ingredients together to combine everything evenly. Then, cover your slow cooker and set it on low for about 2 to 3 hours. Give it a stir occasionally, and watch as the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens!
5. Finish and Cool:
Once the sauce has thickened up nicely and the cranberries are nice and soft, take out the rosemary sprigs. Give the sauce a good stir and taste it to see if you’d like to add more sugar or a bit of extra orange juice for sweetening or acidity.
6. Serve and Store:
Let the sauce cool slightly before serving. You can enjoy it warm or chill it in the refrigerator for later. Any leftovers can go in an airtight container in the fridge and will last for about a week.
Enjoy your easy, flavorful slow cooker cranberry sauce—it’s perfect for your holiday table or as a tasty condiment!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries Instead?
Yes, you can absolutely use frozen cranberries! There’s no need to thaw them before adding them to the slow cooker. Just toss them in as they are, and they’ll break down beautifully as they cook.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Sauce?
If you prefer a sweeter sauce, just add more sugar to taste toward the end of the cooking process. Remember, sugar can be added in small increments until you reach your desired sweetness!
Can I Make This Cranberry Sauce in Advance?
Definitely! This sauce can be made up to a week in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors will continue to meld, and you can enjoy it chilled or reheated!
What Else Can I Add for Extra Flavor?
Feel free to get creative! You can add chopped apples, pears, or nuts for added texture and flavor. A splash of vanilla extract or a bit of ginger can also enhance the taste beautifully!
