What to do with leftover cranberry sauce (and how long it lasts)
Short answer: Homemade cranberry sauce keeps 7–10 days in the fridge. Canned cranberry sauce keeps 1–2 weeks in the fridge once opened, and about 2 years unopened in the pantry. FoodKeeper does not recommend freezing it, because it can turn watery after thawing (USDA FoodKeeper).
8 ways to use it up
- Leftover sandwich. Spread it on bread with turkey and stuffing, or with cheddar and arugula.
- Grilled cheese. A thin layer inside a brie or white cheddar grilled cheese.
- Breakfast swirl. Stir a spoonful into oatmeal or plain yogurt.
- Quick glaze. Brush it over chicken thighs or pork chops in the last few minutes of roasting.
- Vinaigrette. Whisk it with olive oil, vinegar and a pinch of salt for a fall salad dressing.
- Party dip. Spoon it over a block of cream cheese and serve with crackers.
- Pancake topping. Warm it in a small pan and use it like syrup.
- Barbecue sauce. Mix it half and half with barbecue sauce for meatballs or wings.
How long it keeps
| Food | Fridge (40°F / 4°C) | Freezer (0°F) |
|---|---|---|
| Cranberry sauce, homemade | 7–10 days | Not recommended |
| Cranberry sauce, canned, opened | 1–2 weeks | Not recommended |
| Fresh cranberries | 2 months | 12 months |
Common questions
How long does homemade cranberry sauce last?
7–10 days in the fridge, in a covered container (USDA FoodKeeper).
How long does canned cranberry sauce last after opening?
1–2 weeks in the fridge. Move it out of the can into a covered container. Unopened cans keep about 2 years in the pantry (USDA FoodKeeper).
Can you freeze cranberry sauce?
FoodKeeper doesn't recommend it: after thawing it can become too watery. Fresh cranberries freeze well for up to 12 months.
How fast should Thanksgiving leftovers go in the fridge?
Within 2 hours of serving (1 hour if it's above 90°F), per USDA.
Related
Storage times: USDA FoodKeeper data. Recipe ideas are general suggestions. General information, not medical advice.