18 Delicious Leftover Cranberry Sauce Recipes Creative

So, you’ve got a jar of leftover cranberry sauce sitting in your fridge, and you’re wondering what to do with it? You’re in luck! Our roundup of 18 Delicious Leftover Cranberry Sauce Recipes is here to transform that tangy sweetness into mouthwatering meals and treats. From breakfast delights to cozy dinners, these creative ideas will make you fall in love with cranberry sauce all over again. Let’s dive in!

Cranberry Sauce Muffins

Viral alert: Transform your leftover cranberry sauce into these insanely moist muffins. They’re a game-changer for breakfast or snack time.

Ingredients

• Flour – 1 ½ cups
• Sugar – ¾ cup
• Baking powder – 1 tsp
• Salt – ½ tsp
• Egg – 1
• Milk – ½ cup
• Butter, melted – ¼ cup
• Cranberry sauce – 1 cup

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, beat the egg, then mix in milk and melted butter.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined; overmixing leads to tough muffins.
5. Fold in the cranberry sauce gently for a marbled effect. Tip: Don’t overmix to keep those beautiful swirls.
6. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about ⅔ full.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Tip: Rotate the pan halfway for even baking.
8. Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Tip: They’re best served warm but store well in an airtight container.

Heavenly soft with a tangy cranberry burst, these muffins are a delight. Try them toasted with a smear of butter for an extra indulgent treat.

Cranberry Sauce Pancakes

Unleash your breakfast game with these Cranberry Sauce Pancakes—fluffy, tangy, and ridiculously easy to whip up.

Ingredients

• Flour – 1 cup
• Baking powder – 2 tsp
• Sugar – 2 tbsp
• Salt – ½ tsp
• Milk – 1 cup
• Egg – 1
• Butter – 2 tbsp, melted
• Cranberry sauce – ½ cup

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
2. In another bowl, beat the milk, egg, and melted butter until smooth.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir just until combined; lumps are okay.
4. Gently fold in the cranberry sauce to create a marbled effect.
5. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat (350°F) and lightly grease with butter.
6. Pour ¼ cup of batter for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, about 2 minutes.
7. Flip and cook until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes more.
8. Repeat with remaining batter, greasing the skillet as needed.

Light, fluffy, and bursting with tart cranberry swirls, these pancakes are a breakfast showstopper. Serve them stacked high with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Cranberry Sauce Smoothie

Make your mornings unforgettable with this cranberry sauce smoothie—transform leftover sauce into a vibrant, tangy breakfast boost.

Ingredients

• Cranberry sauce – ½ cup
• Banana – 1
• Greek yogurt – ½ cup
• Almond milk – 1 cup
• Ice – 1 cup

Instructions

1. Add ½ cup cranberry sauce, 1 banana, ½ cup Greek yogurt, and 1 cup almond milk to a blender.
2. Blend on high for 30 seconds until smooth. Tip: For a thicker smoothie, freeze the banana beforehand.
3. Add 1 cup ice and blend for another 30 seconds until creamy. Tip: If the smoothie is too thick, add more almond milk 1 tbsp at a time.
4. Pour into a glass and serve immediately. Tip: Garnish with a drizzle of cranberry sauce for an Instagram-worthy finish.

Delight in the creamy texture and the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. Try serving it in a hollowed-out orange for a fun, edible bowl.

Cranberry Sauce Yogurt Parfait

Ditch the boring breakfast routine with this Cranberry Sauce Yogurt Parfait—layers of tangy, sweet, and creamy that’ll make your morning Insta-worthy.

Ingredients

• Greek yogurt – 1 cup
• Cranberry sauce – ½ cup
• Granola – ½ cup

Instructions

1. Scoop ¼ cup of Greek yogurt into a clear glass.
2. Layer 2 tbsp of cranberry sauce over the yogurt.
3. Sprinkle 2 tbsp of granola on top of the cranberry sauce.
4. Repeat the layers once more, starting with yogurt.
5. Finish with a final sprinkle of granola on top for crunch.
6. Chill in the refrigerator for 10 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.

Creamy yogurt meets the sharp sweetness of cranberry sauce, all balanced by the crunch of granola. Serve it in a mason jar for a portable breakfast or layer it in a wine glass for a fancy brunch vibe.

Cranberry Sauce Oatmeal Bars

Kickstart your morning with these Cranberry Sauce Oatmeal Bars—**bold flavors**, **easy steps**, and **no fuss**.

Ingredients

• Oats – 2 cups
• Flour – 1 cup
• Butter – ½ cup, melted
• Brown sugar – ½ cup
• Cranberry sauce – 1 cup
• Baking soda – ½ tsp
• Salt – ¼ tsp

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
3. Pour melted butter over the dry ingredients and stir until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Press half of the oat mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even layer.
5. Spread cranberry sauce evenly over the pressed oat layer.
6. Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the cranberry sauce and gently press down.
7. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
8. Let cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars.

Sweet, tart, and with a satisfying crunch, these bars are perfect for breakfast on the go or a midday snack. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert twist.

Cranberry Sauce Bread

Kickstart your morning with this Cranberry Sauce Bread—moist, tangy, and irresistibly easy. Perfect for using up leftover cranberry sauce, it’s a game-changer for breakfast or snack time.

Ingredients

• Flour – 2 cups
• Sugar – ¾ cup
• Baking powder – 1 tsp
• Salt – ½ tsp
• Egg – 1
• Milk – ¾ cup
• Vegetable oil – ¼ cup
• Cranberry sauce – 1 cup

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, beat the egg, then mix in milk and vegetable oil.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined—overmixing leads to tough bread.
5. Fold in the cranberry sauce gently for a marbled effect.
6. Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Outrageously soft with pockets of tart cranberry, this bread pairs beautifully with a smear of cream cheese or a drizzle of honey. Try toasting slices for a crispy edge that contrasts the tender crumb.

Cranberry Sauce Cheesecake

Zesty and bold, this Cranberry Sauce Cheesecake blends tart and creamy in every bite. Perfect for holiday leftovers or a summer twist, it’s a showstopper with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

• Graham cracker crumbs – 1 ½ cups
• Butter – ½ cup, melted
• Cream cheese – 24 oz, softened
• Sugar – 1 cup
• Eggs – 4
• Cranberry sauce – 1 cup
• Vanilla extract – 1 tsp

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a bowl. Press firmly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then cool.
3. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Tip: Scrape the bowl often for no lumps.
4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until blended. Stir in vanilla.
5. Pour half the batter over crust. Dollop with ½ cup cranberry sauce, swirl with a knife. Repeat layers.
6. Bake for 55 minutes or until center is almost set. Tip: The cake will firm up as it cools.
7. Cool in pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edge to loosen, then cool completely.
8. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving. Tip: Overnight chilling enhances the flavors.

Outrageously creamy with a tangy cranberry ripple, this cheesecake is a texture dream. Serve with a drizzle of extra cranberry sauce or a sprinkle of orange zest for an extra zing.

Cranberry Sauce Thumbprint Cookies

Make these Cranberry Sauce Thumbprint Cookies your next baking project. They’re a festive twist on the classic, with a tart cranberry center that balances the sweet, buttery cookie perfectly.

Ingredients

• Flour – 1 ½ cups
• Butter – ½ cup, softened
• Sugar – ½ cup
• Egg yolk – 1
• Vanilla extract – 1 tsp
• Salt – ¼ tsp
• Cranberry sauce – ½ cup

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Tip: Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easier mixing.
3. Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms. Tip: Don’t overmix to keep the cookies tender.
5. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Use your thumb to make an indentation in the center of each ball. Tip: Dip your thumb in flour to prevent sticking.
7. Fill each indentation with about ½ tsp of cranberry sauce.
8. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
9. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Get ready to enjoy cookies that are crisp around the edges, soft in the middle, and bursting with cranberry flavor. Serve them alongside a cup of tea or as a sweet finish to your holiday meal.

Cranberry Sauce Glazed Chicken

Outshine your usual chicken dinner with this cranberry sauce glazed chicken—bold flavors, minimal effort, maximum wow.

Ingredients

• Chicken thighs – 4
• Cranberry sauce – 1 cup
• Soy sauce – 2 tbsp
• Garlic powder – 1 tsp
• Olive oil – 1 tbsp

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Tip: Always preheat for even cooking.
2. In a bowl, mix cranberry sauce, soy sauce, and garlic powder until smooth. Tip: A whisk helps combine ingredients faster.
3. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken thighs for 3 minutes per side until golden. Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan to get a perfect sear.
4. Pour the cranberry mixture over the chicken, coating evenly.
5. Transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F internally.
6. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. This keeps the juices locked in.

Delight in the sticky-sweet glaze clinging to tender chicken, with a hint of savory depth. Serve over a bed of wild rice or alongside roasted Brussels sprouts for a colorful plate.

Cranberry Sauce BBQ Sauce

Viral alert: This Cranberry Sauce BBQ Sauce is your next fridge staple. Bold, tangy, and ridiculously easy to whip up—say goodbye to store-bought.

Ingredients

• Cranberry sauce – 1 cup
• Ketchup – ½ cup
• Apple cider vinegar – 2 tbsp
• Brown sugar – ¼ cup
• Worcestershire sauce – 1 tbsp
• Garlic powder – 1 tsp
• Smoked paprika – ½ tsp

Instructions

1. Combine cranberry sauce, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and smoked paprika in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Tip: A whisk helps blend the cranberry sauce smoothly.
3. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes. Tip: The sauce should thicken slightly but still be pourable.
4. Remove from heat and let it cool for 10 minutes. Tip: It thickens more as it cools, so don’t over-reduce.
5. Transfer to a jar or bottle and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.

Amp up your meals with this sauce’s perfect balance of sweet and smoky. Slather it on ribs, mix into pulled pork, or even drizzle over roasted veggies for an unexpected twist.

Cranberry Sauce Vinaigrette

Cranberry Sauce Vinaigrette is your next go-to for adding a tangy twist to salads. Chuck the boring dressings and whip this up in minutes.

Ingredients

• Cranberry sauce – ½ cup
• Apple cider vinegar – 2 tbsp
• Olive oil – ¼ cup
• Dijon mustard – 1 tsp
• Salt – ¼ tsp

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together cranberry sauce and apple cider vinegar until smooth.
2. Add Dijon mustard and salt to the mixture, whisking to combine.
3. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while continuously whisking to emulsify the vinaigrette.
4. Let the vinaigrette sit for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.

Always vibrant and slightly sweet, this vinaigrette clings perfectly to greens. Try it drizzled over roasted vegetables for a festive touch.

Cranberry Sauce Meatballs

Kick your party appetizers up a notch with these tangy-sweet cranberry sauce meatballs. They’re a breeze to whip up and disappear even faster.

Ingredients

• Frozen meatballs – 1 lb
• Cranberry sauce – 1 cup
• BBQ sauce – ½ cup
• Water – ¼ cup

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, mix cranberry sauce, BBQ sauce, and water until smooth.
3. Add frozen meatballs to the bowl, tossing gently to coat evenly. Tip: For extra flavor, let the meatballs marinate in the sauce for 10 minutes before baking.
4. Transfer the coated meatballs to a baking dish, spreading them out in a single layer.
5. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the meatballs are heated through. Tip: Stir halfway through to ensure even cooking.
6. Broil for an additional 2-3 minutes for a caramelized finish. Tip: Watch closely to prevent burning.

Ready to serve, these meatballs boast a perfect balance of sweet and savory with a sticky, glossy coating. Try skewering them with toothpicks for easy grabbing or layering over mashed potatoes for a hearty twist.

Cranberry Sauce Stuffed French Toast

Grab your skillet because this Cranberry Sauce Stuffed French Toast is about to become your brunch MVP. Sweet, tangy, and impossibly fluffy, it’s the ultimate comfort food with a festive twist.

Ingredients

• Bread – 4 slices
• Cranberry sauce – ½ cup
• Eggs – 2
• Milk – ½ cup
• Cinnamon – 1 tsp
• Butter – 2 tbsp

Instructions

1. Whisk eggs, milk, and cinnamon in a shallow bowl until fully combined.
2. Spread cranberry sauce evenly on two slices of bread, then top with the remaining slices to make two sandwiches.
3. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted and bubbling.
4. Dip each sandwich into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are well coated but not soggy.
5. Place sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
6. Remove from skillet and let rest for 1 minute before slicing diagonally for presentation.

Unbelievably delicious, this French toast boasts a crispy exterior with a gooey, cranberry-filled center. Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup for an extra decadent touch.

Cranberry Sauce Granola

Skip the store-bought stuff—**this Cranberry Sauce Granola** is your new pantry MVP. Sweet, tart, and crunchy, it’s the breakfast upgrade you didn’t know you needed.

Ingredients

• Rolled oats – 2 cups
• Cranberry sauce – ½ cup
• Honey – 2 tbsp
• Almonds – ½ cup
• Coconut oil – 2 tbsp

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix the rolled oats and almonds.
3. Warm the coconut oil and honey in a small saucepan over low heat until liquid, about 2 minutes.
4. Pour the liquid mixture over the oats and almonds, stirring until evenly coated.
5. Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
6. Bake for 15 minutes, then stir in the cranberry sauce, breaking up any large clumps.
7. Return to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
8. Let cool completely on the baking sheet to harden into clusters.

Every bite is a mix of chewy cranberry and crunchy oats—perfect over yogurt or straight from the jar. Try it with a drizzle of dark chocolate for an extra indulgent twist.

Cranberry Sauce Ice Cream

Get ready to twist your taste buds with this unexpected yet irresistible combo. Cranberry sauce ice cream blends tart and sweet in a creamy dream you didn’t know you needed.

Ingredients

• Cranberry sauce – 1 cup
• Heavy cream – 2 cups
• Whole milk – 1 cup
• Sugar – ¾ cup
• Vanilla extract – 1 tsp
• Salt – ¼ tsp

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together cranberry sauce, heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until sugar is completely dissolved.
2. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually about 20-25 minutes. Tip: For a smoother texture, ensure the mixture is chilled before churning.
3. Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container. Cover with parchment paper directly on the surface to prevent ice crystals. Tip: This step is crucial for creamy texture.
4. Freeze for at least 4 hours, or until firm. Tip: For best results, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before scooping.

Velvety with a bold cranberry punch, this ice cream is a showstopper. Serve it atop warm pie or with a drizzle of dark chocolate for an extra decadent twist.

Cranberry Sauce Swirl Brownies

Fancy a twist on the classic brownie? These Cranberry Sauce Swirl Brownies blend rich chocolate with tart cranberry for a dessert that’s both bold and balanced. Perfect for holiday leftovers or a quick bake sale standout.

Ingredients

• Butter – ½ cup
• Sugar – 1 cup
• Eggs – 2
• Vanilla extract – 1 tsp
• Flour – ½ cup
• Cocoa powder – ⅓ cup
• Salt – ¼ tsp
• Cranberry sauce – ½ cup

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease an 8-inch square baking pan.
2. Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl for 30 seconds, then stir in the sugar until combined.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract. Tip: Room temperature eggs blend more smoothly.
4. Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt, then fold into the wet ingredients until just combined. Tip: Don’t overmix to keep the brownies fudgy.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and dollop the cranberry sauce on top.
6. Use a knife to swirl the cranberry sauce into the batter. Tip: A figure-eight motion creates a beautiful pattern.
7. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.

Look for a crackly top and a gooey center in these brownies, with the cranberry sauce adding a juicy burst in every bite. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Cranberry Sauce Pulled Pork

Whip up a storm in your kitchen with this Cranberry Sauce Pulled Pork that’s as easy as it is addictive. Bold flavors meet minimal effort for a dish that’ll have everyone begging for seconds.

Ingredients

• Pork shoulder – 3 lbs
• Cranberry sauce – 1 cup
• BBQ sauce – ½ cup
• Apple cider vinegar – 2 tbsp
• Salt – 1 tsp
• Black pepper – ½ tsp

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F.
2. Season the pork shoulder evenly with salt and black pepper.
3. Place the pork shoulder in a roasting pan and cover tightly with foil.
4. Bake for 4 hours, or until the pork is tender enough to shred easily with a fork. Tip: Check at the 3-hour mark to ensure it’s cooking evenly.
5. Remove the pork from the oven and shred it using two forks.
6. In a bowl, mix cranberry sauce, BBQ sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Tip: For a smoother sauce, warm the mixture slightly before adding to the pork.
7. Pour the sauce over the shredded pork and mix well.
8. Return the pan to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 30 minutes at 350°F. Tip: This step caramelizes the sauce, adding a rich depth of flavor.

Serve this luscious pulled pork on toasted buns for a sweet and tangy bite, or pile it high on a baked potato for a hearty twist. The cranberry sauce adds a festive pop that’s unexpected yet utterly delicious.

Cranberry Sauce Chutney

Spice up your holiday table with this tangy twist on a classic. Swap out the canned stuff for a homemade cranberry sauce chutney that’s bursting with flavor and ready in minutes.

Ingredients

• Cranberries – 12 oz
• Sugar – 1 cup
• Water – ½ cup
• Apple cider vinegar – 2 tbsp
• Ground cinnamon – ½ tsp
• Ground ginger – ¼ tsp

Instructions

1. Rinse the cranberries under cold water and pick out any stems or bad berries.
2. Combine cranberries, sugar, water, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, and ginger in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. As the cranberries pop and the mixture thickens, remove from heat. Let it cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a serving dish.
5. For a smoother texture, press the chutney through a fine mesh sieve. Tip: If you prefer chunks, skip this step.
6. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld. Tip: The chutney thickens as it cools.
7. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Tip: Pair with sharp cheddar on crackers for a sweet and savory bite.

Mix of sweet and tart with a hint of spice, this chutney is a versatile condiment. Spread it on sandwiches or dollop over roasted meats for an instant flavor upgrade.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve discovered these 18 creative ways to transform leftover cranberry sauce into delicious dishes, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and start cooking! Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet, savory, or somewhere in between, there’s a recipe here for everyone. Don’t forget to share your favorites in the comments and pin this article on Pinterest to spread the cranberry love. Happy cooking!

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