Apple Cranberry Sauce

In the crazed frenzy of planning the perfect Thanksgiving meal, this apple cranberry sauce is one of the most straightforward and rewarding dishes to check off your to-do list. To start, the sauce is made with just five ingredients: fresh (or frozen) cranberries, crisp apple, sugar, apple juice, and orange zest. To top it off, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes. This sweet-tart sauce enhances every rich, warm dish piled on a Thanksgiving dinner plate.

Can apple cranberry sauce be made in advance?

Yes, this cranberry sauce can be made up to 2 weeks in advance. After allowing it to cool completely, spoon it into an airtight container and refrigerate until dinnertime.

Can you freeze apple cranberry sauce?

You sure can! If you're a super planner, make this apple cranberry sauce up to three months ahead of time and store it in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag in the freezer. Make sure to leave enough head space in the container since the sauce might expand as it freezes! Let the sauce thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.

What is the difference between apple cranberry sauce and relish?

Cranberry relish is not cooked. The raw cranberries, along with other ingredients like sugar and orange, are blended in a food processor. It is more tart-tasting than jiggly jam-like cranberry sauce. This apple cranberry sauce recipe calls for cooking the fruit just until the cranberries burst for a glossy sauce that still has characteristic chunks of fruit.

What can you use leftover apple cranberry sauce for?

There are tons of delicious ways to use up leftover cranberry sauce. Thinking beyond a traditional turkey dinner and cherished post-Thanksgiving turkey sandwich, this versatile sauce pairs beautifully with breakfast items such as pancakes, oatmeal, and yogurt. It's also splendid in appetizers like cranberry brie bites and even fall cocktails. For a simple dessert, try spooning some over a bowl of ice cream.