• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

The Cagle Diaries logo

menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • Subscribe
  • Recipes
  • Contact Us
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • About
  • Subscribe
  • Recipes
  • Contact Us
×
Home » Recipes » Thanksgiving

Dried Cranberry Sauce Recipe


Prep Time :2 minutes mins
Cook Time :11 minutes mins
Total Time :13 minutes mins
Servings :6
Jump to Recipe
close up overhead image of a bowl of dried cranberry sauce with some orange zest sprinkled on top.
A bowl of dried cranberry sauce with orange zest and some text overlay for Pinterest.

Published: Dec 21, 2023 · Modified: Aug 6, 2024 by Melanie Cagle · Leave a Comment

Making a dried cranberry sauce recipe is so simple, it's surprising. Making a traditional cranberry sauce with dried cranberries I would never have thought possible. This recipe will show you how, a deliciously sweet and tangy Thanksgiving sauce everyone will love.

Close up overhead shot of a bowl of dried cranberry sauce with some orange zest on top.
Dried Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Save Recipe

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Enter your email below and we'll send you the recipe straight to your inbox (and more recipes sent periodically!)


Traditionally, cranberry sauce is made in the fall and for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner, for the Holiday table. Owing to the fact that this recipe uses dried cranberries instead of fresh allows it to be made year round.

Should you wish it.

If your family is like mine, we make baked chicken and mashed potatoes on a regular occurrence, any time of year, so adding a little cranberry sauce here and there is easy with this recipe.

Jump to:
  • What makes this recipe so yummy
  • Groceries you'll need: Ingredients
  • Recipe walkthrough: Instructions
  • Recipe variations and substitute ideas
  • Necessary gear: Equipment
  • More Thanksgiving recipes I think you'll love
  • How to store leftovers
  • Mel's kitchen notes
  • Frequently asked questions: FAQs
  • Dried Cranberry Sauce Recipe
  • 💬 Comments

What makes this recipe so yummy

  • You don't have to rely on the availability of fresh cranberries. Using dried cranberries you can make this recipe year round.
  • You're not on a time limit to get it made before the cranberries spoil.
  • This dried cranberry sauce actually tastes just as good, if not better, than the fresh version. The cranberries have a sweeter flavor.
  • It's a really easy recipe.
  • What Thanksgiving dinner is complete without a delicious homemade cranberry sauce?

Groceries you'll need: Ingredients

Ingredients needed to make a dried cranberry sauce.
  • Dried Cranberries
  • Orange Zest
  • Cranberry Juice
  • Brown Sugar
  • Granulated Sugar
  • Cornstarch
  • Water
  • Salt

See recipe card at the bottom of this post for quantities.

Recipe walkthrough: Instructions

This is an overview of the recipe steps. For more detailed instructions visit the recipe card at the bottom of this post

  • Step 1: Combine cranberries with the cranberry juice, orange zest, salt and sugars to a small saucepan on your stove. Apply medium-high heat to bring to a boil.
  • Step 2: Turn down the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
  • Step 3: Add the lid to the pot and simmer another 5 minutes.
  • Step 4: Mix the cold water and cornstarch together then add to the cranberry mixture. Stir and simmer another minute.
  • Step 5: Serve room temperature with a sprinkle of orange zest.

Hint: The dried cranberries naturally are sweetened and so this sauce already is quite sweet. If you prefer to leave out the granulated sugar, or are concerned about the sugar content then reduce it. It's up to you.

Recipe variations and substitute ideas

  • Orange Juice - You could add a little more pep to the sauce by adding a little of the juice from the orange you zested.
  • Lemon Juice - to add a little tartness.
  • Maple Syrup - for sweetness.
  • Cinnamon Stick - for an extra flavor dimension.
  • Apple Juice - in place of cranberry juice, or you could have a mixture.
  • Orange Liqueur - jazz it up and add some liqueur to your sauce.
  • Orange Cranberry Sauce
side on view of a bowl of dried cranberry sauce with some oranges in the background.

Sharing is Caring - Like Our Facebook Page

The Cagle Diaries

Necessary gear: Equipment

The following are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

All that's needed is a small pot, an orange zester and a serving dish for the dried cranberry sauce.

I have some links in the recipe card below, for inspiration.

More Thanksgiving recipes I think you'll love

  • Close up of the corner of a casserole dish of Cajun rice dressing.
  • A close up of a corn casserole disturbed by a spoon.
  • A cropped square image of a bowl of cranberry salad with some cranberries and marshmallows on top.
  • Close up of fried apples with a wooden spoon.
  • Cajun Rice Dressing
  • Jiffy Corn Casserole in the Crock Pot
  • Cranberry Salad
  • Air Fryer Green Bean Casserole
  • Cracker Barrel Fried Apples
  • Apple Cranberry Salad
  • Southern Black Eyed Peas and Collard Greens
  • Stuffed Garlic Bread
  • Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole
  • Cranberry Apple Rice Pilaf
  • Baked Oyster Dressing
  • Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese
  • Cajun Green Beans
  • Leftover Turkey Roll Ups

How to store leftovers

Once cooled completely store the leftover cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Mel's kitchen notes

If you like to have less texture to your cranberry sauce you could use a stick blender (or a food processor) and blend the cranberries. This will give you a nice soft, smooth sauce.

A close up of a bowl of dried cranberry sauce with a spoon digging in.

Frequently asked questions: FAQs

Can I use dried cranberries in place of fresh?

If we're talking about a cranberry sauce, then most definitely.

Should dried cranberries be soaked?

Depending on your recipe. The soaking process happens on the stove and so, they plump up nicely. If you're replacing fresh cranberries, say in baked goods, then you should soak for 15-20 minutes first, sure. It's a great way to add cranberries.


If you’ve tried this Dried Cranberry Sauce Recipe or any other great recipe on my site, let me know in the comment section below, how it turned out, we love hearing from our readers!

If you love this recipe please give it 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

You can also follow me on PINTEREST, FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM to see more amazing recipes!

a loaf tin with banana bread with mayo on a cooling rack

Viral Recipe Alert!

Banana Bread

Due to the secret ingredient in this deliciously moist banana bread it has become one of my most sought after recipes!

Get the recipe
close up overhead image of a bowl of dried cranberry sauce with some orange zest sprinkled on top.
Print (Email Required)

Dried Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Making a cranberry sauce out of dried cranberries is easier than you'd think. This dried cranberry sauce recipe is easy and super tasty.
Prep Time2 minutes mins
Cook Time11 minutes mins
Total Time13 minutes mins
Servings: 6
Cuisine: Thanksgiving
Author: Melanie Cagle
Prevent your screen from going dark

Equipment

  • Zester
  • 1.5 QT Small Pot
  • Cranberry Dish and Serving Spoon

Ingredients

  • 1-½ Cups Dried Cranberries
  • ¾ Cup Cranberry Juice
  • 2 Tablespoons Light Brown Sugar
  • 1 Tablespoon Granulated Sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon Salt
  • ½ Tablespoon Orange Zest zest of one orange
  • 2 Tablespoons Cold Water
  • 1 Tablespoon Cornstarch

Instructions

  • Add the dried cranberries, cranberry juice, sugars, orange zest and salt in a small pot. Apply medium heat and bring to a boil.
    1-½ Cups Dried Cranberries, ¾ Cup Cranberry Juice, 2 Tablespoons Light Brown Sugar, 1 Tablespoon Granulated Sugar, ¼ teaspoon Salt, ½ Tablespoon Orange Zest
  • Once boiling turn down the heat to a low-medium heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
  • Cover and simmer for a further 5 minutes.
  • Mix the cold water with the cornstarch and add to the pot with the other ingredients. Give a good stir and cover again, cook for 1 more minute.
    2 Tablespoons Cold Water, 1 Tablespoon Cornstarch
  • Serve garnished with a little orange zest sprinkled on top.
Did You Make This?Please consider Leaving a Review!

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 216kcal | Carbohydrates: 57g | Fat: 1g | Sodium: 94mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 49g

Sign Up for my emails and never miss another recipe!

I'll never share your email, or send you spam. Pinkie Promise!

More Thanksgiving Recipes

  • Close up of the top of a country apple pie recipe.
    Country Apple Pie Recipe
  • two tacos stuffed with banana pudding
    Banana Pudding Tacos
  • A slice of southern chocolate chess pie being lifted out of the pie dish.
    Southern Chocolate Chess Pie
  • Overhead shot of a pan full of maple bacon brussel sprouts with pistachios sprinkled on top.
    Maple Bacon Brussel Sprouts with Pistachios
9 shares
  • Facebook
  • X
  • Email

Filed Under: Christmas, Fall Recipes, Side Recipes, Thanksgiving

Reader Interactions

Comments

No Comments

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating





Primary Sidebar

Momma Cagle!

Picture of Melanie Cagle standing in front of her stove, in the kitchen.

I'm Melanie, I am mom to two beautiful children and married to James - my American sweetheart (I'm British).  A transplant in Houma, South Louisiana I have found a love for all Cajun and Creole food.
Learn more about me...

CAJUN FAVORITES

  • Bowl of crawfish etouffee with rice scoop in the middle.
    Cajun Crawfish Etouffee
  • Close up of boudin balls with a hint of the mustard cream sauce peeking in, sprinkled with green onions on top.
    Deep Fried Boudin Balls
  • A tray of boiled crabs with veggies and dipping sauce.
    Authentic Louisiana Crab Boil Recipe: Spicy Cajun Seafood Feast
  • Close up of a bowl of seafood gumbo with a pile of rice and a spoon digging into it.
    Authentic Louisiana Seafood Gumbo Recipe
  • A large platter of fried catfish nuggets with some lemon wedges and a tartar sauce.
    Fried Catfish Nuggets
  • Close up of some pinto beans and sausage on a spoon over a crock pot.
    Crock Pot Pinto Beans

Footer

↑ back to top

About

as seen on logo images

Terms & Conditions | Accessibility Policy | Contact

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

©2025 Copyright The Cagle Diaries. All rights reserved.

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required