How To Make Cranberry Sauce In Instant Pot

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How To Make Cranberry Sauce In An Instant Pot

INSTANT POT CRANBERRY SAUCE RECIPE | Amazing Instant Pot Christmas/Thanksgiving recipes |Side dish

Combine: Place all of the ingredients in your Instant Pot and stir so they are well combined.

Cook: Cook them on high pressure for eight minutes. It will take a few minutes for the pot to come to pressure and then eight minutes for it to cook.

Natural Release: Once the timer goes off, do a natural release for 30 minutes. During this time, the steam will slowly escape and the sauce will thicken.

Stir and Serve! Once the steam valve pops up, remove the lid and stir the cranberry sauce. Use a potato masher to break up the cranberries until it has the consistency you like.

Easy Homemade Cranberry Sauce

If you thought it was hard to make fresh cranberry, think again! Make this easy homemade cranberry sauce in minutes with the Instant Pot and have it freshly prepared to eat with the family for Thanksgiving dinner and all other special occasions.

Make this Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce with ease while using just a handful of ingredients, including fresh cranberries, orange zest, orange juice, and cinnamon. Rather than going through a lengthy process to prepare your sauce, you can put your ingredients together in the Instant Pot and make this sauce within just a few minutes.

Make It Ahead And Storage Tips

One thing I love about this recipe is that its easy enough to make the day you want to serve it or you can make it up to a week in advance!

Making it ahead allows all of the flavors to fully develop, so feel free to do that. Just keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I usually let it sit out for 15 to 20 minutes at room temperature before I serve it so its not ice cold.

If you thought homemade cranberry sauce is too much of hassle, I hope Ive changed your mind with this easy instant pot recipe! It really is so quick and easy and theres nothing better than homemade. I hope you give it a try!

Be sure to check out so more of my favorite holiday recipes that go perfectly with cranberry sauce!

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How To Make Cranberry Sauce

Gather the necessary ingredients.

Add cranberries, orange zest, orange juice to the Instant Pot.

Pour sugar on the top of all ingredients.

No need to stir!

Set the Instant Pot to Manual or “pressure cook” at high pressure for 2 minutes.

Do a quick release.

Open the lid of the Instant Pot and stir well.

Taste the sauce and add more sugar if needed.

Pour it into a serving dish and let it chill.

How To Make Lower Sugar Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce

instant

Here are the steps for making our Instant Pot cranberry sauce:

  • Measure out your cranberries and wash them. Add them to the Instant Pot, CrockPot Express, or other pressure cooker.
  • Add your orange zest, orange juice, maple syrup, powdered stevia , and cinnamon and pour over the cranberries.
  • Stir everything together, then close and seal your Instant Pot and cook for 6 minutes.
  • Allow natural pressure release for 15 minutes, then open and stir, crushing any cranberries that have not split open.
  • Stir in the stevia drops to taste, then allow to cool.

Our cranberry sauce recipe might seem a little runny at first, but trust the process: it will thicken as it cools.

And dont worry if the liquid ingredients in this recipe dont add up to a full cup of liquid for cooking in the pressure cooker: the cranberries will release liquid as they cook as well, so there is plenty of liquid in this recipe for cooking properly in the Instant Pot.

Read Also: Steaming Tamales In A Crockpot

Cranberry Sauce Instant Pot

This will change once you add the last 4 ounces at the very end. This will give it more texture when it is done and theres some whole cranberries in the mix. It looks better that way and provides an array of consistencies.

  • The whole cranberries will begin to POP when your cranberry sauce starts bubbling on the saute step which is kinda fun.

You will see the skins crack open. I allow 4-5 or so of them to pop open and then it is my sign to turn my pressure cooker off.

  • It will continue to bubble and cook a bit once it is completely turned off, and more will pop during that time too.

I dont want my Instant Pot cranberry sauce to be complete soup so it is important if you want some whole cranberries and some cooked down to not leave it on the saute much longer than directed once it begins bubbling.

This is what it should look like when it is doneand it will continue to thicken as it cools down too a lot!

What To Do With Leftover Cranberry Sauce

Here are a few ideas for how to use up leftover cranberry sauce:

  • Spread it on a turkey sandwich, obviously .
  • Thin it with a bit of water or juice and use it as a glaze for a baked ham.
  • Use it as a condiment on a turkey burger along with melted sharp cheddar or gruyere cheese.
  • Spread it over the top of a turkey meatloaf before baking.
  • Spread it on toast instead of jam. Or on buttermilk biscuits!
  • Combine it with a sharp, melty cheese like an aged white cheddar in a grilled cheese sandwich.
  • Spoon it on top of a round of brie and bake it until the sauce is bubbling and the brie is melty.
  • Even better, wrap that cranberry sauce-topped round of brie in puff pastry and bake until crispy and golden brown.
  • Stir it into plain yogurt.
  • Stir it into oatmeal.
  • Dollop it on top of pancakes, waffles, or French toast.
  • Replace some or all of the oil in muffin batter the way you would with applesauce.
  • Use it to fill thumbprint cookies.
  • Use it as a gooey layer in the middle of oatmeal cookie bars.
  • Spread it on pastry crust and top with sliced pears for a cranberry-pear tart.
  • Top a cheesecake with it.
  • Warm it up and drizzle it over ice cream.

Read Also: Frozen Ground Turkey In Instant Pot

Reasons I Love Making Cranberry Sauce In The Instant Pot:

  • The cooking process is hands-free. With traditional stove top preparation, you have to stir it every so often while it cooks. Not difficult, but it requires me to remember to do something.
  • Its self-timed. Once I program the pressure cooker, I can set it and forget it. I dont have to watch itjust let it do its thing.
  • It frees up my stove top. We all know the juggling that comes with preparing a big holiday meal. By using the Instant Pot, my stove top is freed up for other items to be prepared.

Step By Step Recipe Photo Tutorial

Instant Pot cranberry sauce recipe | One Hungry Mama

Please check the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact quantities and detailed instructions .

  • Combine cranberries, sugar, orange zest, orange juice, water, cinnamon, and salt in the Instant Pot.
  • Pressure cook for 6 minutes. Cook. When the time is over, press Cancel and let the Instant Pot release pressure naturally, about 10 minutes.
  • Select Sauté. Stir in orange-flavored liqueur and pepper. Cooke and mash the cranberries a little. Cook until the sauce reaches the desired consistency.
  • Let cool completely at room temperature. Serve immediately or store in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
  • Recommended Reading: Can You Cook Steak In The Instant Pot

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    Port In Cranberry Sauce

    When I was younger, I made the Ocean Spray cranberry sauce recipe on the back of the bag. I just love cranberry sauce with orange juice. Over the years Ive been experimenting with port, wine and herbs- especially after living in Germany for so many years. I am a big fan of the German Preiselbeeren sauce that many restaurants served alongside the meat. Cranberries are the closest version we have to their Lingonberries but not quite as sweet. This cranberry sauce recipe with port, rosemary, cinnamon and ginger is my best version yet! Some people make their cranberry sauce with wine, but I love to use port! This port happens to be one of Chateau Ste. Michelles little known projects. My favorite local winery!

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    Adding Agave Syrup To This Recipe

    I have been making homemade cranberry sauce for over a decade now, using fresh cranberries and sugar.

    Recently, I started adding Agave syrup during the cooking process. There is a subtle earthiness that Agave syrup adds to the sauce, which contrasts and balances the sharp taste of cranberries.

    I also wanted to reduce the use of refined sugar in this recipe. Agave nectar is minimally processed and therefore doesn’t spike blood sugar levels as much as sugar. My next experiment would be to try this recipe entirely with agave. I’ll keep you posted here!

    If you’re not a fan of agave, you can always add honey, maple syrup, or regular sugar instead.

    You Are Going To Love This Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce Because:

    Instant Pot Cranberry Orange Sauce
    • You absolutely cannot tell it’s not made with traditional sugar.
    • Very quick and easy to make.
    • It’s both fabulously tangy and sweet at the same time.
    • Great for all of the holidays, not just Thanksgiving!
    • It’s very affordable to make with these ingredients.

    I am so excited I finally have some Thanksgiving inspired recipes to serve at my table this year. I haven’t gotten the courage to cook a turkey yet, but to be fair, our families don’t love turkey.

    I’d rather serve up a big hunk of ham or make a fabulous chicken dish. Until family members begin to complain about this, I will stick to my guns.

    I know this year, I’ll be serving up Instant Pot cranberry sauce alongside my Creamy Roasted Brussels Sprouts & Butternut Squash.

    Oh, and dessert? Obviously it’s going to have to be Paleo Pumpkin Pie.

    This cranberry sauce is so quick and easy to whip up, you are going to seriously be shocked.

    I don’t think I can even stand the thought of store bought cranberry sauce anymore now that I know just how approachable this is.

    If you are heading to Thanksgiving or another holiday meal at someone else’s house, definitely bring this with you.

    It’s a show stopper, and I cannot wait for you to shock them when you answer the question: “Where did you get this?”

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    A Word About Sweetener

    Nanas recipe called for double the sugar that I use. I prefer a cranberry sauce that is much less sweet, I reduced the sugar by half, and that works for me. If you want a less-sweet cranberry sauce, reduce sugar by 1/2 cup or more . You can also use Brown Sugar, Maple Syrup, or Honey in place of white sugar. If you add sweetener after cooking, do so while the sauce is still warm so it dissolves. If you want to use artificial sweetener, add it after pressure cooking.

    The touch of orange is just right, and doesnt take away from the wonderful fresh cranberry flavor.

    If you want a straight cranberry sauce, you can leave out the orange and replace the juice with water. You could also use apple juice, for a different flavor.

    • 1cupChopped Apples
  • Add the cranberries, zest, cinnamon, and juice. Then pour the cup of sugar over the berries, but do not stir.

  • Close the lid and set steam release knob to the Sealing position.

  • Press the Pressure Cook button or dial, and the +/- to select 2 minutes . When the cooking cycle finishes, turn the pot all the way off.

  • The berry mixture is a bit foamy at this point, so let the pressure naturally release for at least 10 minutes so the foam can subside.

  • Manually release the remaining pressure/steam in short bursts, until you are sure none of the sauce is going to spew out with the steam.

  • Transfer to a serving dish and chill. It will thicken as it cools.

  • What Ingredients For Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce

    Cranberries: For this recipe, you need a 12 oz package of fresh cranberries. You can use frozen if youd like. If this is the case, you dont need to thaw the cranberries before placing them in the Instant Pot. But, Please Do Not use dried cranberries.

    Monk fruit sweetener: You can replace this with powdered erythritol if you want to store it longer than a day. You can also use maple syrup or coconut sugar for a paleo diet.

    Orange Juice: A freshly juiced naval orange you need to make this recipe. For keto dieters, swap the orange juice for water and add an extra teaspoon of orange zest. Cranberry Sauce with fresh orange juice is always the most delicious way to go!

    Orange Zest: Make sure to zest the orange with the smallest setting on a cheese grater before juicing the orange

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    Cook Down The Cranberry Sauce

    When the pressure has been released, remove the lid, then remove the orange slices and cinnamon stick and set the Instant Pot to Saute mode. Add the remaining sugar and bring to a boil for about two minutes stirring consistently.

    Hint: The natural release of pressure help the sauce continue to cook. Dont skip that step.

    Can You Freeze Cranberry Sauce

    Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce

    You sure can! This means if youre reading this a week or even months before a major holiday, make a batch today and freeze it for later. Youll also love my free Thanksgiving Checklist printable for all your Type-A holiday planning needs!

    I freeze mine in wide-mouth canning jars. I use pint jars for smaller servings and quart jars for large gatherings. Just allow the sauce to fully cool before adding it to the canning jars. And leave 1-inch of space between the top of the food and the top of the jar.

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    Use Up Leftover Cranberry Sauce

    Add any leftover cranberry sauce in these cranberry overnight oats recipe.

    No oats? Swirl it into yogurt. You can also add cranberry sauce as a sweet sandwich topper or fruity toast topping.

    Add a big dollop to a snack board for a sweet tart touch to roll up with turkey, chicken, or pair with cheese.

    Clearly there are lots of ways to use up leftover cranberry sauce. Id love to hear how you use it!

    Until last week, I had never made homemade cranberry sauce. But with the success Ive had making peach jam and applesauce in the Instant Pot, I knew had to try cranberry sauce too!

    Im pretty sure its the only way Ill do it now. Give it a try and let me know what you think!

    How Much Sugar Do You Add To Homemade Cranberry Sauce

    • It depends on how tart you want it
    • Tart cranberry sauce = 24 oz. cranberries add 1/2 to 3/4 c. sugar
    • Sweet but still has a hint of tartness = 24 oz. cranberries add 1 cup sugar
    • you can always add more sugar depending on your preferences

    I would suggest adding 1/2 cup right when you press saute, stir, allow it to dissolve and then taste it.

    If you want it sweeter add 1/4 cup at a time allowing it to dissolve in between to see how much you want up to 1 cup. I wouldnt add more than that.

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    Stove Top Recipe For Cranberry Sauce

    This cranberry sauce can be made on the stove-top too. Here’s how:

    • Simply combine all ingredients in a sauce pan on medium high heat with ½ cup water. Cover till everything comes to a boil.
    • Reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, till the berries are cooked.
    • Remove lid and cook for another 3-5 minutes till the sauce reaches a jam like consistency. Check the taste and add more sugar if needed. Add 1 tablespoon at a time and let it simmer.

    Easy Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce

    Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce [VIDEO]

    Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce is so easy to make it is ridiculous. And the flavor is amazing. I make mine with orange zest, orange juice, a cinnamon stick and couple of star anise pods for a tart-sweet-spicy flavor.

    This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    A lot of people love the jellied cranberry sauce that comes in a can, and I get that. Its something people grew up with on their thanksgiving table. Its delicious and easy on the cook responsible for the rest of the Thanksgiving dinner.

    But Im here to tell you that if you have an instant pot, making your own cranberry sauce is almost as easy.

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    How To Freeze Homemade Cranberry Sauce

    Homemade cranberry sauce freezes beautifully! Follow these easy steps so you can serve any leftovers at a later date:

    • Place the leftover cranberry sauce in an airtight container.
    • You can even freeze it in a freezer-safe plastic bag in order to save room in the freezer.
    • Cranberry sauce can be frozen for up to two months.
    • For best results, defrost in the refrigerator overnight.

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