Leftover Cranberry Sauce Dinner Rolls with a Bread Machine
Sneak Preview: Turn leftover cranberry sauce into tender, slightly sweet dinner rolls with this easy bread machine recipe! These cranberry-infused rolls, with a hint of lemon and optional dried cranberries, make perfect slider buns for turkey or ham.

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Satisfy the tradition of having cranberries on your Thanksgiving menu with these delicious Cranberry Dinner Rolls. If Thanksgiving is over and you have some leftover cranberry sauce, it’s the best excuse to make these rolls.
Why You’ll Enjoy These Rolls
- Uses up leftovers – A creative way to repurpose cranberry sauce.
- Perfect for sandwiches – Great for turkey or ham sliders.
- Hint of citrus – Fresh lemon zest enhances the cranberry flavor.
- Customizable – Add nuts or swap in different dried fruits.
- Easy bread machine dough – Let the machine do the mixing and kneading!

Happy Bakers Speak Up
“Great recipe. We loved it!”—MARY
Recipe Inspiration
Jellied cranberry sauce, the smooth and sweet kind you buy in a can from the grocery store, was a tradition in my husband’s family. He talks about it every Thanksgiving and likes to see it on our table. Since he seems to be the only one who likes it, this is my solution for all the leftover sauce.

Ingredients and Substitutions
- CRANBERRY SAUCE:
- Canned cranberry sauce (the smooth variety) is easiest
- I haven’t tested the whole berry sauce but I would think it works.
- MILK:
- First choice is whole milk (higher fat content)
- Swap 2%, skim or non-dairy milk
- The milk does not need to be warmed.
- EGG:
- Tested with “large” eggs (50 grams ∓)
- Adjust the other liquids when using a different size
- SALT:
- Table salt or sea salt
- Prefer Kosher salt? Add ¼ teaspoon extra.
- Don’t leave out the salt.
- BUTTER:
- Unsalted butter.
- Swap hydrogenated shortening or margarine.
- Chop cold butter finely before adding (it doesn’t need to be warm)
- LEMONS:
- Fresh lemon rind is best
- Omit or sub orange zest
- FLOUR:
- All-purpose flour (unbleached)
- Swap for bread flour for chewier rolls
- YEAST:
- Bread machine or instant yeast is the easiest option.
- See recipe notes if using active dry yeast
- DRIED CRANBERRIES:
- Optional
- Substitute raisins, dried cherries, or dates
- Add toasted almonds, walnuts, or pecans if desired
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Avoid overbaking – golden brown is the goal!
- Use a silicone mat for easy cleanup when shaping rolls.
- Cover rising rolls with a cheap shower cap to retain moisture without sticking.
- Choose dark or gold pans for better browning.

Parting Thoughts: Are you an adventurous bread maker? I thought you might be since you looked at this recipe. Check out these easy bread recipes for Dark Dinner Rolls (No Rye)–A Bread Machine Recipe, Herb and Garlic Yeast Rolls, and these Overnight Yeast Rolls with All-Bran. I think you’ll find any of these rolls a great addition to your dinner table.
FAQ
Can I make a loaf instead of rolls?
Yes! Shape into a loaf and bake at 350°F for about 30-35 minutes.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, freeze after shaping. Thaw and let rise before baking.
Final Thoughts
If you love experimenting with bread recipes, try these next:
- Easy Bread Machine Brown Bread: Steakhouse Style Without Rye – A rich, flavorful option.
- Herb and Garlic Yeast Rolls – Savory and aromatic.
- Overnight Yeast Rolls with All-Bran – Soft, wholesome, and easy.
Need help troubleshooting? Please email me: Paula at saladinajar.com–photos welcome!
Paula Rhodes, owner
As a retired home economist, I created Saladinajar.com to share my belief that you don’t have to be a chef to find joy in creating homemade food worth sharing. Bread machines (used in an unconventional way), homemade yogurt, and quick microwave recipes are my specialty.