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.
Leftover Cranberry Sauce Yeast Dinner Rolls: a Bread Machine Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 1 cup (296 g) jellied cranberry sauce
- ¼ cup (57 g) whole milk or half-and-half
- 1 large (50 g) egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup (57 g) butter, chopped
- Grated rind from two medium lemons
- 3 cups (360 g) all-purpose unbleached flour
- 2 teaspoons bread machine yeast or instant yeast
- 1 cup (130 g) dried cranberries
Instructions
Prepare the Bread Machine
- Add all ingredients: 1 cup (296 g) jellied cranberry sauce, ¼ cup (57 g) whole milk or half-and-half, 1 large (50 g) egg, 1 teaspoon salt, ¼ cup (57 g) butter, chopped, Grated rind from two medium lemons, 3 cups (360 g) all-purpose unbleached flour, and 2 teaspoons bread machine yeast or instant yeast, to the bread machine pan in the order given.
- Select the DOUGH cycle and push the start button.
Check the Dough
- 🔹 First Peek (1 Minute In): Lift the lid to ensure the paddle(s) are moving and the dough is starting to clump.🔹 Second Peek (15–18 Minutes In): The dough should stick to the sides, then pull away cleanly.💡 New to bread machines? Check out this picture tutorial for a visual guide!If it sticks without releasing, add 1 spoonful of flour at a time until it holds its shape.If it’s too dry (bouncing around or riding the paddle), add 1 spoonful of water at a time until it sticks briefly to one side before releasing.Wait 1–2 minutes between additions to let the dough adjust.Read more about this surprising secret to success with a bread machine.
Incorporate Dried Cranberries
- When the machine signals for mix-ins, add the 1 cup (130 g) dried cranberries.
Shape the Rolls
- After the cycle is complete, remove the dough to a lightly floured surface and divide it into 16 pieces. Shape them into balls and place them in two greased 8-inch cake pans.
Allow to Rise
- Cover rolls with a tea towel or cheap shower caps and let rolls rise for approximately 45 minutes or until almost doubled in size.
Bake
- Preheat oven to 350˚F (180˚C).Bake for 14-16 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cool and Enjoy
- Let the rolls sit in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to avoid steamed bottoms.
Notes
- Add ingredients to the mixer bowl in the listed order.
- Mix on low speed until everything is moistened.
- Switch to the dough hook and increase speed to 2 or 3.
- Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic (about 5–10 minutes).
- Cover and let it rise in a warm place until doubled.
- Gently deflate, shape, and bake as directed.
- In a large bowl, mix ingredients until you have a shaggy dough.
- Transfer to a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic (10–20 minutes, depending on experience).
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise until doubled.
- Once risen, gently deflate, shape, and bake as instructed.
Nutrition
All images and text ©️ Paula Rhodes for Salad in a Jar.com
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.