• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Free Bonus
  • About

Boulder Locavore® logo

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Free Bonus
  • About
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Home
    • Recipes
    • Free Bonus
    • About
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Side Dishes » Spicy Jalapeno Cranberry Sauce Recipe

    LAST UPDATED: November 12, 2020 • FIRST PUBLISHED: November 7, 2019 By Toni Dash 69 Comments

    Spicy Jalapeno Cranberry Sauce Recipe

    Jump to Recipe

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

    Bowl of Cranberry Sauce with jalapeno slices

    Spicy Jalapeno Cranberry Sauce makes a meal a party. A super easy recipe that cooks in 15 minutes and thickens beautifully when chilled. Perfect for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner menus, and a whole lot more (tips and recipe ideas included).

    Bowl of Cranberry Sauce with jalapeno slices

    Homemade cranberry sauce is always a star at any holiday meal!

    It is the EASIEST recipe to make for Thanksgiving. It’s a perfect assignment for kids old enough to cook!

    It only takes a handful of ingredients, cooks in 15 minutes and is always better than store-bought cranberry sauce.

    This recipe kicks it up a notch in the flavor department. 

    Spicy Jalapeno Cranberry Sauce is a perfect blend of sweet and spicy flavors. It’s brings excitement to any dish it’s paired with.

    It will be the talk of your Thanksgiving table!

    Spicy Cranberry Sauce

    As much as I love Thanksgiving food there can be a bit of a bland flavor about it all.

    I like to include something with some spiciness.

    Maybe it’s in my mind but I feel like it perks up the digestion and my palate too.

    Spicy Jalapeno Cranberry Sauce is a delicious mix of sweet, savory and spicy flavors that are irresistible. 

    The end recipe is sweet and sassy!

    Make Ahead Cranberry Sauce

    This recipe can be made the day before using.

    A ‘make ahead’ option on busy holiday cook days is always a great find!

    The flavors may even be better when it is make a day ahead!

    Spicy Jalapeno Cranberry Sauce with chile slices in a white bowl

    Spicy Jalapeno Cranberry Sauce Ingredients

    This recipe includes classic cranberry sauce ingredients as well as a spicy touch!

    • Jalapeno Peppers
    • Kosher Salt
    • Light Brown Sugar
    • Granulated White Sugar
    • Orange Juice
    • Water
    • Orange Zest
    • Fresh Cranberries

    Buying Cranberries

    Cranberries are usually only available around the winter holidays.

    Stock up on some bags of cranberries when they are available and freeze them!

    Then you can enjoy cranberry recipes all year long.

    I put multiple bags in a few 1-gallon plastic zip-seal bag and freeze them. I can remove individual bags of cranberries and use them whenever the mood strikes.

    PRO TIP: Removing Seeds from Jalapeno Peppers

    I developed a trick to easily removing seeds from Jalapeno peppers. It’s fast but still requires precaution when handling spicy peppers

    Wash hands thoroughly after handling peppers or wear some food safe gloves (rubber, vinyl, latex) when handling hot peppers.

    The oils from spicy peppers can stay on hands long after touching or cutting peppers even if hands are washed.

    If you touch your eyes or nose you will feel a burning sensation.

    how to remove seeds from jalapeno peppers photo collage

    STEP 1: Slice the pepper lengthwise

    STEP 2: Insert the rounded end of a small dining spoon underneath the white membrane and seeds at the top of the pepper.

    STEP 3: Keep the curved back of the spoon flush with the inside wall of the pepper. Push the spoon up toward the stem end of the pepper, releasing the membrane and seeds.

    STEP 4: Turn the spoon over and using the pointed end again scrape out (and discard) and remaining seeds.

    How to make Cranberry Sauce – Step-by-Step

    There are many great things about this recipe.

    One of the best in my opinion is how easy it is to make! It’s fast too.

    For a detailed printable recipe refer to the recipe card at the end of the blog post.

    STEP 1: In a large saucepan combine all ingredients EXCEPT the cranberries. Bring to simmer and add the cranberries.

    STEP 2: Simmer 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. NOTE: the cranberries will pop during cooking.

    STEP 3: Remove from heat and cool to room temperature. Transfer to a sealed container and fully chill.

    NOTE: the sauce will thicken as it cools.

    cooking cranberries for spicy jalapeno cranberry sauce

    Storing Cranberry Sauce 

    Cranberry sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.

    Can Cranberry Sauce be Frozen?

    Yes! Put it in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months.

    How to use leftover Cranberry Sauce

    This recipe is great for so many dishes, not just a holiday meal relish!

    • I’ve been making grilled cheese sandwiches on my Griddler with this spicy jalapeno cranberry sauce. Add grated cheese on your favorite bread, some cranberry sauce, more cheese and a second slice of bread.
    • Quesadillas are another great way to use both leftover cranberry sauce and turkey.
    • It is fantastic on the top of baked brie as an appetizer.
    • Spread it on toast.
    • Top a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream with it.
    • Put some in your smoothies.

    This recipe is too good to only eat with holiday meals! 

    Spicy Jalapeno Cranberry Sauce with jalapeno slices, whole jalapenos, pine sprigsMore Cranberry Recipes

    • Fresh Cranberry Orange Sauce
    • Slow Cooker Cranberry-Pear Sauce with Ginger 
    • Spicy Honey Cranberry Sauce
    • Cranberry Salsa: an Easy Holiday Appetizer You’ll Love!
    • Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Party Appetizer
    • Cranberry Apple Hot Toddy

    Try these Thanksgiving Recipes too!

    • Au Gratin Potatoes with Green Chilies
    • Easy Roast Turkey recipe
    • Instant Pot Turkey Breast
    • Chipotle Scalloped Sweet Potatoes
    • Ginger Pear Pie
    • Mini Pumpkin Pie Cheesecakes in Mason Jars
    Did you make it? Please RATE THE RECIPE below!

    Please SUBSCRIBE and FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK , TWITTER , INSTAGRAM!

    Bowl of Cranberry Sauce with jalapeno slices

    Spicy Jalapeno Cranberry Sauce

    Spicy Jalapeno Cranberry Sauce is sweet and spicy, adding an exciting relish for any meal, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas.  The sauce cooks in 15 minutes and will be fully thickened after full cooling.  May be made the day before using.
    Yield: 2 1/2 cups
    5 from 42 votes
    Print Save Recipe Recipe Saved! Pin Rate
    Course: Condiment
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes
    Chilling time (estimate): 1 hour
    Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
    Servings: 7
    Calories: 146kcal
    Author: Toni Dash
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • 2 Jalapeno Peppers seeded and diced
    • 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt
    • 1/2 cup Light Brown Sugar
    • 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
    • 1/2 cup Orange Juice
    • 1/2 cup Water
    • 1/2 teaspoon Orange Zest
    • 12 ounces Cranberries

    Instructions

    • In a large saucepan combine the jalapeno peppers, salt, sugars, orange juice, water and orange zest.  Bring to a simmer over medium heat and add the cranberries.
    • Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring periodically (cranberries will pop while cooking).  Remove from heat and cool to room temperature.  Transfer to a sealed container and fully chill.  NOTE: the sauce will thicken as it cools.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 146kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 0g | Fat: 0g | Saturated Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 172mg | Potassium: 107mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 33g | Vitamin A: 110IU | Vitamin C: 20.3mg | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 0.3mg
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @boulderlocavore or tag #boulderlocavore!

    Originally published: November 9, 2017

    « Vegetable Beef Soup (Instant Pot + Stove Top) + VIDEO
    Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Appetizer Roll »

    ABOUT THE AUTHOR

    TONI DASH
    Toni Dash head shot

    Toni Dash, is a Certified Nutrition Coach and the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer and creator of Boulder Locavore®. She has been developing easy to make, well-tested recipes since 2010. Her seasonal recipes bring excitement to the dining table for both gluten-free and gluten diners. Toni has been featured in numerous publications and on culinary websites for her creative, delicious recipes and travel features. For more details, check out her About page.

    Free Email Course

    5 FAST & EASY 15-MINUTE RECIPES
    Spending too much time in the kitchen?
    These recipes are fast, easy, and perfect for every occasion.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Lisa says

      November 21, 2022 at 8:05 am

      5 stars
      Get compliments every year!

      Reply
      • Toni Dash says

        November 21, 2022 at 11:20 am

        Yay!! So glad to hear that Lisa. Happy Thanksgiving!

        Reply
    2. Sheryl D says

      January 05, 2022 at 7:17 pm

      5 stars
      Love this! Could eat it by the spoonful. I left some seeds in for extra heat to balance the sweetness. This would be great spread on a turkey sandwich, which I intend to do. Thank you!

      Reply
    3. Karen P says

      December 25, 2021 at 9:26 am

      5 stars
      Loved the spicy/sweet! Excellent!

      Reply
    4. Kelly says

      November 25, 2021 at 4:36 am

      Do you think I can sub lime juice and lime zest for the orange?

      Reply
      • Toni Dash says

        November 25, 2021 at 11:34 am

        My only concern is that lime is tart as are the cranberries. Orange is sweet which mellows out the cranberry tartness. The lime just might make it too amp’ed up on the tartness scale.

        Reply
    5. Lira says

      November 24, 2021 at 7:44 pm

      5 stars
      I used only 3/4 of a very large jalepeño, and oh wow! This is fantastic! I probably could have used the whole thing, but I can see myself eating this out of the serving dish by the spoonfuls when no one is looking! And of course, mixing a tablespoon of this into a margarita sounds divine. Thank you for all the detail you provided; it’s a fabulous recipe!

      Reply
      • Toni Dash says

        November 24, 2021 at 7:47 pm

        So glad you like it Lira! It’s a great to add some heat to compliment heavier Thanksgiving dishes! Happy Holidays!

        Reply
    « Older Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

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

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    About Toni Dash

    Toni Dash BoulderLocavore.com Head Shot

    Welcome! I’m Toni. I’m a Certified Nutrition Coach and my goal is to MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER with delicious, well-tested recipes and travel tips! More About Me …

    AS FEATURED ON….

    BoulderLocavore.com Featured By Press

    Easy Dinners

    • Instant Pot Jambalaya Instant Pot Jambalaya Recipe: Quick & Easy Comfort Food
    • Instant Pot Smoked Paprika & Garlic Chicken Legs with lime wedges on a pewter platter Instant Pot Smoked Paprika & Garlic Chicken Legs
    • Korean BBQ Chicken title image Easy Korean BBQ Chicken recipe
    • Instant Pot Corned Beef Brisket title image Instant Pot Corned Beef Brisket: an Easy One Pot Meal
    • Shrimp Salad title image Shrimp Salad Recipe
    • Green Chile Stew title image Hearty New Mexican Green Chile Pork Stew

    TRENDING RIGHT NOW

    • cilantro lime rice title image Easy Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
    • How to Make Moist Homemade Shredded Chicken Breast title How to Make Moist Homemade Shredded Chicken Breast Recipe
    • Instant Pot Corned Beef Brisket title image Instant Pot Corned Beef Brisket: an Easy One Pot Meal
    • Instant Pot Jambalaya Instant Pot Jambalaya Recipe: Quick & Easy Comfort Food
    • LIMEADE IN A GLASS WITH ICE Fresh Homemade Limeade recipe
    • Hummingbird Cake title image The Best Hummingbird Cake recipe

    Footer

    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Pinterest
    • Instagram

    Contact | About | Privacy Policy | Disclosure Policy | Accessibility Statement | Cookie Policy


    SIGN ME UP to get FREE recipes directly to my inbox!

    Don't miss our TRAVEL SECTION!


    Copyright © 2010-2023 All Rights Reserved

    Boulder Locavore is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC associates program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.