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).
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 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.
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.
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!
More Cranberry Recipes
More 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
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Recipe
Spicy Jalapeno Cranberry Sauce
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
Originally published: November 9, 2017
Tara says
I can’t wait to try your cranberry sauce. I love that it’s spicy and sweet.
Liz Mays says
This is awesome! We always have to have a cranberry sauce on Thanksgiving. I like the idea of having this with toast!
Rachel Ferrucci says
This looks delicious! My family loves foods with a kick and this would be a perfect addition to Thanksgiving!
Connie says
Ooh! Cranberry sauce with a kick. Looks yummy.
Tracy @ Ascending Butterfly says
I love Cranberry and I love Jalapeno, never thought to put them together before, this sounds great! I would put some on the side of a nice lobster roll too, and a good way to mix things up for Thanksgiving.
Melissa Chapman says
I am trying to have a vegetarian Thanksgiving and this looks like it could be one of the sides. I love that it takes the usual and makes it spicy and different.
Jeanette says
This is really cool! We always had cranberry sauce at Thanksgiving but I have never made it with a spice. I am definitely going to try this and surprise the family with a new flavor.
Bill Sweeney says
Oh yeah! I love a nice kick of heat in my sweet foods. I think this will go perfectly with our deep fried turkey. Om nom nom.
Colleen Lanin says
That looks so delicious. I have never heard of cranberry sauce packing heat like that before. It sounds intriguing.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
This sounds so good! I love some heat with my sweet, so I’ll definitely be trying this recipe.