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Cranberry Jalapeno Sauce

Our Cranberry Jalapeno Sauce is the perfect blend of sweet and spicy. Bursting with fresh cranberries, diced jalapeños, and zesty lime, this sauce adds a nice kick to any dish.

 

Main image for Cranberry Jalapeno Sauce. Sauce is in a serving bowl

 

Regular cranberry sauce is great; I am one of those people who generally like it. I especially like homemade classic cranberry sauce more than the canned stuff you pick up at the grocery store.

But this cranberry jalapeno dip is my new favorite way to eat sweet cranberry sauce.

It is one of the best holiday dips you will ever make. And I love dips.

It is a beautiful dish with the bright color of cranberries, but cranberry sauce with jalapenos is cooked with fresh peppers to give you a kick of heat that makes your holiday parties just a little spicy.

And the best thing is, this sauce goes with everything. You don’t have to use this cranberry sauce recipe with jalapeno pepper for holiday gatherings only. Use it with roasted meats to appetizers and even sandwiches.

Make extra and keep it in the freezer so you can have cranberry jalapeno sauce all year long at any gathering.

 

All ingredients for Cranberry Jalapeno Sauce laid out on counter.

 

What Ingredients are in Cranberry Jalapeno Sauce?

  • Fresh Jalapeños: Add a spicy kick.
  • Honey: Provides sweetness to balance the tart and spice.
  • Kosher Salt: brings out the flavor of the other ingredients.
  • Water: Helps to simmer the ingredients without burning.
  • Fresh Cranberries: The star ingredient brings classic tart flavors.
  • Lime Juice: Adds a tangy zest.
  • Lime Zest: brings out the citrus flavor.

Pro Tip: Adjust the quantity of jalapeño peppers to balance your preferred level of spiciness. If you like medium heat, keep the recipe as it is. If you prefer more spicy jalapeno cranberry sauce add more, or less for just a little heat in your sauce.

 

Jalapenos, honey, salt and water added to a skillet, uncooked.

 

How to Make Cranberry Jalapeno Sauce:

  1. Simmer diced jalapeños, honey, salt, and water in a large saucepan.
  2. Add fresh cranberries, and simmer until they burst.
  3. Stir lime juice and zest into the cranberry mixture.
  4. Cool spicy cranberry sauce before refrigerating or freezing.

Pro Tip: Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

 

Fresh cranberries added to jalapeno sauce.

 

Is Cranberry Jalapeno Sauce Spicy?

Yes, as written this cranberry jalapeno sauce is spicy.

But you can control the level of heat by adjusting the amount of jalapeños you use.

Can I Make Cranberry Jalapeno Sauce Ahead of Time?

Yes you can make cranberry jalapeno sauce ahead of time!

Prepare it up to a week in advance, and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.

 

Burst cranberries in jalapeno sauce in skillet.

 

How to Store Cranberry Jalapeno Sauce:

Store cranberry jalapeno sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

It will stay good for up to 2 weeks.

Can You Freeze Cranberry Jalapeno Sauce?

Yes, you can freeze cranberry jalapeno sauce for longer storage.

It will keep in a deep freezer for up to a year. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.

 

cooked and burst cranberries in skillet

 

What to Serve Cranberry Jalapeno Sauce With:

Cranberry jalapeno sauce is great served on your holiday table. It’s also great with dishes like:

 

lime zest and juice added to cranberries.

 

What to Do with Cranberry Jalapeno Sauce:

If you need ideas for what to do with cranberry jalapeno sauce besides serving as a condiment with your holiday meal, I have a lot of ideas. Here are a few of my favorites:

  • Cranberry-jalapeno cream cheese dip: mix 1 cup of this spicy sauce with 1 block of cream cheese. You get a smooth, creamy dip that is perfect when served next to a veggie tray. Top with green onions and jalapeno peppers for garnish and you have a fast and easy dip recipe.
  • Barbecue Sauces: mix it with your favorite barbecue sauce to smother meatballs, pulled pork, or chicken in a sweet and spicy glaze
  • Charcuterie Board: this is great as a spread with a charcuterie Board
  • Cranberry Salsa: turn it into salsa by mixing in cilantro with a food processor
  • On top of Brie or Goat cheese: the creamy cheese cuts the tang of this spicy jalapeño cranberry sauce recipe which is perfect with crackers or veggie sticks
  • Beverages: Use it to spice up mixed drinks
  • Or try any of these cranberry sauce recipes.

 

Lovely cranberry sauce all cooked and ready to chill

 

Is Cranberry Jalapeno Sauce Healthy?

Yes, cranberry jalapeno sauce is a healthy condiment!

It has the nutritional benefits of cranberries, jalapeños, and lime without added preservatives or artificial ingredients.

Is Cranberry Jalapeno Sauce Gluten Free?

Yes, this cranberry jalapeno sauce recipe is gluten free.

This sauce uses whole foods that are naturally gluten-free which makes it safe for people who are on a gluten free medically restrictive diet.

 

chilled cranberry sauce ready to serve

 

Is Cranberry Jalapeno Sauce vegan?

No, this cranberry jalapeno sauce is not vegan because the written recipe uses honey which is an animal byproduct.

However, you can make this recipe vegan by using a different sweetener. 

Maple syrup and brown sugar are great options that will keep the sweetness but will add darker undertones.

White sugar is an option to let the jalapeno and cranberry shine.

 

top view looking down at cranberry sauce in a serving bowl.

 

Whether you need new cranberry recipes or are just wanting something a little bit spicy this holiday season, this cranberry jalapeno sauce is a delicious recipe that is great for thanksgiving dinner, but also perfect any time of year.

 

top view looking down at cranberry sauce in a serving bowl.

Cranberry Jalapeno Sauce

Yield: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

Spice up your Thanksgiving with our Cranberry Jalapeno Sauce! This sweet and spicy concoction is the perfect condiment to your meal.

Instructions

  1. In a large saucepan, combine diced jalapeño peppers, honey, salt, and water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. 
  2. Add cranberries, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes. The cranberries will burst during the cooking. Stir often. 
  3. Remove from heat. Stir in lime juice and zest. Allow to cool. Refrigerate or freeze until ready to use. 

Notes

Allow cranberry sauce to cool before refrigerated or freezing. It will keep in the refrigerator for 10-14 days. For best results in the freezer, use within 2 months. 

You can freeze fresh cranberries for up to a year. You don't need to defrost them before using. 

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 115Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 109mgCarbohydrates: 31gFiber: 2gSugar: 26gProtein: 0g
Originally Posted: December 15, 2019

Photos & Text Updated: November 16, 2024

Jalapeños and lime give this Spicy Jalapeño Cranberry Sauce a unique flavor all its own. You're going to love the combination of the sweet, tart and spicy! #cranberrysauce #Thanksgiving #Christmas #appetizer #sidedish #holidayrecipe 

Jalapeños and lime give this Spicy Jalapeño Cranberry Sauce a unique flavor all its own. You're going to love the combination of the sweet, tart and spicy! #cranberrysauce #Thanksgiving #Christmas #appetizer #sidedish #holidayrecipe 

Jalapeños and lime give this Spicy Jalapeño Cranberry Sauce a unique flavor all its own. You're going to love the combination of the sweet, tart and spicy! #cranberrysauce #Thanksgiving #Christmas #appetizer #sidedish #holidayrecipe 

Jalapeños and lime give this Spicy Jalapeño Cranberry Sauce a unique flavor all its own. You're going to love the combination of the sweet, tart and spicy! #cranberrysauce #Thanksgiving #Christmas #appetizer #sidedish #holidayrecipe 

Jalapeños and lime give this Spicy Jalapeño Cranberry Sauce a unique flavor all its own. You're going to love the combination of the sweet, tart and spicy! #cranberrysauce #Thanksgiving #Christmas #appetizer #sidedish #holidayrecipe 

Jalapeños and lime give this Spicy Jalapeño Cranberry Sauce a unique flavor all its own. You're going to love the combination of the sweet, tart and spicy! #cranberrysauce #Thanksgiving #Christmas #appetizer #sidedish #holidayrecipe 

Jalapeños and lime give this Spicy Jalapeño Cranberry Sauce a unique flavor all its own. You're going to love the combination of the sweet, tart and spicy! #cranberrysauce #Thanksgiving #Christmas #appetizer #sidedish #holidayrecipe 

Spicy Jalapeño Cranberry Sauce

Spicy Jalapeño Cranberry Sauce

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Amy

Saturday 28th of December 2019

This was so good and so different! I make a cranberry salsa that has jalapenos also so I was pretty sure I would like this, but it was even better than expected!

Catalina

Wednesday 25th of December 2019

I made this cranberry sauce and it was fabulous! The addition of jalapeno makes it irresistible!

Erin Parker

Tuesday 24th of December 2019

Oh, this cranberry sauce is PERFECT! We've already made it for tomorrow, and I can't stop sneaking bites!

Julie Menghini

Monday 23rd of December 2019

My family loved this recipe. They always look forward to cranberry sauce this time of year but they'll be expecting this one all year long.

Nikki

Monday 23rd of December 2019

Loved this! Anything with a little spice. I have it made for Christmas and already gave it a taste! So good!

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