Sweet And Spicy Jalapeno Cranberry Sauce Recipe

This Spicy Jalapeno Cranberry Sauce can be made in under 15 minutes and brings together the tartness of fresh cranberries, the citrusy kick of oranges, and the heat of jalapenos. 

Ready for the holidays? Me either. How can it already be mid-December?? But the one good thing I have for you today is this  Jalapeno Cranberry Sauce Recipe. It's incredibly easy to pull together if you need a last-minute side, and it's a nice departure from the (sometimes too sweet?) regular cranberry sauce that we all know and love.

Of course, if you know me, you know I love spice, and this sauce brings the heat but in a subtle sort of way. Plus, it's fabulous on these Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sliders. (We all know the leftovers are the best part about holiday meals, amiright?) 

Why This Recipe Works

This spicy jalapeño cranberry sauce is one of my favorite cranberry recipes to make, not just during the holidays but any time of year. Here's why:

• The sweet and spicy combo. The spicy flavors of the jalapeño peppers plus the tart cranberry sauce strike the perfect balance between sweetness and heat. It's a step up from traditional cranberry sauces (and way better than the canned stuff you'll get from the grocery store).
• Fresh ingredients. This recipe is bursting with whole cranberries, fresh jalapeños, and orange zest for a delicious, fresh cranberry sauce.
• You control the sugar. I love that this recipe lets me dictate how much sugar I have to add. I tend to err on the side of less sugar, so this is ideal.
• Easy. This easy homemade cranberry sauce may be the easiest recipe you'll make for your holiday meal. 
• Crowd pleaser. Whether you're making this as part of your Thanksgiving dinner or using the sauce to make a quick holiday dip, everyone loves this delicious recipe. 
• Beautiful dish. Have I mentioned yet that this sweet cranberry sauce is a stunner? The bright red berries make this a gorgeous side to serve on your holiday table, next to turkey and pumpkin pie. 
• It can also be a dip! Pour this cranberry sauce over a block of cream cheese, and you have an easy appetizer for your holiday parties. 

Key Ingredients

You only need five ingredients to make this simple recipe 

• Fresh cranberries. We're making whole berry cranberry sauce here, so you'll want to use whole fresh cranberries for this dish. You can typically find them in abundance in the produce section, sold in bags, especially during the holiday season.
• Jalapeno peppers. I used two for this recipe, but if you don't want that much heat, feel free to bring it down to one. Remove the seeds.
• Orange zest & orange juice. The fresh burst of orange flavor adds brightness and a touch of sweetness to this easy side dish that counters the tart berries perfectly.
• Sugar. As I said above, adjust the sugar to your preference. I use about ⅓ cup in this recipe.

Variations And Substitutions

Want to mix this up a bit? Here are a few ideas:

• Make it extra spicy! For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced habanero.
• Try different citrus flavors. I love the orange mixed with the cranberries here, but you can experiment with different citrus flavors like fresh lemon juice, lime juice or blood orange for a unique twist.
• Change the texture. Everyone has their idea of the perfect consistency for a classic cranberry sauce. This sauce is a bit smoother, but if you like a chunkier texture, pulse the sauce in a food processor and don't boil it for a super fresh and chunky version.
• Sub in brown sugar for white. Try using brown sugar instead of white for a richer flavor.
• Add some fresh ginger. A little bit of grated ginger would give this sauce a warm and comforting flavor.

How To Make Jalapeno Cranberry Sauce

This easy side is so simple to make. Here's how to do it:

Step 1: Combine. Combine cranberries, jalapenos, water, orange zest, and sugar in a large saucepan over medium heat.

Step 2: Boil & Mash. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook, stirring often, until the cranberries split and the sauce thickens (about 10-15 minutes). Mash up the cranberries with a fork or the back of a spoon.

Step 3: Chill & Serve. Remove from heat and let the sauce cool to room temperature. Transfer to an airtight container and chill, allowing the sauce to continue thickening.

When ready to serve, remove from the refrigerator and garnish with a few slices of extra jalapeño peppers. 

What To Serve With This Spicy Side Dish

There are a surprising number of ways you can use this update on the classic cranberry sauce:

• Try it as a topping for your Christmas turkey or ham.
• Use it as a sauce for cranberry jalapeno meatballs.
• Spread it over a block of cream cheese or a log of goat cheese for a quick and tasty cranberry jalapeno dip.
• Incorporate it into a cranberry jalapeno cream cheese dip for the ultimate party appetizer.
• Use it as a glaze for roasted or steamed vegetables (like this Instant Pot Steamed Broccoli) or grilled meats.
• Serve it over vanilla ice cream for a sweet and spicy treat!
• Add it to your morning yogurt, or Whipped Creme Fraiche
• Add it to turkey or ham sandwiches for a sweet and spicy kick!
• Serve it alongside other fabulous holiday sides, like Boursin Cheese Mashed Potatoes, this delicious Old-Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole, or my grandmother's Scalloped Pineapple Casserole Recipe.

Jalapeno Cranberry Sauce FAQs

More Easy Holiday Sides

This Sweet And Spicy Jalapeno Cranberry Sauce is the perfect way to add a little heat and a lot of flavor to your holiday gatherings. If you try it, let me know what you think in the comments below. And don't forget to tag me @frontrangefed on Instagram so I can see your masterpiece!