THE BEST Jalapeno Cranberry Sauce Recipe | Montana Happy (2024)

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The Best Jalapeño Cranberry Sauce is one of those recipes that is easy to make and full of flavor. This recipe delivers for those of us who love a little spice in our lives.

If you’re looking for more cranberry recipes, Easy Homemade Cranberry Sauce is the traditional version. Hot Cranberry Tea is also a wonderful recipe for the holiday season.

THE BEST Jalapeno Cranberry Sauce Recipe | Montana Happy (1)

Cranberry sauce is a must-have Thanksgiving food. It’s the perfect time of year to enjoy fresh cranberries on your holiday table because they are plentiful in the grocery store.

Whether you like just a little heat or a lot, this twist on traditional cranberry sauce will make your taste buds sing with its nice spicy kick. These gorgeous red berries add beauty to any gathering.

What is Cranberry Sauce?

Classic cranberry sauce is made with fresh cranberries, and typically served as a condiment. It is a popular recipe for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Fresh jalapeños add the right amount of spiciness to give regular cranberry sauce a whole new taste.

Our Simple Homemade Cranberry Jalapeño Sauce Recipe is perfect for Spooning over Roasted Turkey, Chicken, Pork Tenderloin, Duck, or Roast

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THE BEST Jalapeno Cranberry Sauce Recipe | Montana Happy (3)

Jalapeño Cranberry Sauce is the perfect addition to your holiday meal for both your Thanksgiving dinner and Christmas gathering for spicy food lovers.

Serve the whole berry cranberry sauce on your holiday table in a beautiful dish and top with minced fresh jalapeños or chopped green onions.

This easy recipe can be made any time of year to add flavor to your dishes. Once you add some spicy jalapeno cranberry sauce to your chicken, roast beef, or turkey sandwiches, you’ll never go back.

One of my favorite cafes made a sandwich called the “Snowbird Nester,” made with smoked honey turkey, cream cheese, cranberry sauce, tomato, red onion, a sprinkling of sunflower seeds, and lettuce.

It’s a heavenly sandwich. Using this jalapeño cranberry sauce instead of regular cranberry sauce would take the sandwich to a different level.

You can also serve leftover cranberry sauce over regular cream cheese or goat cheese and serve it with tortilla chips or crackers.

Interesting Facts About the Jalapeño Pepper

THE BEST Jalapeno Cranberry Sauce Recipe | Montana Happy (4)
  • Fresh jalapeños are fully ripe when they turn red. They are hotter when they are allowed to ripen.
  • In the United States, most jalapeño peppers are grown in Texas, New Mexico, and California.
  • One jalapeño pepper plant can grow 25 to 35 peppers.
THE BEST Jalapeno Cranberry Sauce Recipe | Montana Happy (5)

Everything You Need to Make This Spicy Cranberry Sauce

This dish comes together beautifully with sugar, spicy elements, and just a few simple ingredients. You can adapt this recipe to suit your tastes. If you want a little more kick, add more cayenne pepper or jalapeño peppers.

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this cranberry sauce recipe:

  • Fresh Cranberries
  • Sugar
  • Cayenne Pepper
  • Jalapeno Peppers
  • Salt
  • Grated Ginger

How to Make this Simple Cranberry Jalapeño Sauce

  1. Add sugar, water, fresh jalapeños, cayenne pepper, and salt in a heavy bottom saucepan. Stir together to dissolve sugar and cook over medium-high heat for 2 minutes.
  2. Combine cranberries and fresh ginger into the mixture and bring to a boil. Reduce to medium heat. Cook for about 15 minutes, occasionally stirring until the cranberries are soft and there’s no more liquid in the medium saucepan.
  3. Let the cranberry mixture cool. Adjust the recipe to your taste by adding more jalapenos or cayenne if desired. Store in refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Creating a Cozy Life Group

Since you found this recipe for Jalapeño Cranberry Sauce, I’m guessing you love all things cozy living. I created a Facebook group called Creating a Cozy Life with over 113,000 like-minded souls.

It’s a group where we share memories, things that leave you in awe, and how to make your life just a little bit more snug. You can join here to be part of the virtual cozy cottage.

I found this spicy combination sauce in the New York Times Cooking section. It was one of those side dishes that are perfect the way it was written. I didn’t have to change a thing.

Printable Recipe Card for Cranberry Jalapeño Sauce with Nutrition Facts

THE BEST Jalapeno Cranberry Sauce Recipe | Montana Happy (6)

Prep Time: 3 minutes

Cook Time: 17 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

If you want to add a little spice to your meal, this cranberry jalapeno sauce will do the trick. It's so easy to make and tastes amazing.

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces fresh cranberries
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 large jalapeños, finely diced and seeded
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon grated ginger

Instructions

  1. Add sugar, water, jalapenos, cayenne pepper, and salt in a heavy bottom saucepan. Stir together to dissolve sugar and cook over medium-high heat for 2 minutes.
  2. Combine cranberries and ginger into the mixture and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium heat. Cook for about 15 minutes, occasionally stirring until the cranberries are soft and there's no more liquid in the sauce pan.
  3. Let cool. Adjust the recipe to your taste by adding more jalapenos or cayenne if desired. Store in refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Nutrition Information

Yield

10

Serving Size

1

Amount Per ServingCalories 95Total Fat 0gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 0gCholesterol 0mgSodium 107mgCarbohydrates 24gFiber 1gSugar 22gProtein 0g

Recipe Notes for Making Cranberry Sauce with Jalapeños

  • For a festive flair, you can top the cranberry sauce with freshly diced jalapeños. Fresh jalapeño slices on top also look great for a garnish.
  • Lime zest or orange zest also makes a beautiful topping.
  • Put this jalapeño cranberry sauce recipe on top of a block of cream cheese or baked brie cheese for a fantastic appetizer.
  • You can also add this tart cranberry sauce to top of vanilla ice cream.

How Long Does Spicy Cranberry Sauce Last in the Refrigerator?

Homemade Spicy Jalapeño Cranberry Sauce will last 10 to 14 days in the fridge in a sealed container.

Can You Freeze Jalapeño Cranberry Sauce?

Yes, you can freeze cranberry jalapeño sauce. Before you freeze the fresh cranberry sauce, bring it down to room temperature and store it in an airtight container.

Here’s How You Grow Cranberries

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What to do with Leftover Cranberry Jalapeno Sauce

  • Add cranberry sauce to applesauce for a tangy addition.
  • Mix with your favorite vinaigrette to transform salads.
  • Use it as a meat glaze.
  • Heat and serve over ice cream.
  • Layer on a bagel on top of cream cheese.
  • Mix it with mayonnaise for sandwiches.

If You Love This Spicy Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Don’t forget to join the Creating a Cozy Life Group. You’re not going to believe how amazing it is!

Now you have the perfect recipe to make your own cranberry sauce with jalapeño that will earn raves with little effort. This simple recipe will become one of your favorite sides for your Thanksgiving turkey or Friendsgiving dinners and earn a permanent place in your recipe box.

I created a pin for you below to add to your Thanksgiving table Pinterest board.

You can follow me here on PINTEREST. If you tried this delicious jalapeño cranberry sauce recipe, be sure to tag me here on INSTAGRAM.

Recipes that Compliment Cranberry Jalapeño Sauce

  • Cranberry Rice with Caramelized Onions – wild rice, caramelized onions, and dried whole cranberries are the perfect match!
  • The Best Turkey Brine Recipe – the perfect way to cook turkey for the big day!
  • Perfect Butter Herb Roasted Turkey – an amazing Thanksgiving or Christmas turkey.
  • Salt-Encrusted Prime Rib Recipe – enjoy at a family gathering during the winter holidays.
  • The Best Cranberry Relish with Nuts Recipe – another traditional sauce recipe.
  • Homemade Whipped Cranberry Butter – a wonderful recipe to add to bread or mashed sweet potatoes.
  • The Best Cranberry Recipes – all my cranberry recipes in one spot!

More Homemade Sauce Recipes to Try

  • Dill Sauce for Salmon – one of my favorite healthy recipes.
  • Creamy Horseradish Sauce for Prime Rib – the best sauce for prime rib!
  • How to Make Tzatziki Sauce – easy to make.
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THE BEST Jalapeno Cranberry Sauce Recipe | Montana Happy (2024)

FAQs

What takes the bitterness out of cranberry sauce? ›

"Instead, start by stirring in one tablespoon maple syrup and one teaspoon of a sweet drink like apple juice, orange juice, or fruity white or red wine. Add more to taste. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt (in small amounts, it intensifies sweetness)."

How do you jazz up cranberry sauce? ›

Spike cranberry sauce with citrus

Adding a teaspoon or two of fresh lemon or orange zest, a tablespoon of chopped candied peel, or even a splash of juice to your canned sauce will brighten flavors and bring in some homemade flavor.

What to eat with cranberry jalapeno dip from Costco? ›

It can be served hot or cold, and it works with chips, veggies, crackers, and as a sandwich spread. “This is great for dipping with ANYTHING, on wraps, on turkey sandwiches, chips etc!!

Is cranberry sauce better warm or cold? ›

Should cranberry sauce be served warm or cold? You could, of course, serve it straight out of the pot, but I think it's best after it's chilled in the fridge. Chilling it helps it firm up some more in the fridge, plus, serving it this way means you can make it days ahead of a holiday.

How do you cut the tartness out of cranberry sauce? ›

Add A Splash Of Vinegar

Their sharp tang counteracts bitter flavors without having to add extra sugar. While citrus is a natural pairing for cranberry sauce, bright, savory vinegars like sherry vinegar, balsamic vinegar, and apple cider vinegar play well with the bitter-tart berries.

What flavors counteract bitterness? ›

Sweetness: From sugar, honey, fruits or otherwise, sweetness will counteract bitter and sour flavours. It can also be used to cut down the heat of a particularly spicy meal. Saltiness: Salt plays two very important roles in flavouring a dish. Firstly, it balances against bitterness.

How do you fix bland cranberry sauce? ›

Maple syrup, brown sugar and even honey can make your cranberry sauce more dynamic. And don't forget the spices! Cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, citrus zest and star anise all work well with cranberries and can be added while the sauce cooks to infuse your sauce with flavor.

Can dogs eat cranberries? ›

Both fresh and dried cranberries are safe to feed to dogs in small quantities. Whether your dog will like this tart treat is another question. Either way, moderation is important when feeding cranberries to dogs, as with any treat, as too many can lead to an upset stomach.

How do you firm up cranberry sauce? ›

Try reducing the sauce down even further so more of the liquid cooks off and the mixture thickens. If that doesn't work, add a thickener like gelatin, pectin or a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch whisked into juice or water). Let the sauce cool before refrigerating to completely set.

Who makes cranberry jalapeno dip? ›

Stonemill Kitchens Creamy Cranberry Jalapeño Premium Dip is a zesty blend of cream cheese, jalapeños and cranberries.

Is Costco cranberry jalapeno dip seasonal? ›

Q: Is the Cranberry Jalapeño Dip seasonal? A: Yes, it is! This favorite seasonal dip is typically available from late October through early February.

What pairs well with jalapeño? ›

FRUITS:
  • Avocado.
  • Lime.
  • Mangoes.
  • Peach.
  • Pineapple.
  • Tomatoes.
  • Strawberries.
  • Watermelon.

What does eating cranberry sauce do for you? ›

The great amount of antioxidants found in cranberries, such as proanthocyanidins, could help lower your chance of getting cancer. However, more research is needed to confirm this. Cranberries have two big benefits for heart health: lowering blood pressure and improving cholesterol.

Why is canned cranberry sauce so good? ›

The reason cranberry sauce goes so well with Thanksgiving dinner has everything to do with tannins. Located in the cranberry's skin, tannins bind with protein and fats—such as turkey, gravy, and buttery mashed potatoes—much the way a tannin-forward red wine, like Chianti, pairs with a fatty steak.

How many cans of cranberry sauce per person? ›

One 12-ounce bag of cranberries makes about 2 1/4 cups of basic cranberry sauce—in my house, that's enough for about five people. Going the canned route? You'll need at least one can for six people.

How do you fix a sauce that is too bitter? ›

Add Some Baking Soda

If your tomato sauce is too acidic and verging on bitter, turn to baking soda, not sugar. Yes, sugar might make the sauce taste better, but good old baking soda is an alkaline that will help balance the excess acid. A little pinch should do the trick.

How do you neutralize bitterness? ›

The Fix: Balance bitter flavors by introducing something salty, sweet, or sour. For naturally bitter foods such as kale, you can soften the flavor by add a lemony vinaigrette, Parmesan cheese, and pomegranate seeds. You can also elevate kale by tossing it olive oil and salt, then roasting it in the oven until crispy.

How do you get the bitter taste out of cranberry juice? ›

Add 1/4-1/3 cup sugar depending on preference.

Why is my cranberry bitter? ›

Cranberries are generally considered safe whether they are cooked or raw. However, because of their notoriously bitter, sharp taste, most people prefer not to eat them raw or unsweetened. This bitterness is due to the high tannin content of cranberries.

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