Add a bold twist to your meals with this vibrant Cranberry Chipotle Sauce.
Blending the tartness of ripe cranberries with the smoky heat of chipotle peppers, this unique recipe delivers a sweet, spicy, and tangy flavor in every spoonful.
Perfect as a glaze, dip, or condiment, it’s a standout addition to holiday spreads or everyday dishes.
Whether you’re elevating roasted meats or adding a kick to sandwiches, this sauce promises to surprise and satisfy with every bite.
How To Make Cranberry Chipotle Sauce?
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Course: Condiment
Cuisine: American
Yield: Approximately 2 cups
Equipment Needed
Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Blender or immersion blender (optional)
- A serving bowl or an airtight container for storage
Ingredients
- 12 oz (1 bag) fresh or frozen cranberries
- 2–3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon adobo sauce (from the chipotle can)
- ¾ cup orange juice
- ⅓ cup brown sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- Pinch of salt
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Base
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the orange juice and brown sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
2. Add the Cranberries
Add the cranberries to the saucepan. If using frozen cranberries, there’s no need to thaw them beforehand. Stir to combine.
3. Introduce the Heat
Finely chop the chipotle peppers and add them to the saucepan along with the adobo sauce. Stir in the red pepper flakes, cinnamon, cumin, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. Simmer the Sauce
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cranberries will begin to pop and break down, creating a thick, chunky sauce.
5. Blend (Optional)
For a smoother consistency, use an immersion blender directly in the saucepan or transfer the mixture to a blender. Blend until you reach your desired texture.
6. Final Touches
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a bit of browner sugar. For more heat, incorporate additional chipotle peppers or adobo sauce.
7. Serve and Garnish
Transfer the sauce to a serving bowl and let it cool slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving.
Nutrition Facts Of Cranberry Chipotle Sauce
- Calories: 82
- Sodium: 5mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 18g
Serving Suggestions
❖ Roasted Meats: Enhance the flavor of turkey, chicken, or pork with a spoonful of this sauce.
❖ Sandwiches: Spread it on sandwiches or wraps for a sweet and spicy kick.
❖ Cheese Boards: Serve alongside cheeses like brie or goat cheese for a delightful contrast.
❖ Grilled Vegetables: Drizzle over grilled or roasted vegetables to add depth and flavor.
Tips and Variations
❖ Adjusting Heat: For a milder sauce, use fewer chipotle peppers and omit the red pepper flakes.
❖ Sweetness Level: Modify the amount of brown sugar to suit your taste preferences.
❖ Citrus Twist: Add a teaspoon of orange zest for an extra citrusy aroma.
❖ Storage: Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes! This sauce can be prepared up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
Is it freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze the sauce in an airtight container for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator before use.
Can I use dried cranberries?
Fresh or frozen cranberries are recommended for this recipe.
Is it vegan?
Yes, if made with plant-based ingredients.
Conclusion
This Cranberry Chipotle Sauce is the perfect balance of sweet heat and tangy depth.
Whether you’re dressing up a holiday feast or spicing up everyday favorites, it’s a bold flavor that leaves a lasting impression.
One taste, and it’s sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.
Cranberry Chipotle Sauce
Equipment
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Blender or immersion blender (optional)
- A serving bowl or an airtight container for storage
Ingredients
- 12 oz 1 bag fresh or frozen cranberries
- 2 –3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce adjust to taste
- 1 tablespoon adobo sauce from the chipotle can
- ¾ cup orange juice
- ⅓ cup brown sugar adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- Pinch of salt
- Fresh cilantro chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the orange juice and brown sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Add the cranberries to the saucepan. If using frozen cranberries, there’s no need to thaw them beforehand. Stir to combine.
- Finely chop the chipotle peppers and add them to the saucepan along with the adobo sauce. Stir in the red pepper flakes, cinnamon, cumin, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cranberries will begin to pop and break down, creating a thick, chunky sauce.
- For a smoother consistency, use an immersion blender directly in the saucepan or transfer the mixture to a blender. Blend until you reach your desired texture.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a bit of browner sugar. For more heat, incorporate additional chipotle peppers or adobo sauce.
- Transfer the sauce to a serving bowl and let it cool slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving.
Welcome to Arora’s Sauce Recipe, where every drop tells a story of tradition, innovation, and a boundless love for culinary arts. My name is Brazen, and I am the founder and chief sauce creator at Arora’s Kitchen. Born into a family with a rich heritage of culinary arts, I grew up surrounded by the aromas of spices and the sounds of simmering pots, which ignited my passion for cooking from a young age.
Inspired by generations of culinary expertise, I embarked on a professional quest to capture these fleeting aromas and flavors in bottles of sauce that could bring a gourmet experience to every meal.
As the founder of Arora’s Sauce Recipe, my mission is to inspire your culinary adventures with the finest sauces. Whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook, our sauces are crafted to elevate your cooking with every spoonful.
Thank you for choosing Arora’s Sauce Recipe. Here’s to a journey filled with flavor, passion, and unforgettable meals.