Add a zesty twist to your holiday table with this vibrant Cranberry Jalapeño Sauce.
Bursting with the bold contrast of tart cranberries and spicy jalapeños, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweet heat.
It’s not your average sauce—fresh, flavorful, and with a surprising kick that keeps guests coming back for more.
Whether you’re serving it with turkey, over cream cheese with crackers, or as a bold side, this sauce brings festive flair and unforgettable taste to every bite.
How To Make Cranberry Jalapeño Sauce?
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Course: Condiment
Cuisine: American
Yields: 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 fresh cranberries
- 1–2 jalapeños, finely chopped (remove seeds for less heat)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup fresh orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- Pinch of salt
- Fresh cilantro or parsely chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Base
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberries, sugar, water, and orange juice. Stir occasionally until the cranberries begin to pop, about 10 minutes.
2. Add the Heat and Spice
Stir in the chopped jalapeños, orange zest, red pepper flakes, cinnamon, cumin, and a pinch of salt. Continue to cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
3. 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.
4. 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 Jalapeño Sauce
- Calories: 45
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Sugars: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 5mg
Serving Suggestions
☆ Over Cream Cheese: Pour over a block of cream cheese and serve with crackers for a quick, flavorful appetizer.
☆ With Roasted Meats: Pair with turkey, chicken, or pork for a tangy, spicy kick.
☆ As a Sandwich Spread: Use as a spread in leftover turkey or ham sandwiches.
☆ Taco Topper: Add a spoonful to tacos or quesadillas for a sweet and spicy twist.
☆ On a Charcuterie Board: Serve alongside cheeses, cured meats, and nuts for a festive touch.
Tips & Variations
✲ Adjust the Heat: Remove jalapeño seeds for a milder sauce or add extra peppers for more spice.
✲ Sweeten to Taste: Use honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar to customize sweetness.
✲ Add Citrus: A splash of orange or lime juice brightens the flavor.
✲ Blend for Smoothness: Pulse in a blender for a smoother texture if desired.
✲ Make It Ahead: Prepares well in advance—flavors deepen after chilling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh.
How long does it last in the fridge?
It lasts up to 7–10 days when stored in an airtight container.
Can I freeze the sauce?
Yes! Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw in the fridge before using.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes better after a day or two as the flavors develop.
Is it vegan?
Yes, as long as you use plant-based sweeteners like maple syrup or sugar.
Can I use other peppers?
Sure! Try serrano for more heat or bell peppers for less spice.
Can I blend the sauce?
Yes, for a smoother consistency, blend after cooking and cooling slightly.
Conclusion
Cranberry Jalapeño Sauce is the bold, flavorful upgrade your table didn’t know it needed.
With its perfect blend of sweet, tart, and spicy, it’s a versatile crowd-pleaser.
Whether as a dip, topping, or side, this sauce brings a burst of festive flavor to every bite.
Cranberry Jalapeño Sauce
Equipment
- 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 fresh cranberries
- 1 –2 jalapeños finely chopped (remove seeds for less heat)
- ½ cup granulated sugar adjust to taste
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup fresh orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- Pinch of salt
- Fresh cilantro or parsely chopped for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberries, sugar, water, and orange juice. Stir occasionally until the cranberries begin to pop, about 10 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped jalapeños, orange zest, red pepper flakes, cinnamon, cumin, and a pinch of salt. Continue to cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
- 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.
- 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.