Tangy with just the right amount of spiciness, this Jalapeno Cranberry Sauce is packed with flavor! Tart cranberries are simmered with brown sugar, jalapeno, and lime to create a sauce that's vibrant, bold, and perfect for keeping your Thanksgiving feast interesting. Plus, it's make ahead friendly and it only takes 15 minutes to make!
🔍 Quick Look: Jalapeno Cranberry Sauce
- 🕒 Ready In: 15 minutes
- 🍴 Servings: 2 cups or 8 servings
- 🔥 Calories: ~110 per serving
- ⭐ Main Ingredients: Cranberries, jalapenos, lime, brown sugar
- 📖 Dietary Info: Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, low fat, dairy-free
- 👩🍳 Method: Stovetop
- ⭐ Difficulty: Beginner
This Jalapeno Cranberry Sauce is such an unexpected twist on the classic holiday side! I love how it's the perfect combination of bright, sweet, and just a little bit spicy. It's definitely anything but boring! It's such an easy way to add more bold flavor to your Thanksgiving feast without straying too far from the traditional side dish. It's obviously perfect served with turkey or ham, but the leftovers are really good on sandwiches or served with cream cheese and crackers!
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❤️ Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Fresh Twist on the Classic - The addition of the lime and jalapeno bring a fun pop of flavor that makes the traditional cranberry sauce feel new and exciting!
- Quick and Easy - The sauce comes together in only 15 minutes and it tastes even better after it has chilled and the flavors have had more time to meld. It's the perfect make ahead side for busy holiday cooking!
- Adds Flavor to Everything - Whether you serve it with turkey, ham, sandwiches, or as an easy cream cheese appetizer, this sauce adds the perfect flavor to every bite!
🛒 Key Ingredients
- Fresh Cranberries: Fresh cranberries cook down into the perfect thick and glossy sauce.
- Jalapenos: A little diced jalapeno adds just enough heat to keep the flavor exciting. I like leaving in a few seeds when I want to kick things up a notch!
- Lime: Fresh lime juice and zest adds so much bright flavor that helps cut through the sweetness.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a deeper sweetness and a hint of caramel.
See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.
🔄 Substitutions & Variations
- Cranberries: Frozen cranberries also work great! Just add them straight to the saucepan, no need to thaw them out first. Just keep in mind that they may need to simmer for an extra minute or two.
- Jalapenos: Swap with serrano peppers for more heat or use a mild green chile if you want the flavor without the spice. You can also leave the peppers out entirely for a no-heat version.
- Lime: Lemon works in a pinch, but the flavor will be slightly sharper.
- Brown Sugar: Use coconut sugar or all granulated sugar if that's what you have on hand.
🥣How to Jalapeno Cranberry Sauce
Step 1: Combine the water, granulated sugar, brown sugar, jalapenos, ginger, and salt in a medium saucepan. Warm over medium heat, stirring until the sugars are dissolved and the mixture reaches a gentle simmer.
Step 2: Add the cranberries and bring the mixture to a light boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the berries burst and the sauce thickens.
Step 3: Remove from the heat and stir in the butter, lime zest and lime juice.
Step 4: Let the sauce cool to room temperature. Transfer to the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to give the sauce time to thicken up.
🌟Expert Tips
- Adjust the heat. Remove all of the seeds for a milder sauce or leave a few in for a more noticeable kick.
- Don't boil too long. Cranberry sauce thickens as it cools, so once most of the berries burst and sauce looks glossy, remove it from the burner to avoid a jam-like texture.
- Taste and adjust. Give it a taste at the end and add a little more lime or sugar, depending on your preference.
- Make it ahead. The flavors taste even better the next day, which makes this a great make-ahead holiday side dish!
💭 FAQs
Stir in a splash of water or lime juice until the sauce loosens up enough for your liking.
Yes! In fact, it tastes even better after a day in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
🥧More Thanksgiving Recipes to Try
📋 Recipe
Jalapeno Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients
- ¼ cup water
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 jalapeno finely diced (remove seeds for mild, leave some in for heat)
- ½ teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- 1 lime zested
- 2 tablespoon lime juice freshly squeezed
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Combine the water, granulated sugar, brown sugar, jalapenos, ginger, and salt in a medium saucepan. Warm over medium heat, stirring until the sugars dissolve and the mixture starts to gently simmer.¼ cup water, ½ cup granulated sugar, ¼ cup brown sugar, 1 jalapeno, ½ teaspoon freshly grated ginger, ½ teaspoon salt
- Add the cranberries and bring the mixture to a light boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the berries burst and the sauce thickens.12 ounces fresh cranberries
- Remove from heat and stir in the lime zest, lime juice, and butter.1 lime, 2 tablespoon lime juice, 1 tablespoon butter
- Let the sauce cool to room temperature. It will continue to thicken as it cools. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- Storage Info: Store leftover cranberry sauce in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
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