This zesty cranberry jalapeño sauce adds a fun twist to your meals! The sweet and tangy cranberries are perfectly balanced with a little kick from the jalapeños.
It’s a great addition to turkey, sandwiches, or even just with chips. I love making it for holiday dinners—guaranteed to surprise and delight everyone at the table!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are best for this recipe as they give the sauce a vibrant tartness. If they’re out of season, frozen cranberries are a great substitute. Just don’t thaw them before cooking!
Jalapeño: This adds a nice kick. For less heat, remove the seeds and membrane. If you’re looking for a milder option, you can use sweet bell pepper or even diced mild green chilies.
Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice enhances the flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can use bottled juice. For a different twist, consider using pineapple or apple juice as a substitute for a unique flavor profile.
Sugar: Adjust the sweetness to your taste. You can use honey or maple syrup for a natural alternative. For a healthier option, consider coconut sugar or agave syrup.
How Do I Get the Perfect Texture for My Sauce?
The texture of your cranberry jalapeño sauce is key to its appeal. Cooking the sauce allows the cranberries to burst and release their natural pectin, which helps thicken it. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start by boiling the mixture to activate the juices and sugar.
- Reduce to a simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes. This is where the cranberries will break down, so stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once the sauce has thickened and most cranberries have burst, take it off the heat.
- Let it cool at room temperature. It’ll thicken even more as it cools, creating a perfect consistency for serving.
How to Make Cranberry Jalapeño Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries (about 3 cups)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 jalapeño pepper, thinly sliced (remove seeds for less heat)
- 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing cranberry jalapeño sauce takes about 30 minutes to prepare, including cooking time. You’ll spend about 10 minutes getting everything ready, and then let it cook for 10 to 15 minutes on the stove. It’s simple and fast!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cranberries:
Start by rinsing the fresh cranberries under cold water. Toss away any that look soft or bruised. It’s important for the sauce to have only the best cranberries to ensure great flavor!
2. Combine the Ingredients:
In a medium saucepan, mix the rinsed cranberries, granulated sugar, sliced jalapeño pepper, orange juice, lime juice, orange zest, and a pinch of salt. Stir until everything is well combined.
3. Bring It to a Boil:
Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. You’ll see the cranberries start to pop as they heat up!
4. Let It Simmer:
Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want to cook it until most of the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Taste Test:
After cooking, taste the sauce. If you’d like it sweeter, feel free to add a bit more sugar. For more kick, add extra jalapeño slices—totally up to you!
6. Cool the Sauce:
Once your sauce has the flavor you want, take the saucepan off the heat and let it cool to room temperature. It will thicken more as it cools, which is perfect!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your cranberry jalapeño sauce chilled or at room temperature. It’s a delightful condiment for turkey, chicken, or even as a dip with chips. Enjoy the fun flavor!
Now you have a delicious, homemade cranberry jalapeño sauce that’s sure to impress. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries for This Sauce?
Yes, frozen cranberries work great! Just throw them directly into the pot without thawing. They may take a few extra minutes to cook, but they’ll give you that delicious tart flavor.
How Spicy Is This Sauce?
The heat largely depends on the jalapeño! If you want a milder sauce, be sure to remove the seeds and membrane from the jalapeño before slicing. You can also add less jalapeño or substitute it with a milder pepper if preferred.
Can I Make This Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! This sauce can be made up to a week in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will develop even more as it sits, but give it a stir before serving!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cranberry jalapeño sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to enjoy it longer, you can also freeze it! Just thaw in the refrigerator before serving again.