This Cranberry Jalapeño Sauce is a fun twist on the classic cranberry sauce! It’s sweet, zesty, and has a little kick thanks to the jalapeños. Perfect for your holiday table!
It’s amazing how a little heat can brighten up this sauce. I love drizzling it over turkey or even spreading it on sandwiches. So tasty and unexpected! 🌶️🍇
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are key for that tart flavor. If you can’t find them, frozen cranberries are a good alternative. Just don’t thaw them before cooking, as they’ll cook faster and retain their shape better.
Jalapeño: This gives the sauce its heat. Want it milder? Remove the seeds and ribs before slicing. For a spicier kick, try habanero or serrano peppers, but keep in mind they are much hotter!
Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness to balance the tartness. If you’re watching your sugar intake, consider using honey or agave syrup. Just remember to adjust the quantity, as they can be sweeter than regular sugar.
Ginger: This is optional but adds a nice warmth. If you don’t have fresh ginger, you can use 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger instead. It’s not as fresh, but it’ll do the trick!
Orange Juice: The citrus adds brightness. Don’t have any? You can skip it or use lemon juice for a different zing.
How Do You Make Sure Your Cranberry Sauce Isn’t Too Runny?
The secret to the right texture lies in cooking the sauce long enough. As cranberries cook, they burst open, thickening the sauce. Here’s how to nail it:
- Start by boiling the cranberries, sugar, and water. Let it boil for 5 minutes before adding other ingredients.
- Switch to medium-low heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens.
- If it’s still not thick enough, simmer a little longer while stirring frequently.
Allow the sauce to cool completely. It will thicken more as it sits, resulting in a perfect texture. Remember, patience is key!
Cranberry Jalapeño Sauce Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (340 g) fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 medium jalapeño pepper, sliced (remove seeds for less heat)
- 1/2 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional for added zest)
- 1 tbsp orange juice (optional for brightness)
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 5 minutes to prepare, and then you’ll need around 20 minutes of cooking time. So in total, plan for about 25-30 minutes to make this delicious sauce. It’s quick and easy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cranberries:
Start by rinsing the fresh cranberries under cold water, removing any bruised or soft ones. This step ensures only the best cranberries make it into your sauce!
2. Combine the Ingredients:
In a medium saucepan, mix together the rinsed cranberries, granulated sugar, and water. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring it to a boil.
3. Add the Flavorful Ingredients:
Once the mixture is boiling, stir in the sliced jalapeño peppers (you can adjust how many you add based on your heat preference), grated ginger, orange juice, and a pinch of salt. This is where all the flavors start to blend beautifully!
4. Simmer and Thicken:
Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer for about 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally as the cranberries burst open and the sauce begins to thicken. Watch the magic happen!
5. Taste and Adjust:
Taste your sauce and decide if it needs more sweetness or heat. Feel free to add in more sugar or jalapeño slices to meet your desired flavor.
6. Cool and Serve:
Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove it from the heat and let it cool. It will continue to thicken as it cools. Transfer the sauce into a serving bowl and garnish with fresh jalapeño slices for a pop of color.
7. Enjoy!
Serve your sweet, tangy, and spicy Cranberry Jalapeño Sauce alongside roast turkey, chicken, or as a tasty condiment for sandwiches or appetizers. Enjoy the delicious kick it adds to your meal!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries! Just throw them into the pot straight from the freezer without thawing. They may take a little longer to cook, but the results will still be delicious!
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder sauce, remove the seeds and ribs of the jalapeño before adding it. Alternatively, you can use only half of the jalapeño, or sub in a milder pepper like a green bell pepper for a touch of flavor without the heat!
What Should I Do if the Sauce Is Too Runny?
If your sauce turns out runnier than you’d like, you can simmer it a bit longer to help it thicken. Keep stirring to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Additionally, you can dissolve a small amount of cornstarch in water and stir it in as it simmers to help thicken it up!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cranberry jalapeño sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. It also freezes well—just make sure to use a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using it again!
