Jalapeño Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This Jalapeño Cranberry Sauce brings a delightful balance of sweet and spicy to your holiday table. Combining fresh cranberries with a touch of heat, it’s a refreshing twist on a classic condiment that will brighten up your meals.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces fresh cranberries
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 jalapeño (seeded and sliced)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse the fresh cranberries in a colander and discard any that are mushy or damaged.
2. Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, orange juice, brown sugar, and granulated sugar.
3. Step 3: Cover the saucepan with a lid and cook over medium heat until the mixture comes to a boil and the cranberries begin to pop, about 5 minutes.
4. Step 4: Remove the membrane and seeds from the jalapeño, slice it, then add the slices to the cranberry mixture. Replace the lid and let the mixture sit for 2 minutes to infuse the heat.
5. Step 5: Carefully pour the mixture into a blender or food processor and puree until smooth.
6. Step 6: Transfer the sauce to a gravy boat or serving dish. Allow it to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm for a pourable sauce or chill completely to achieve a gel-like consistency.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder sauce, reduce the amount of jalapeño or leave the seeds in to adjust the heat to your preference.
• Adding a teaspoon of freshly grated ginger adds a pleasant zing that complements the flavors.
• Use fresh orange juice for the best citrus flavor, or try substituting with pineapple juice for a tropical twist.
• If you prefer a chunkier texture, pulse the mixture briefly instead of blending it completely smooth.

Storage

Store leftover cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave if you prefer it warm, or serve cold straight from the fridge for a firmer texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this cranberry sauce ahead of time?

Yes, this sauce can be prepared a day or two ahead and refrigerated. The flavors tend to deepen as it sits, making it even more delicious.

What can I use if I don’t have a blender or food processor?

You can use a potato masher or fork to break down the cranberries for a chunkier texture, although the sauce won’t be as smooth.

Jalapeño Cranberry Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 53 reviews

This vibrant Jalapeño Cranberry Sauce combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with the sweet citrus flavor of orange juice and sugars, balanced by the spicy kick of sliced jalapeños. Perfect as a zesty accompaniment to holiday meals or any dish needing a bright, flavorful sauce.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: About 1 1/2 cups 1x
• Category: Sauce
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Fruit & Juice

• 12 ounces fresh cranberries
• 1/2 cup orange juice

Sweeteners

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

Spices & Peppers

• 1 jalapeño (seeded and sliced)

Instructions

1. Rinse Cranberries: Rinse 12 ounces of fresh cranberries thoroughly in a colander, discarding any that are mushy to ensure the freshest berries are used for the sauce.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, add the rinsed cranberries, 1/2 cup orange juice, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 1/2 cup granulated sugar, mixing them together to prepare for cooking.
3. Cook the Mixture: Cover the saucepan with a lid and cook the mixture over medium heat until it reaches a boil and the cranberries begin to pop, which should take about 5 minutes, releasing their juices and infusing the mixture.
4. Add Jalapeño: Remove the membrane and seeds from the jalapeño and slice it thinly. Add the jalapeño slices to the hot cranberry mixture, replace the lid, and allow it to sit for 2 minutes, letting the spiciness infuse gently.
5. Puree the Sauce: Carefully transfer the cooked mixture to a blender or food processor and puree until the sauce is smooth and silky in texture.
6. Serve or Chill: Pour the sauce into a gravy boat or serving dish. Allow the sauce to cool slightly before serving warm for a pourable consistency, or chill completely in the refrigerator for a thick, gel-like cranberry sauce.

Notes

• Seed and membrane of the jalapeño remove most of the heat; adjust spice level by including or excluding these parts based on your preference.
• Use fresh cranberries for the best flavor and texture; frozen can be used but may alter consistency.
• Orange juice adds a fresh citrus note, but you can substitute with apple juice or water plus orange zest if preferred.
• This sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to one week.
• For a chunkier texture, pulse the blend fewer times or mash cranberries by hand instead of pureeing.

Keywords: jalapeño cranberry sauce, cranberry sauce recipe, spicy cranberry sauce, holiday cranberry sauce, jalapeño sauce