I’ve made a lot of homemade cranberry sauces over the years and never loved them. They were either too tart, had too much orange, or just boring. Some years I just grab the canned stuff! Yes I’ll admit that. However, last year I threw a jalapeno in my homemade concoction and finally got a winner. My Sweet & Spicy Jalapeno Cranberry Sauce is the last recipe I’ll ever try for homemade cranberry sauce. Once you make it, you’ll feel the same. Adding the spice and a little bit of ground ginger is what did it for me. You have to make this for Thanksgiving!

Not only is this a beautiful dish, it’s easy and fun to make. I love cooking the whole, fresh cranberries and hearing them pop as they heat up. The first time I made it, I only added one jalapeno and it just wasn’t enough spice. I’m a wimp too with spice so trust me when I say you need two jalapenos! Definitley remove the seeds and ribbing though or it might be too spicy. The orange juice and zest add the tang and the sugars add just the right amount of sweet. I also love the addition of ground ginger because it adds another spicy, flavorful element.


Sweet & Spicy Jalapeno Cranberry Sauce – Simple and Beautiful
It’s so easy to make! Just throw everything into a large saucepan and cook for 20 minutes. Then pour it into a dish with a lid, pop it in the fridge, and it will thicken up perfectly as it cools. You can make this yummy Sweet & Spicy Jalapeno Cranberry Sauce up to a week in advance. Also, IF you have leftovers, mix it with some cream cheese for the most delicious dip! It’s even better than “cranberry salsa” if you’ve ever had that.

My goal with creating this recipe was to come up with a homemade cranberry sauce that wasn’t just decoration on a Thanksgiving table. I wanted it to be on equal playing field as the Green Bean Casserole or Stuffing. A sauce that gets EATEN for once! This recipe absolutely meets the goal and I guarantee this will be smothered on everyone’s pile of turkey at your table.
Speaking of turkey, stay tuned for next week because I have the most amazing casserole for you to make with your leftover turkey. Make sure to buy a big one because you’re going to want to make it!
Sponsored post for Lee’s Marketplace. Items on sale the week of November 17-30: Fresh cranberries, brown sugar, granulated sugar, ground ginger, salt
More Thanksgiving Recipe Ideas
I have several recipes here that would be perfect for your Thanksgiving celebrations. Hope you all have a wonderful, delicious holiday!
Butternut Squash & Bacon Mac N Cheese – Defintely a WOW side dish!
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Trifle – My favorite apple dessert.
Loaded Pumpkin Blondies – The kids will love this one.
Pumpkin Banana Mousse Pie – Sophisticated pumpkin pie.
Southern Broccoli Rice Casserole – A staple on southern tables.
Rosemary Sweet Potato Hash – A lighter alternative to casserole.

Sweet & Spicy Jalapeno Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients
- 12 oz Fresh cranberries
- 2 jalapenos, seeded and diced small
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (about 2 oranges)
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a large saucepan and heat to medium. Stir to combine. Cook, stirring, occasionally for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to medium low and simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes.
- Transfer to a container with lid. Store in refrigerator up to one week. Sauce will thicken as it cools.
Notes
- If there’s leftover sauce, combine with cream cheese for a delicious dip!Â
Ok you had my attention with jalepeno! This is a wonderful treat I love cranberry sauce but never really thought about making my own.. New holiday staple at our house it is absoulutely delicious and so many flavors..
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for the comment!
Made this today. What great flavour! This is going to be great with the turkey sliders.
Yes it’s amazing on turkey sandwiches! So happy you loved it!
Love this recipe!! The jalapeños give a great flavor! And thank you for linking recipes to other Tha is giving recipes- this saves me a lot of time and effort!
So happy you love it! Thanks for the comment!
This was so easy to make and SO DELICIOUS! It went perfectly with my turkey. It wasn’t too spicy but just the right amount of brightness!! When I have my leftover turkey sandwich this will definitely be on it!! Thank you Charlotte for sharing this recipe!
So happy you loved it! Thank you for the review!
I just made this for a Friendsgiving tomorrow and it is awesome! I love the extra kick the jalapeño adds.
So happy you love it!