Sweet & Spicy Jalapeno Cranberry Sauce

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.