12 Delicious Spicy Cranberry Sauce Recipes

Oh, the holidays just wouldn’t be the same without the zesty kick of spicy cranberry sauce to liven up your festive table! Whether you’re a fan of fiery flavors or just looking to add a little warmth to your seasonal spread, our roundup of 12 delicious spicy cranberry sauce recipes is sure to inspire. From sweet heat to bold and tangy, these recipes will have everyone asking for seconds. Let’s dive in!

Spicy Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest

Unveiling a twist on the classic, this Spicy Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest marries the tartness of cranberries with a fiery kick and a citrusy brightness, perfect for elevating your holiday table or any meal in need of a vibrant condiment.

Ingredients

• a 12-ounce bag of fresh cranberries
• a cup of granulated sugar
• a splash of water
• the zest of one orange
• a couple of pinches of red pepper flakes
• a tablespoon of orange juice

Instructions

1. Rinse the cranberries under cold water and pick out any stems or soft berries.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, and a splash of water over medium heat.
3. Stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the cranberries begin to pop, about 10 minutes. Tip: Listen for the popping sound to gauge doneness.
4. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the orange zest, red pepper flakes, and orange juice.
5. Simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Tip: The sauce should thicken slightly but still be pourable.
6. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature before serving. Tip: The flavors will meld and intensify as it cools.

Bright and bold, this sauce boasts a velvety texture with chunks of softened cranberries, offering a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy. Serve it alongside roasted meats, spread it on a sandwich, or dollop it over creamy goat cheese for an unexpected appetizer.

Jalapeno Infused Spicy Cranberry Sauce

Zesty and vibrant, this Jalapeno Infused Spicy Cranberry Sauce transforms the traditional holiday condiment into a bold, flavor-packed delight. Perfect for those who love a little heat with their sweet, it’s a must-try for adventurous palates.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces of fresh cranberries
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• 1 cup of water
• 2 finely chopped jalapenos (seeds removed for less heat)
• A splash of orange juice
• A pinch of salt

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, and water over medium heat.
2. Stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the cranberries begin to pop, about 10 minutes.
3. Add the chopped jalapenos and a splash of orange juice to the saucepan.
4. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring gently to infuse the flavors.
5. Remove from heat and let the sauce cool slightly before transferring to a serving bowl.
6. For a smoother texture, press the sauce through a fine mesh strainer, discarding any solids.
7. Season with a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors.

Creamy yet with a delightful chunkiness, this sauce boasts a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and spicy. Serve it alongside roasted turkey for a festive twist or dollop over cream cheese for an easy, impressive appetizer.

Spicy Cranberry and Apple Sauce

Vibrant and versatile, this Spicy Cranberry and Apple Sauce combines the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of apples, elevated by a hint of heat. Perfect for elevating your holiday table or adding a spicy twist to your everyday meals, this sauce is as beautiful as it is delicious.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of fresh cranberries
• 2 large apples, peeled and diced
• 1 cup of sugar
• 1/2 cup of water
• a splash of orange juice
• a couple of cinnamon sticks
• 1/4 tsp of ground cloves
• 1/2 tsp of red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, diced apples, sugar, and water. Stir gently to mix.
2. Add a splash of orange juice, the cinnamon sticks, ground cloves, and red pepper flakes to the saucepan. Tip: The orange juice adds a bright acidity that balances the sweetness.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the apples soften. Tip: Keep an eye on the heat to prevent sticking.
4. Remove the cinnamon sticks and discard. Use a potato masher to lightly crush the mixture for a chunkier texture or blend briefly for smoother sauce. Tip: For extra spice, add more red pepper flakes to taste.
5. Let the sauce cool to room temperature before serving to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

Aromatic and richly flavored, this Spicy Cranberry and Apple Sauce boasts a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and spicy notes. Serve it alongside roasted meats, spread it on toast, or dollop it over vanilla ice cream for an unexpected dessert twist.

Chipotle Spiced Cranberry Sauce

Savory meets sweet in this Chipotle Spiced Cranberry Sauce, a bold twist on the classic holiday condiment that promises to elevate your festive table with its smoky depth and vibrant kick.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces of fresh cranberries
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• 1 cup of water
• 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon of ground chipotle pepper
• A pinch of salt
• A splash of orange juice

Instructions

1. Rinse the cranberries under cold water and pick out any stems or bruised berries.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, water, and apple cider vinegar over medium heat. Stir gently to dissolve the sugar.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens. Tip: Listen for the popping sounds of cranberries bursting—it’s your cue to check the sauce’s consistency.
4. Stir in the ground chipotle pepper and a pinch of salt. Adjust the heat to ensure the sauce doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan. Tip: The chipotle adds heat, so start with less and add more to suit your taste.
5. Finish with a splash of orange juice for a bright acidity, stirring well to combine. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Tip: The sauce will thicken as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems a bit thin initially.

Velvety with a perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and spicy, this Chipotle Spiced Cranberry Sauce is a showstopper. Serve it alongside roasted turkey, spread it on a sandwich, or dollop it over creamy goat cheese for an unexpected appetizer.

Spicy Cranberry Sauce with Cinnamon

Perfectly balancing the tartness of cranberries with a warm hint of cinnamon and a kick of heat, this Spicy Cranberry Sauce is a must-try for those looking to elevate their holiday table or spice up a simple weeknight meal.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces of fresh cranberries
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• 1 cup of water
• 1 cinnamon stick
• A splash of orange juice
• A pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. Rinse the cranberries under cold water and pick out any stems or soft berries.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, water, and cinnamon stick over medium heat.
3. Stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely, about 5 minutes.
4. Once the mixture starts to simmer, reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 10 minutes, or until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens. Tip: Listen for the popping sounds of cranberries bursting for the perfect texture.
5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in a splash of orange juice and a pinch of red pepper flakes for that spicy kick. Tip: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your heat preference.
6. Let the sauce cool to room temperature before serving to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully. Tip: For a smoother sauce, remove the cinnamon stick before cooling.

Offering a delightful contrast of flavors, this Spicy Cranberry Sauce with Cinnamon boasts a velvety texture with bursts of cranberry goodness. Serve it alongside roasted meats or spread it on a toasted baguette for an unexpected twist.

Spicy Cranberry Sauce with Ginger and Honey

Unveiling a twist on the classic, this Spicy Cranberry Sauce marries the tartness of cranberries with the warmth of ginger and the sweetness of honey, creating a harmonious blend that elevates any meal.

Ingredients

• 12 oz fresh cranberries
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• a splash of orange juice
• 2 tbsp freshly grated ginger
• 1/4 cup honey
• a pinch of red pepper flakes
• a couple of orange zest strips

Instructions

1. Rinse the cranberries under cold water and pick out any stems or blemished berries.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, water, and orange juice. Stir to mix.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Add the grated ginger, honey, red pepper flakes, and orange zest strips to the saucepan. Stir well.
5. Simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened. Tip: The sauce will thicken further as it cools.
6. Remove the orange zest strips and discard. Tip: For a smoother sauce, you can blend it briefly with an immersion blender.
7. Let the sauce cool to room temperature before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Rich in flavor with a velvety texture, this Spicy Cranberry Sauce boasts a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and heat. Serve it alongside roasted meats or swirl it into yogurt for a bold breakfast treat.

Spicy Cranberry Sauce with Red Pepper Flakes

Our Spicy Cranberry Sauce with Red Pepper Flakes is a vibrant twist on the classic, blending the tartness of cranberries with a fiery kick that elevates any holiday table or weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 12 oz fresh cranberries
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• A pinch of salt

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, water, orange juice, and orange zest over medium heat.
2. Stir the mixture occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely, about 5 minutes.
3. Once the sugar has dissolved, increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil. Tip: Keep an eye on it to prevent boiling over.
4. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens, about 10 minutes. Tip: The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the red pepper flakes and a pinch of salt. Tip: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your heat preference.
6. Let the sauce cool to room temperature before serving to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Yield a sauce that’s perfectly balanced between sweet and spicy, with a texture that’s both chunky and smooth. Serve it alongside roasted meats or spread it on a sandwich for an unexpected burst of flavor.

Spicy Cranberry Sauce with Bourbon

Captivating the palate with its bold fusion of sweet and heat, this Spicy Cranberry Sauce with Bourbon is a festive twist on a classic. Perfect for elevating your holiday table or adding a spirited kick to everyday meals, it’s a recipe that promises to impress with its depth of flavor and elegant simplicity.

Ingredients

• a bag of fresh cranberries (about 12 ounces)
• a cup of granulated sugar
• a splash of bourbon (around 1/4 cup)
• a couple of tablespoons of water
• a pinch of salt
• a teaspoon of orange zest
• a dash of ground cinnamon
• a sprinkle of red pepper flakes (to your heat preference)

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, water, and a pinch of salt over medium heat. Stir gently to mix.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, or until the cranberries start to pop and soften. Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Once the cranberries have broken down, add the bourbon, orange zest, cinnamon, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to incorporate.
4. Continue to cook on low heat for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Tip: If the sauce seems too thick, add a tablespoon of water to reach your desired consistency.
5. Remove from heat and let the sauce cool slightly before serving. Tip: For a smoother sauce, press it through a fine mesh sieve to remove any large cranberry pieces.

Mellow yet vibrant, this sauce boasts a luxurious texture that’s both chunky and velvety, with a flavor profile that’s a delightful dance of sweet, spicy, and boozy notes. Serve it alongside roasted meats, spread it on a sandwich, or dollop it over a wheel of brie for an irresistible appetizer.

Spicy Cranberry Sauce with Maple Syrup

Gracefully balancing the boldness of spices with the natural sweetness of maple syrup, this Spicy Cranberry Sauce is a delightful twist on a classic. Perfect for elevating your holiday table or adding a zesty kick to everyday meals, it’s a recipe that promises to impress with its depth of flavor and elegant simplicity.

Ingredients

• 12 oz fresh cranberries
• 1 cup pure maple syrup
• A splash of orange juice
• A couple of cinnamon sticks
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• A pinch of cayenne pepper
• 1/2 cup water

Instructions

1. Rinse the cranberries under cold water and pick out any stems or bruised berries.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, maple syrup, orange juice, cinnamon sticks, ground ginger, cayenne pepper, and water.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened to your liking. For a smoother sauce, press it through a fine mesh sieve.
5. Remove the cinnamon sticks and let the sauce cool to room temperature before serving. It will thicken further as it cools.

Zesty and vibrant, this sauce boasts a perfect harmony of sweet, spicy, and tart flavors. Serve it alongside roasted meats, spread it on a sandwich, or dollop it over creamy desserts for an unexpected twist.

Spicy Cranberry Sauce with Cloves

This Spicy Cranberry Sauce with Cloves is a vibrant condiment that brings a delightful balance of sweetness and heat to your holiday table. The cloves add a warm, aromatic depth that perfectly complements the tart cranberries, making it a standout side dish.

Ingredients

• a 12-ounce bag of fresh cranberries
• a cup of granulated sugar
• a cup of water
• a splash of orange juice
• a couple of cloves
• a pinch of cayenne pepper

Instructions

1. Rinse the cranberries under cold water and pick out any stems or soft berries.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, water, and orange juice over medium heat.
3. Stir the mixture occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the cloves and cayenne pepper, then reduce the heat to low to simmer gently.
5. Continue to simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens slightly. Tip: Listen for the popping sounds of cranberries to know they’re ready.
6. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the sauce cool to room temperature. Tip: The sauce will thicken more as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems a bit thin at first.
7. Once cooled, remove the cloves before serving. Tip: If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend it briefly with an immersion blender.

Enjoy this Spicy Cranberry Sauce with Cloves as a bold accompaniment to your favorite roasted meats or spread it on a sandwich for an unexpected twist. The sauce’s glossy texture and fiery kick will surely elevate any dish it graces.

Spicy Cranberry Sauce with Allspice

How delightful it is to elevate the traditional cranberry sauce with a spicy twist and the warm embrace of allspice, creating a condiment that dances on the palate with every bite.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces of fresh cranberries
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup of water
• a splash of orange juice
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground allspice
• a pinch of cayenne pepper
• a couple of strips of orange zest

Instructions

1. Rinse the cranberries under cold water and pick out any stems or soft berries.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, water, orange juice, allspice, cayenne pepper, and orange zest.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
4. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened. Tip: Listen for the cranberries to pop; it’s a sign they’re ready.
5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the sauce cool for 5 minutes. Tip: The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
6. Discard the orange zest strips and give the sauce a gentle stir to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
7. Transfer the sauce to a serving bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Tip: For a smoother texture, you can blend half of the sauce and mix it back in.

Zesty and vibrant, this Spicy Cranberry Sauce with Allspice offers a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors, with a texture that’s both chunky and silky. Serve it alongside roasted meats or spread it on a turkey sandwich for an unexpected kick.

Spicy Cranberry Sauce with Star Anise

Whisking together the bold flavors of tart cranberries and warm star anise, this Spicy Cranberry Sauce is a festive twist on a classic condiment, perfect for elevating your holiday table or adding a punch of flavor to everyday meals.

Ingredients

• 12 oz fresh cranberries
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• a splash of orange juice
• 2 whole star anise
• a pinch of red pepper flakes
• a couple of cinnamon sticks

Instructions

1. Rinse the cranberries under cold water and pick out any stems or bruised berries.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, water, and orange juice over medium heat.
3. Add the star anise, red pepper flakes, and cinnamon sticks to the saucepan, stirring gently to mix.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens. Tip: Listen for the cranberries to pop; that’s your cue it’s working!
5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and take out the star anise and cinnamon sticks. Tip: If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend it now for a few seconds.
6. Let the sauce cool to room temperature before serving. Tip: The sauce will thicken more as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems a bit thin at first.

A harmonious blend of sweet, spicy, and tart, this sauce boasts a velvety texture with little bursts of cranberry. Try it alongside roasted meats, spread on a sandwich, or as a bold topping for vanilla ice cream.

Conclusion

Absolutely bursting with flavor, these 12 spicy cranberry sauce recipes are sure to spice up your holiday table! Whether you’re a fan of bold heat or a subtle kick, there’s something here for every palate. We’d love to hear which recipe becomes your new favorite—drop us a comment below. Loved this roundup? Share the love by pinning it on Pinterest for others to discover!