SWEET AND SPICY CRANBERRY SAUCE — Traditional cranberry sauce gets a spicy kick with the addition of serrano peppers and smoky chipotles in adobo.

I’ve been making the same cranberry sauce for years, and for good reason. It’s simple and delicious. This Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Sauce recipe is very similar to a more traditional sauce, but with a spicy kick.
You may want to go easy on the peppers the first time you make this, just so it doesn’t turn out too hot.
It’s really easy though, and can be made days ahead, so you could even serve a standard and a spicy version of cranberry sauce at your Thanksgiving meal.
My husband prefers this to the regular version, which he doesn’t care for at all. He says it’s like putting jam on your turkey. But this version is a bit more savory.
Most Thanksgiving dishes are so traditional, which is one of the things I love about the holiday, but why not add a just a bit of spicy flair?
FYI: Chipotles in adobo come canned, and can usually be found in the Mexican food section of your grocery store. You can freeze any leftover peppers and use them later.
Be sure to save this Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Sauce recipe to your favorite Pinterest board for later.
Here’s what you’ll need to make Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Sauce
- Canola oil
- Produce: shallots, serrano peppers, cranberries
- Orange juice
- Brown sugar
- Canned chipotle peppers in adobo
- Spices: cinnamon, salt

Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Sauce
Traditional cranberry sauce gets a spicy kick with the addition of serrano peppers and smoky chipotles in adobo.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 1/4 cup minced shallot
- 1 teaspoon minced serrano pepper
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 (12-ounce) package fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 tablespoon minced chipotle pepper in adobo sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the shallot and serrano pepper and saute for 3 to 4 minutes, until soft.
- Stir in the orange juice, brown sugar, cranberries, chipotle pepper in adobo, cinnamon, and salt. Reduce the heat and simmer until mixture is thick, 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Set aside to cool and thicken. Refrigerate until serving.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 85Total Fat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 141mgCarbohydrates: 18gFiber: 1gSugar: 15gProtein: 0g
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Who Dished It Up First: Adapted from Guy Fieri @ foodnetwork.com
Val
I love all the different flavors in this. I must try it. Thank you.
Kirby
This one sounds great, I love that it has a spicy kick to it!!!
Monica H
ooh, pretty! I’m making cranberry sauce tomorrow and I can’t wait. I just love it.
Evan B
Sounds fabulous. My bf’s fam doesn’t do cranberry sauce, but we’re having a Christmas party this will be perfect at!
FoodLovers
recently posted cranberry pickle and knowing all its nutritional values of cranberry would love to try this
Evelyn S.
I just saw a food show with a cranberry sauce spiced up with jalapenos…..I’m not a pepper eater, but I’ll bet the spice is good on turkey! Beautiful cranberry red….beautiful food photo.
Ingrid
It sounds good. I enjoy spicy food. Now the rest of family? I’m not sure they’d like to stray from the traditional.
~ingrid
Catherine Grace Life Photography
Yum! Definitely saving this one to try! 🙂