A quick and easy recipe for homemade chipotle cranberry sauce. This twist on a traditional favorite starts with fresh whole cranberries and orange juice, with minced chipotle in adobo added to the sauce. Fantastic!
This must-try smoky chipotle cranberry sauce is perfect for Thanksgiving and special occasions. Whether you plan to cook a whole turkey or just the breast, this sauce will take your holiday meal to the next level. Sweet and tart with a splash of spice and earthiness, this chipotle cranberry sauce will amp up the flavor of poultry, pork roasts, and venison. It’s also great on pan-seared duck breasts!
We’ve all been there, either hosting Thanksgiving dinner or contributing in some way. Except for our twice-baked potato casserole, one of our favorite items to share is this chipotle cranberry sauce. It is simple to make, and most grocery stores carry fresh cranberries and chipotle in adobo. You’ll be amazed at how fast the cooking process goes. In just 20 minutes, you’ll have a flavorful condiment (or side dish) to share with friends and family. And this cranberry sauce is far more flavorful than the canned varieties. You can’t beat that.
Using chipotle peppers in cranberry sauce
Chipotle in adobo is spicy, so reducing the amount used for this recipe is okay. Use one tablespoon instead of two, or omit it entirely for the little ones. We have made two batches before; one containing chipotle and the other without. That way, everyone can enjoy themselves at the dinner table.
Ingredients
- Chipotle in adobo, minced (or pureed if preferred)
- 16 ounces fresh cranberries
- 1 cup fresh squeezed orange juice (3 whole oranges)
- Orange zest
- Dark brown sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
Can I make cranberry sauce a day in advance?
Yes! We recommend making it the day before and storing it in your refrigerator. This will give the sauce time to cool and thicken.
How to make chipotle cranberry sauce
- Wash cranberries and remove over-ripe or old
- ones from the batch.
- Zest one of the oranges before juicing them. You will need roughly 3 medium-sized oranges to yield 1 cup of juice.
- Add cranberries to a medium saucepan with minced chipotle in adobo, orange zest, juice, sugar, and cinnamon.
- Simmer sauce for 12-15 minutes over medium heat until the cranberries start to burst. If you want it thicker, let it simmer until all of the cranberries have burst open.
- Remove the pan from the heat, and stir through. Let the sauce cool for 1 1/2-2 hours in the refrigerator before serving.
Serving sauce and storing leftovers
- We recommend serving this sauce on the side. That way, your guests can spoon up their desired amount.
- Store leftover chipotle cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
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Chipotle Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients
- 1-2 tablespoons minced chipotle in adobo (adjust amount to your liking)
- 16 ounces fresh cranberries
- 1 cup fresh squeezed orange juice 3 whole oranges
- 1 1/2 teaspoons orange zest
- 1/3 cup dark brown sugar packed
- 1 cinnamon stick
Instructions
- Wash cranberries and remove over-ripe or old ones from the batch.
- Zest one of the oranges before juicing them. You will need roughly 3 medium-sized oranges to yield 1 cup of juice.
- Add cranberries to a medium saucepan with minced chipotle in adobo, orange zest, juice, sugar, and cinnamon.
- Simmer sauce for 12-15 minutes over medium heat until the cranberries start to burst. If you want it thicker, let it simmer until all of the cranberries have burst open.
- Remove the pan from the heat, and stir through. Let the sauce cool for 1 1/2-2 hours in the refrigerator before serving.
- We recommend serving this sauce on the side. That way, your guests can spoon up their desired amount.
- Store leftover chipotle cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
