Mexican Cranberry Sauce

Cook: 10 min Cuisine: Mexican

A spicy, tangy cranberry sauce infused with jalapeno flavor, perfect for holiday gatherings or Mexican-inspired dishes that crave a sweet heat contrast.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 16 oz. can whole berry cranberry sauce
  • 10 oz. jar jalapeno pepper jelly
  • 1 fresh jalapeno or 4 to 5 oz. jar sliced jalapeno, seeded and finely chopped

Instructions

  1. Combine the cranberry sauce, jalapeno pepper jelly, and chopped jalapeno in a small saucepan.
  2. Cook over low heat until heated through, stirring occasionally.
  3. Serve hot or chill for later use.

Tips & Substitutions

For a milder sauce, reduce the amount of chopped jalapeno or use pickled jalapenos instead. If you prefer a bit of sweetness, add a tablespoon of brown sugar. This sauce can also benefit from a splash of lime juice for added freshness. If you don’t have jalapeno jelly, try using apricot or peach jam for a different flavor profile. This recipe works well as a condiment for various Mexican recipes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Mexican Cranberry Sauce alongside roasted meats, such as turkey or chicken, for a delightful sweet and spicy contrast. It also pairs beautifully with Barbara's Spanish Rice or as a topping for tacos and burritos. For a festive touch, consider serving it at holiday gatherings or with a cheese platter for a unique appetizer.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Mexican Cranberry Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, simply warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot. This sauce can also be enjoyed cold.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Mexican Cranberry Sauce contains roughly 190 calories, with 1g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (41% of the Daily Value).

190 kcal 10% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.5g 3% DV
Total Fat 0.3g
Carbs 48g 17% DV
Fiber 1.6g 6% DV
Sugar 37.3g 75% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 7.9mg
Potassium 112.3mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 14.3mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 37.1mg 41% DV
Calcium 6.9mg 1% DV
Iron 0.7mg 4% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this Mexican Cranberry Sauce up to three days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. The flavors will meld together and intensify, making it even more delicious when you serve it.

Can I freeze the leftover sauce?

Absolutely! This sauce freezes well. Just place it in a freezer-safe container, leaving some room for expansion, and it will keep for up to three months. To enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.

What can I serve this sauce with?

This versatile sauce complements many dishes. It's great with grilled meats, as a topping for burgers, or even alongside cheese and crackers. It also pairs nicely with Mexican Corn And Zucchini for a flavorful side dish.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

Mexican recipes → Vegan recipes → Vegetarian recipes → All recipes →