Irresistible Cranberry Ketchup Recipe with Spices

Posted on October 20, 2025

The tangy sweetness of cranberries paired with the warm, aromatic notes of cloves and cinnamon—there’s something magical about homemade cranberry ketchup. Just imagining this unique twist on the classic condiment gets my mouth watering. Whether you’re looking to spice up your holiday leftovers or add a gourmet flair to your everyday meals, this recipe is a game-changer. It’s sweet, savory, and delightfully zesty, with just the right amount of spice to keep you coming back for more.

I first discovered cranberry ketchup while experimenting with leftover Thanksgiving cranberry sauce. It seemed like such a waste not to use up the extra cranberries, so I started tinkering with flavors and textures. After a few tweaks, the addition of cloves and cinnamon took it to a whole new level. Now, I make this condiment year-round! Trust me, once you try it on a burger, roasted veggies, or even as a glaze for chicken, you’ll never look at ketchup the same way again.

This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves bold flavors. It’s quick to whip up, uses simple ingredients, and stores beautifully. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and can be customized to suit your taste buds. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this irresistible cranberry ketchup recipe—it’s a crowd-pleaser every time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cranberry ketchup recipe isn’t just another homemade condiment—it’s an absolute flavor explosion! Let me tell you why it stands out and why you’ll find yourself making it again and again:

Unique Flavor Combination: The tartness of cranberries blends beautifully with the warm spices of cloves and cinnamon, creating a taste that’s both familiar and surprising.
Versatile: Perfect as a dip, spread, or glaze—it pairs wonderfully with meats, roasted veggies, fries, and even cheese boards.
Easy to Make: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe comes together effortlessly with minimal prep and cleanup.
Uses Simple Ingredients: No need for obscure spices or specialty items—you likely already have everything you need in your pantry.
Perfect for the Holidays: This recipe makes a stunning addition to your holiday table, giving a fresh twist to traditional cranberry dishes.
Kid-Friendly: While it has a sophisticated flavor profile, kids love it as a dipping sauce for nuggets or fries!

If you’re looking for a condiment that will elevate your meals without breaking a sweat, this cranberry ketchup with cloves and cinnamon is a must-try. It’s bold, balanced, and guaranteed to make your taste buds sing!

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple and wholesome ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. You’ll likely have most of these items in your pantry already, but I’ve included a few helpful tips for selecting and substituting ingredients:

Fresh Cranberries: About 12 ounces (340 grams). Frozen cranberries work beautifully if fresh ones aren’t available.
Tomato Paste: 6 tablespoons—this adds depth and richness to the ketchup.
Brown Sugar: ½ cup (packed). You can swap this with coconut sugar or honey for a slightly different flavor.
Apple Cider Vinegar: ½ cup. It provides a subtle tang that balances the sweetness perfectly.
Water: ⅓ cup, for thinning the texture.
Ground Cloves: ¼ teaspoon—use sparingly as cloves are quite potent.
Ground Cinnamon: ½ teaspoon for a cozy, warm note.
Salt: ½ teaspoon to enhance all the flavors.
Optional Spice: A pinch of cayenne pepper if you like a little heat.

Feel free to adjust the sweetness and tanginess to your liking. If you’re on a low-sugar diet, try reducing the brown sugar and adding a touch more apple cider vinegar to balance things out.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need fancy equipment for this cranberry ketchup recipe—just a few basic kitchen tools will do the trick:

Medium Saucepan: For cooking the cranberries and spices.
Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your pan.
Blender or Food Processor: To blend the ingredients into a smooth ketchup consistency. A hand blender works too!
Fine-Mesh Strainer: Optional, but great for achieving an ultra-smooth texture.
Glass Jar or Container: For storing your finished ketchup.

If you don’t have a blender, you can mash the cranberries manually using a potato masher, though the texture will be chunkier. For long-term storage, use a sterilized glass jar to keep your ketchup fresher.

Preparation Method

In a medium saucepan, combine the fresh or frozen cranberries, apple cider vinegar, water, and brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the cranberries cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring frequently. You’ll notice the cranberries bursting and releasing their juices.
Add the tomato paste, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, and salt to the saucepan. Stir well to incorporate all the spices evenly.
If you’re using cayenne pepper for added heat, sprinkle it in now and adjust to your preferred spice level.
Simmer the mixture for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. The mixture should thicken slightly—if it gets too thick, add a tablespoon of water at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Remove the saucepan from heat and let the mixture cool for a few minutes.
Transfer the cooled mixture to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. If you want an extra-silky texture, pour the blended mixture through a fine-mesh strainer.
Pour your cranberry ketchup into a clean glass jar or container. Seal tightly and refrigerate for at least an hour to let the flavors mature.

And that’s it—your irresistible cranberry ketchup with cloves and cinnamon is ready to enjoy!

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Here are some tried-and-true tips to ensure your cranberry ketchup turns out perfectly:

Don’t skip the simmer: Allowing the mixture to simmer helps the flavors develop and deepens the color.
Adjust to taste: Everyone’s palate is different—taste as you go and tweak the sweetness, tanginess, or spices to suit your preference.
Use ripe cranberries: If your cranberries are underripe, the ketchup might turn out too tart. If that happens, add a little extra sugar to balance it out.
Blending for smoothness: Blend thoroughly for the smoothest texture, and strain if you want it velvety smooth.
Go easy on the cloves: They’re incredibly strong, so adding too much can overpower the other flavors.

With these tips, your cranberry ketchup will deliver perfect results every time!

Variations & Adaptations

One of the best things about cranberry ketchup is how customizable it is. Here are some fun variations to try:

Spicy Kick: Add more cayenne or a dash of smoked paprika for a smoky, spicy twist.
Citrus Zing: Stir in a teaspoon of orange zest for a refreshing citrus flavor that pairs beautifully with cranberries.
Herby Notes: Toss in a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary during the cooking process for an herbal depth.
Low-Sugar Alternative: Swap out the brown sugar for a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit, adjusting to taste.
Vegan Option: The recipe is already vegetarian, but you can ensure it’s vegan by double-checking your sugar source and using organic ingredients.

Experiment with these ideas and make this recipe your own—it’s practically impossible to go wrong!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This cranberry ketchup is as versatile as it gets, and there are so many ways to enjoy it:

Perfect Pairings: Serve it with roasted turkey, ham, or your favorite holiday dishes. It’s also divine as a dipping sauce for sweet potato fries or chicken tenders!
Creative Uses: Spread it on sandwiches or burgers for a tangy kick, or use it as a glaze for meatloaf.
Storage Tips: Store your cranberry ketchup in an airtight glass jar in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Freezing Option: Freeze in small containers or ice cube trays for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Reheating: If needed, warm it gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of water to loosen the consistency.

This is one of those recipes that gets even better after a day or two as the flavors meld together. Make it ahead and enjoy the depth of flavor!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Here’s why this cranberry ketchup is a guilt-free indulgence:

Low in Calories: With no added oils or fats, this ketchup is a lighter alternative to store-bought versions.
Rich in Antioxidants: Cranberries are loaded with vitamin C and powerful antioxidants that support immune health.
Naturally Gluten-Free: Perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
Heart-Healthy Spices: Cinnamon and cloves have properties that may help reduce inflammation and improve heart health.

Just a tablespoon adds a burst of flavor without overloading on calories or unhealthy additives. Delicious and nutritious!

Conclusion

Whether you’re a fan of traditional condiments or someone who loves experimenting with bold flavors, this irresistible cranberry ketchup is a must-try. It’s easy, versatile, and full of comforting fall spices that make any dish feel special. I love how it transforms simple meals into an experience—it’s like a little jar of holiday cheer, ready to brighten up any plate.

Give it a try, tweak it to your heart’s content, and let me know how it turns out! I’d love to hear how you use your cranberry ketchup—whether it’s on a burger, as a dip, or something totally creative. Let’s make this recipe a staple in your kitchen. Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments below!

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen cranberries work just as well! Just be sure to thaw them slightly before cooking.

How long does homemade cranberry ketchup last?

Stored in an airtight jar in the fridge, it will stay fresh for up to two weeks. You can also freeze it for up to three months.

Can I make this recipe without cloves?

Absolutely! While cloves add a warm and slightly spicy note, you can skip them or replace them with another spice, like nutmeg or allspice.

How can I make this recipe sweeter?

If you prefer a sweeter ketchup, simply add more brown sugar or another sweetener like honey. Adjust to taste as you go!

What’s the best way to serve cranberry ketchup?

It’s incredibly versatile! Try it with roasted meats, as a burger topping, or even as a dip for fries and veggies. It also works great as a glaze for baked dishes.

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