Bold Cranberry Chipotle Hot Sauce Recipe Perfect for Holiday Meals

Posted on November 7, 2025

cranberry chipotle hot sauce - featured image

There’s something magical about cranberries. Their tartness, their vibrant color, and the way they pair beautifully with sweet and smoky flavors—it’s like they were made for holiday recipes. This bold cranberry and chipotle hot sauce is the perfect combination of sweet, smoky, and just the right amount of heat. Imagine drizzling it over roasted turkey or spooning it onto a charcuterie board for that extra zing. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to sauce for holiday meals and beyond.

My love affair with this recipe started during a Thanksgiving dinner. I wanted something different, something bold, to break the monotony of traditional cranberry sauce. That’s when the idea hit me: add chipotle! The smoky and spicy kick paired with the natural tartness of cranberries was a game-changer. I’ve made this sauce every year since, tweaking it to perfection. Whether you want to use it as a glaze, a dip, or even a marinade, this versatile hot sauce will elevate your dishes in the most delicious way.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sweet, Smoky, and Spicy: This sauce brings a balanced trifecta of flavors that’ll tantalize your taste buds.
Perfect for Holiday Meals: It pairs beautifully with turkey, ham, roasted vegetables, or even a cheese platter.
Easy to Make: All it takes is one pot, a blender, and less than 30 minutes!
Uses Simple Ingredients: Nothing fancy here—just pantry staples and fresh cranberries.
Customizable Heat: Adjust the spice level to suit your taste by adding more or fewer chipotle peppers.
Impressively Versatile: Use it as a glaze, dipping sauce, marinade, or even stirred into soups and stews for a smoky twist.

This cranberry chipotle hot sauce isn’t just a recipe—it’s a conversation starter. The bold flavors will have everyone asking for your secret ingredient (and you can proudly share that it’s all about the chipotle magic). Plus, it’s healthier than store-bought sauces since you control the ingredients and skip the preservatives.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This cranberry chipotle hot sauce recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients to create a bold flavor profile that’s perfect for the holiday season.

Fresh cranberries (12 oz): The star of the show. Their tartness is the backbone of this sauce.
Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (2-3 peppers): Smoky and spicy, these peppers bring depth and heat. Adjust the number to your spice tolerance.
Brown sugar (1/3 cup): Adds sweetness to balance the tartness and smoky flavors.
Apple cider vinegar (1/4 cup): For acidity and a tangy kick that rounds out the sauce.
Orange juice (1/2 cup): Adds a citrusy brightness. Freshly squeezed is best!
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds a savory undertone to enhance the flavors.
Onion (1 small, chopped): Builds a subtle, savory base for the sauce.
Salt (to taste): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Water (1/2 cup): Helps achieve the perfect sauce consistency.

If you’re out of fresh cranberries, frozen ones work just as well. You can also tweak the sweetness or spice levels to suit your personal taste. For a sugar-free version, swap brown sugar with a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit.

Equipment Needed

Medium-sized saucepan: Perfect for simmering the cranberries and other ingredients.
Blender or food processor: Essential for creating a smooth and velvety texture.
Knife and cutting board: For chopping garlic and onion.
Wooden spoon: For stirring the sauce as it cooks.
Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure precise ingredient quantities.

If you don’t have a blender, you can use an immersion blender directly in the saucepan. For a chunkier sauce, simply mash the cranberries with a fork or potato masher before blending.

Preparation Method

Start by rinsing the cranberries under cold water and draining them well.
In a medium-sized saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until fragrant and softened.
Add the cranberries to the saucepan, followed by the chipotle peppers, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, orange juice, and water. Stir everything together to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Once the cranberries have softened and begun to burst, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
Transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth, adjusting the consistency with additional water if needed.
Season the hot sauce with salt to taste. Blend again for a final few seconds to mix evenly.
Pour the sauce into sterilized jars or containers. It’s ready to serve immediately or store for later!

Pro tip: If the sauce is too thick, add a touch more orange juice or water until you achieve your desired consistency. And don’t rush the simmering—it’s where the magic happens!

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Don’t skip the simmering: This step allows the flavors to meld beautifully and brings out the natural sweetness of the cranberries.
Adjust the spice level: If you’re not a fan of too much heat, use just one chipotle pepper, or remove the seeds before adding.
Blending tip: Allow the mixture to cool slightly before blending to avoid splatters and a potential mess.
Storage tip: Always store the sauce in airtight containers to preserve its freshness.
Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic, onion, and orange juice make a noticeable difference in flavor compared to pre-packaged options.

Remember, the key to a great sauce is tasting as you go. Don’t be afraid to tweak the sweetness or spice level based on your preferences!

Variations & Adaptations

Low-Sugar Version: Swap brown sugar with a natural alternative like honey or maple syrup for a less processed option.
Fruit Twist: Add a handful of blueberries or diced apples for extra sweetness and complexity.
Extra Smoky: Add a touch of smoked paprika or double the chipotle peppers for a bold smoky flavor.
Vegan-Friendly: This recipe is naturally vegan, but double-check your chipotle in adobo sauce for any hidden animal products.

One of my favorite personal tweaks is adding a splash of bourbon to the sauce while it simmers. It adds a rich, caramel-like depth that’s perfect for holiday meals!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This cranberry chipotle hot sauce is best served slightly warm or at room temperature. Pair it with roast turkey, ham, or even grilled vegetables for a sweet and smoky touch. For appetizers, drizzle it over cream cheese and serve with crackers—it’s always a crowd-pleaser!

Refrigeration: Store the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Freezing: Freeze the sauce in small portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Warm the sauce gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water if it’s too thick.

The flavors of this sauce deepen over time, making it even better after a day or two in the fridge. It’s the gift that keeps on giving!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

This cranberry chipotle hot sauce is packed with natural ingredients that bring both flavor and health benefits:

Low in Calories: With cranberries and chipotle peppers as the base, this sauce is naturally light.
Rich in Antioxidants: Cranberries are known for their impressive antioxidant content, supporting overall health.
Vitamin Boost: Orange juice provides a healthy dose of vitamin C.
Gluten-Free and Vegan: Perfect for those with dietary restrictions or preferences.

If you have any allergies, be cautious with chipotle in adobo sauce, as some brands may add wheat-based thickeners.

Conclusion

This bold cranberry and chipotle hot sauce is everything you need to transform your holiday dishes into something unforgettable. Sweet, smoky, and spicy, it’s the perfect balance of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Let me know how your cranberry chipotle hot sauce turns out! Share your thoughts in the comments below, or tag me on social media with your creations. Happy cooking!

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries?

Yes, frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh ones. Just make sure to thaw them slightly and drain any excess water before using.

How spicy is this sauce?

The spice level depends on the number of chipotle peppers you use. For mild heat, stick to one pepper; for more spice, use two or three.

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The sauce stores well in the fridge for up to two weeks, and the flavors intensify over time, making it even better.

What can I serve this sauce with?

This sauce is incredibly versatile—try it with roasted turkey, ham, grilled vegetables, or as a dip with crackers and cream cheese.

Is this sauce vegan?

Yes, the recipe is naturally vegan, but check your chipotle in adobo sauce to ensure it doesn’t contain any animal products.