Irresistible Cranberry Spice Ketchup Recipe for Holiday Meals

Posted on October 20, 2025

cranberry spice ketchup - featured image

The tangy punch of cranberries paired with warm spices creates a condiment masterpiece that’s anything but ordinary. Cranberry spice ketchup isn’t just a festive twist—it’s the ultimate way to add holiday cheer to your meals. I first discovered this recipe while experimenting for a holiday potluck, and let me tell you, it stole the show! There’s something magical about its balance of sweet, tart, and savory flavors wrapped in a silky texture. Whether you’re serving it with roasted turkey, crispy fries, or even as a glaze, this cranberry spice ketchup will have everyone asking for seconds.

This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it turns simple meals into something memorable. Plus, making your own ketchup feels oddly satisfying—like you’ve unlocked a secret treasure! It’s surprisingly easy, and the ingredients are likely already in your pantry. Trust me, once you taste this homemade cranberry spice ketchup, you’ll want to slather it on everything.

So grab your apron, because this festive condiment is about to become your new holiday favorite. Let’s dive into the recipe that turns everyday dishes into holiday miracles.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Festive Flavors: Warm spices like cinnamon and cloves paired with tart cranberries make this the perfect holiday condiment.
Versatile: Use it as a dip, glaze, or even a spread—it’s great with meats, veggies, and appetizers alike.
Quick & Easy: Comes together in under 30 minutes, so you can whip it up without stress.
Simple Ingredients: No fancy shopping trips needed; you likely have most of the ingredients at home.
Unbelievably Delicious: The sweet-tart balance and hint of spice create an addictive flavor that will keep your guests guessing.

What sets this recipe apart is its homemade charm. Unlike store-bought ketchup, this cranberry spice version has layers of flavor that you can’t replicate with a bottle. Plus, it’s customizable—adjust the sweetness or spices to suit your taste. It’s a holiday condiment with personality, and honestly, who doesn’t need a little extra festive flair in their life?

This recipe isn’t just about flavor—it’s about creating moments. Imagine sharing a meal with loved ones, passing around dishes, and hearing someone say, “Wow, what’s in this sauce?” It’s a recipe that sparks joy, connection, and a little holiday magic.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This cranberry spice ketchup recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients to deliver bold holiday flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

Fresh or frozen cranberries: About 2 cups (fresh works best, but frozen is just as good).
Tomato paste: 1/4 cup for that classic ketchup base.
Brown sugar: 1/3 cup, packed (adds sweetness and depth).
Apple cider vinegar: 1/4 cup for tanginess.
Water: 1/2 cup to thin the sauce.
Ground cinnamon: 1/2 tsp (adds warmth).
Ground cloves: 1/4 tsp (for a festive hint).
Ground ginger: 1/4 tsp (optional, for a gentle zing).
Salt: 1/4 tsp to enhance flavors.
Black pepper: A pinch for subtle heat.

Feel free to adjust the spices to match your taste preferences. If you want a sweeter ketchup, add a touch more brown sugar. Prefer it tangier? Increase the vinegar slightly. The beauty of homemade is that you’re in control!

Equipment Needed

Medium saucepan: Perfect for simmering and blending the flavors.
Wooden spoon: For stirring without scratching your pan.
Blender or food processor: To puree the ketchup into a smooth consistency.
Fine mesh strainer: Optional, but great for removing cranberry skins for a silky finish.
Storage jar or container: A mason jar works beautifully for storing your finished ketchup.

If you don’t have a blender, you can use an immersion blender or mash the mixture thoroughly with a fork—it might not be perfectly smooth, but it’ll still taste amazing!

Preparation Method

In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, tomato paste, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, water, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, salt, and black pepper.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the cranberries have softened and burst. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
Remove the saucepan from heat and let the mixture cool slightly, about 5 minutes.
Transfer the cranberry mixture to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. If you prefer a silkier texture, strain the ketchup through a fine mesh strainer to remove any remaining solids.
Taste the ketchup and adjust seasoning as needed—add more sugar for sweetness or a splash of vinegar for tang.
Allow the ketchup to cool completely before transferring it to a storage jar. Seal tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld.

And there you have it! Homemade cranberry spice ketchup that’s ready to bring holiday magic to your meals.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Choose fresh cranberries: While frozen works in a pinch, fresh cranberries tend to have a brighter flavor.
Don’t skip the simmer: Allowing the cranberries to fully soften helps release their natural sweetness and creates a better texture.
Blend carefully: Hot mixtures can expand in the blender, so let it cool slightly and blend in batches if needed.
Customize the sweetness: If you’re serving with savory dishes, you might want a more tart ketchup. For sweeter applications, increase the sugar.
Store properly: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks or freeze in smaller portions for extended use.

Variations & Adaptations

Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy cranberry ketchup.
Gluten-Free Version: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but double-check your vinegar and spices for hidden gluten.
Low-Sugar Option: Swap brown sugar for a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol to make it keto-friendly.
Berry Blend: Replace half the cranberries with raspberries or blackberries for a unique flavor twist.
Citrus Add-In: Add a squeeze of fresh orange juice for a refreshing zing.

I once tried adding a splash of maple syrup for a cozy, woodsy sweetness—it was divine!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This cranberry spice ketchup is best served cold or at room temperature. Here are some pairing ideas:

With roasted meats: Perfect for turkey, chicken, or pork chops.
As a dip: Serve with fries, sweet potato wedges, or onion rings.
As a glaze: Brush it over meatloaf or baked salmon for a festive touch.
On sandwiches: Spread it on turkey or ham sandwiches for an extra burst of flavor.

Store the ketchup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze in small portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and stir well before using.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Estimated nutritional values per tablespoon:

Calories: 20
Carbohydrates: 5g
Sugar: 4g
Vitamin C: 2% DV

Cranberries are rich in antioxidants, making this ketchup not just tasty but a great way to add a dose of health to your meal. The spices also provide anti-inflammatory benefits, and the apple cider vinegar aids digestion. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and can easily be adapted for low-carb diets.

Conclusion

There’s something undeniably special about this cranberry spice ketchup—it’s a recipe that feels like a warm holiday hug. Sweet, tart, and spiced just right, it’s the perfect way to transform your festive meals into unforgettable experiences.

Whether you’re customizing the flavor or pairing it with your favorite dishes, this condiment will quickly become a holiday tradition. I love how it brings a touch of creativity and joy to the table, and I hope it does the same for you.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how you used it! Share your thoughts in the comments below, or tag me with your creations. Let’s spread the holiday spirit—one jar of cranberry spice ketchup at a time!

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries?

Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well, though fresh ones have a slightly brighter flavor.

How long does cranberry spice ketchup last?

Stored in the refrigerator, it lasts up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

Can I make this ketchup sugar-free?

Yes! Use a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol for a low-sugar version.

How do I make the ketchup smoother?

Blend thoroughly and strain through a fine mesh strainer to remove cranberry skins.

What dishes pair best with cranberry spice ketchup?

It’s great with roasted meats, fries, sandwiches, or as a glaze for baked dishes like salmon or meatloaf.