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    Home » Recipes » Sauces, Marinades, and Butters

    Cranberry Jalapeno Jam

    Published: Jun 21, 2024 · Modified: Apr 8, 2025 by Karin and Ken · This post may contain affiliate links. Leave a Comment

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    If you are looking for the best Cranberry Jalapeno Jam recipe, look no further! I was pleasantly surprised with how delicious this jam is despite how sour cranberries can be. It is perfectly balanced and works great on poultry, biscuits, and even sandwiches!

    A jar of spicy cranberry salsa with a spoon inside, surrounded by fresh radishes, green chili peppers, and dill on a wooden surface serves as the perfect template for a homemade condiment.

    Cranberry and lime is a classic combination. I initially thought adding lime juice and zest to the jam would make it too sour but it adds a wonderful twist. This recipe is not too sweet and not 

    If you like spicy jam recipes, you will love Pineapple Jalapeno Jam, Peach Jalapeno Jam, and Blueberry Jalapeno Jam.

    Cranberry Pepper Jam vs Cranberry Pepper Jelly Recipe

    Since jam includes whole fruit and jelly is made from juice, this recipe would have to be slightly altered to make it into jelly. The best way to turn this recipe into cranberry jalapeno jelly is to strain the cooked cranberries with a fine mesh strainer. I also recommend adding pectin to achieve the gel consistency.

    Why You Will Love This Cranberry Jam Recipe

    • Great for Thanksgiving: Use this jam as a spicy twist on traditional cranberry sauce!
    • Budget-friendly: This recipe uses affordable ingredients so it’s perfect for any budget.
    • Versatile condiment: You can use this cranberry jam recipe in both baked treats and savory dishes.

    Ingredients

    You only need 4 ingredients for this recipe. It’s so easy to achieve a delicious cranberry jalapeno jam without pectin.

    Top-down view of ingredients including frozen cranberries in a bowl, lime wedges, sugar, and chopped green herbs on a white template.
    • Cranberries: I use frozen cranberries in this recipe because they are available all year round. I love the sweet and tart flavors of cranberries. They are a little sour but when added to other ingredients it balances out.
    • Sugar: This will both sweeten and help thicken the cranberry pepper jam.
    • Jalapenos: The fresh jalapenos are what bring the heat. I don’t find them overpowering this recipe. You may adjust the amount you use if desired.
    • Lime: Cranberry and lime are a fabulous combo! They really complement each other.

    See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.

    See the recipe card below for the exact quantities of each ingredient.

    Variations

    • Rosemary cranberry jalapeno jam: Steep fresh rosemary in the jam as it cooks for an earthy and aromatic cranberry jam recipe.
    • Balsamic cranberry jam: Add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the jam for a rich and complex spicy cranberry jam.
    • Spiced jalapeno cranberry jam: Either use whole cinnamon and cloves or ground for a spiced version that is perfect for the holidays. 
    • Mint cranberry jam: Add finely chopped mint for extra freshness.

    How to Make Cranberry Jalapeno Jam

    It takes minimal effort to make a delicious jam at home. Below you will find all of the instructions you will need for this recipe.

    A stainless steel pot containing cranberies, jalapenos, and sugar on a white surface.

    Step 1:Add all ingredients and let them sit. Combine the cranberries, sugar, jalapenos, and lime juice/zest in a saucepan. Allow the ingredients to sit together in the pan for about 5-10 minutes to release some of the liquid. 

    Pot of cranberries and jalapenos stirred with the sugar.

    Step 2: Heat the mixture. Heat the saucepan over medium-high heat to start to break down the berries.

    A stainless steel saucepan containing simmering cranberry jam with a masher in the pot.

    Step 3: Cook. Once the cranberries start to burst and the sugar is dissolved, break up the berries with the back of a spoon or a potato masher. Raise the heat slightly and let the jam cook for 25-30 minutes or until it reaches 220 degrees F.

    Top view of a stainless steel skillet containing cooked cranberry jam.

    Step 4: Cool. Remove the pan from the heat and allow it to cool enough to handle it safely. 

    A jar of cranberry jalapeno jam on the table with fresh cranberries and jalapenos with a plate of bread spread with jam in the back.

    Step 5: Store: Transfer the cooled spicy jam to the glass jars and place them in the refrigerator until you are ready to use them.

    ⭐️ Hint: Have all of your ingredients prepped before you start; measure them and juice/zest the lime so you’re not rushing through the recipe.

    If you love recipes like this one, you may also enjoy this Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce.

    Storage Directions

    • Refrigeration: Store the tightly closed jars of jam in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
    • Freezing: Place the jars in the freezer when completely cooled for 4-6 months. Leave about an inch at the top so the jam has space to expand as it freezes. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying it!

    Serving Suggestions

    • Serve this cranberry jam spooned over Slow Cooker Turkey Wings, as a dip for Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs, or spread on Leftover Turkey Dinner Muffins.
    • Mix some of the jam into a Cranberry Margarita for a spicy kick.
    • Spread the jam on Coconut Biscuits or Cream Cheese Biscuits to add a hint of heat to a sweet treat.
    A spoonful of cranberry and jalapeno jam spreading some onto slices of bread on a plate.

    Recipe Tips

    • Sterilize the jars: To prevent bacterial growth, ensure that your jars are clean and sterilized before you store the jam.
    • Use a candy thermometer: I recommend that you use a candy thermometer to ensure the jam reaches the right temperature.
    • Remove the pepper seeds: Leave out the jalapeno seeds for less heat.

    Recipe FAQs

    Can I use fresh cranberries?

    Yes. I like to use frozen because fresh cranberries are seasonal. However, if you can get your hands on fresh berries, there’s no need to change any part of the recipe.

    Why is my cranberry jam so thin?

    It is likely that it hasn’t reached the ideal temperature yet. Check it with a thermometer and let it cook a little bit longer to thicken.

    Can I use lemon instead of lime?

    Sure! Lemon works great with cranberries, too!

    A jar of cranberry jalapeño jam, bread slices, and fresh cranberries on a wooden table, with seasonal greenery in the background.

    More Delicious Cranberry Dishes 

    Do you like cranberry recipes? Here are some recipes you may also like to try.

    • White Chocolate Cranberry Nut Fudge
      White Chocolate Cranberry Nut Fudge
    • Three cranberry sauce muffins on a plate with a striped tea towel and fresh cranberries.
      BEST Cranberry Sauce Muffins
    • Whipped Cranberry Feta Cheese Dip.
      Whipped Cranberry Feta Cheese Dip
    • A bowl of cranberry apple coleslaw with a spoon adding more to the bowl.
      Cranberry Apple Coleslaw

    Ready to get cooking? Remember that you can print this recipe if you would like.

    A jar of cranberry jalapeno jam with a spoonful held up above the jar.

    Cranberry Jalapeno Jam

    Karin and Ken
    This Cranberry Jalapeno Jam recipe has a delicious yet unique flavor profile. It is a sweet and spicy jam with a subtle tartness and acidity to balance it out.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 30 minutes mins
    Total Time 35 minutes mins
    Course Condiment
    Cuisine American
    Servings 16 servings
    Calories 157 kcal

    Equipment

    • large saucepan
    • Rubber spatula
    • potato masher
    • mason jar

    Ingredients
      

    • 4 cups cranberries (frozen)
    • 3 cups granulated sugar
    • ¼ cup jalapeno peppers finely minced (about 2-3 small peppers)
    • 2 Tablespoons lime juice
    • 1 teaspoon fresh lime zest
    Get Recipe Ingredients

    Instructions
     

    • In a large sized saucepan, combine all ingredients and stir until combined. Allow to sit for 5-10 minutes or until liquid releases into the bottom of the pan.
    • Place over medium high heat and stir until the berries begin to burst and sugar is dissolved.
    • Use a potato masher, or the back of the spoon to press the berries until smooth.
    • Increase the temperature slightly and cook until the jam reaches 220 degrees, stirring every few minutes. This will take about 25-30 minutes.
    • Remove jam from heat and allow to cool slightly, before transferring to jars for storage.

    Notes

    • Sterilize the jars: To prevent bacterial growth, ensure that your jars are clean and sterilized before you store the jam.
    • Use a candy thermometer: I recommend that you use a candy thermometer to ensure the jam reaches the right temperature.
    • Remove the pepper seeds: Leave out the jalapeno seeds for less heat.
     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 157kcalCarbohydrates: 41gProtein: 0.1gFat: 0.2gSaturated Fat: 0.003gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.02gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.01gSodium: 1mgPotassium: 27mgFiber: 1gSugar: 39gVitamin A: 31IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 3mgIron: 0.1mg
    Keyword cranberry jalapeno jam, cranberry jam recipe
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    We have been attached at the heart and hip since the first day we met, and we love to create new dishes to keep things interesting. Variety is definitely the spice of life!

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