Festive Red Hot Applesauce: A Perfect Holiday Side Dish
If you’re looking for a holiday side dish with a pop of color and a hint of spicy sweetness, Red Hot Applesauce might just be it! This vintage recipe, popularized by the distinctive flavor of cinnamon Red Hots candies, gives unsweetened applesauce a bright red hue and a unique kick.
When I first tried Red Hot Applesauce in 2017, I was a little taken aback. My husband, who grew up with this bright red, cinnamon-spiked applesauce as a holiday side dish, eagerly shared it with me, while I wasn’t so sure. I mean, applesauce with candy in it? But it only took a few bites to understand why this recipe was so loved by his family.
The sweet, spicy flavor is undeniably delicious, and now, I couldn’t imagine our holiday table without it.
Ingredients
- 24 oz of Unsweetened Applesauce
- ½ cup Red Hots cinnamon candies
Instructions
- Add Applesauce & Candies: Add the applesauce and red hots to a sauce pan
- Cook:
- Stovetop: Simmer over medium, low heat for about 15 minutes, stirring consistently until the Red Hots have melted into the sauce.
- Cool & Serve: Let the applesauce cool and store in fridge until you’re ready to serve.
This Red Hot Applesauce pairs beautifully with other holiday sides like garlic tahini mashed potatoes, maple roasted carrots, or even a comforting apple butternut squash soup. For a complete spread, try it alongside our gluten-free rosemary popovers and Thanksgiving cheese board, and add a sweet finish with gluten-free pumpkin spice bread.
Tips & Serving Ideas
- Make Ahead: This applesauce can be made up to 5 days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator in a sealed container or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Serving Suggestion: It’s perfect warm with breakfast or as a holiday side next to savory dishes like hot honey sweet potatoes.
- Add Sparkle: For a holiday touch, serve it with an apple ginger fizz mocktail to balance the spicy sweetness.
Enjoy this festive side dish, and let the warm, spiced aroma fill your home. Happy holidays!
Red Hot Applesauce
Description
If you’re looking for a holiday side dish with a pop of color and a hint of spicy sweetness, Red Hot Applesauce might just be it! This vintage recipe, popularized by the distinctive flavor of cinnamon Red Hots candies, gives unsweetened applesauce a bright red hue and a unique kick.
Ingredients
- 24 oz of Unsweetened Applesauce
- 1/2 cup of Cinnamon Imperials or Red Hots
Instructions
- Add Applesauce & Candies: Add the applesauce and red hots to a sauce pan
- Cook:
- Stovetop: Simmer over medium, low heat for about 15 minutes, stirring consistently until the Red Hots have melted into the sauce.
- Cool & Serve: Let the applesauce cool and store in fridge until you’re ready to serve.
