Making BBQ sauce for canning recipe has always been one of my favorite kitchen projects. There’s something about blending tangy, sweet, and smoky flavors that excites me every time I prepare it.
As I combine the ingredients, the rich aromas start to fill the air, and I can already picture the jarred sauce adding a bold kick to all my grilled meals.
The process is both satisfying and rewarding – carefully simmering the sauce, watching it thicken, and knowing that I’ll have jars of homemade goodness to enjoy for months.
The canning part adds an extra layer of pride, as I seal the jars, imagining the many delicious dishes ahead. It’s a recipe I keep coming back to, and each time, it feels like a little bit of summer in a jar.
How To Prepare BBQ Sauce For Canning Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Course: Condiment, Sauce
Cuisine: American
Yield: About8 jars (8 oz each)
Equipment Needed
Before diving into the recipe, here are the items you’ll need:
- Large saucepan or stockpot
- Wooden spoon for stirring
- Canning jars (8 oz or 16 oz)
- Canning lids and rings
- Ladle
- Tongs
- Canning funnel (optional, but helpful)
- Large pot for boiling water (for the water bath)
Ingredients
- 2 cups ketchup
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Combine the Ingredients
Start by adding all of the ingredients into a large saucepan or stockpot. Use a wooden spoon to stir everything together. Make sure all of the sugar dissolves and the spices are well mixed.
Step 2: Bring to a Simmer
Place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring occasionally to ensure it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot. Once it starts to bubble, reduce the heat slightly to maintain a gentle simmer.
Step 3: Let It Cook
Let the sauce simmer for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken up and reduce in volume. Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t burn. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a little more vinegar or water to achieve your desired consistency.
Step 4: Prepare the Jars
While the BBQ sauce is simmering, sterilize your canning jars. To do this, simply place the jars in a large pot of boiling water for 10-15 minutes. Once done, remove the jars and set them aside to cool.
Step 5: Fill the Jars
Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, use a ladle to fill each jar with the hot BBQ sauce. Leave about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top of each jar. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth to remove any sauce.
Step 6: Seal the Jars
Place the lids onto the jars and screw on the rings until they are finger-tight. Carefully lower the jars into a boiling water bath, ensuring the jars are covered by at least an inch of water. Boil the jars for 10 minutes to seal them properly.
Step 7: Cool and Store
Remove the jars from the water bath and allow them to cool completely. Once cooled, check that the seals are secure (the lids should not pop when pressed). Store your sealed jars in a cool, dark place. They will last for up to a year.
Special Notes
❖ Customize the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter BBQ sauce, you can increase the amount of brown sugar or molasses. On the other hand, if you like a more tangy and less sweet sauce, try reducing the sugar and increasing the vinegar for that extra bite.
❖ Adjust the Heat to Your Preference: The cayenne pepper adds a kick, but you can control the heat by adding more or less depending on your taste. For an even spicier BBQ sauce, try incorporating diced fresh chili peppers or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
❖ Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a thicker BBQ sauce, you can let it simmer longer, allowing more liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, if the sauce is too thick for your liking, add small amounts of water or apple cider vinegar until you reach the desired consistency.
Nutrition Facts BBQ Sauce for Canning Recipe
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 70 |
| Fat | 0g |
| Carbohydrates | 17g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sugar | 16g |
| Protein | 1g |
| Sodium | 320mg |
(Based on 2 tablespoons per serving)
Health Benefits
While BBQ sauce for canning recipe is typically used as a condiment, there are a few health benefits to enjoy in moderation:
➤ Tomatoes: Ketchup is a key ingredient in BBQ sauce and tomatoes are rich in antioxidants, such as lycopene, which may help reduce inflammation and promote heart health.
➤ Apple Cider Vinegar: This ingredient is known for its potential digestive benefits and its ability to help balance blood sugar levels.
➤ Honey: Honey is a natural sweetener that has antibacterial properties and can provide a boost of energy.
How To Thicken Homemade Barbecue Sauce For Canning
To thicken homemade BBQ sauce for canning recipe , you can simmer it for longer to reduce and concentrate the flavors. If needed, add a thickening agent like cornstarch or arrowroot powder.
Dissolve a small amount of cornstarch in water, then stir it into the sauce while simmering. Keep an eye on the consistency, as it will naturally thicken as it cools, ensuring it has the perfect texture for canning.
Is It Safe To Water Bath Can BBQ Sauce?
Yes, it is generally safe to water bath can BBQ sauce, as long as the recipe has the proper acidity balance.
The vinegar and tomatoes typically found in BBQ sauces help preserve the sauce during the canning process.
It’s essential to follow a tested recipe and ensure the jars are sealed correctly to prevent any bacterial growth, especially botulism, which thrives in low-acid environments.
How Do You Preserve Barbecue Sauce?
To preserve BBQ sauce for canning recipe, you can can it using the water bath method for long-term storage. This process seals the sauce in sterilized jars, allowing it to last for up to a year.
Alternatively, you can store homemade BBQ sauce for canning recipe in the refrigerator for up to a few weeks or freeze it for longer storage. Ensure your jars or containers are properly sealed to maintain freshness and flavor.
Conclusion
Preparing BBQ sauce for canning recipe is an incredibly fulfilling process that results in a flavorful sauce you can enjoy long after the grilling season is over.
The simple act of combining the right ingredients, letting them simmer, and sealing them into jars fills me with a sense of accomplishment.
Having homemade BBQ sauce on hand means I’m always ready to add a rich, smoky kick to any meal. It’s one of those recipes that never disappoints, and I’m excited to share it with you.
If you’re looking for a delicious and versatile condiment that lasts, this BBQ sauce for canning recipe is the perfect choice – easy to make, full of flavor, and guaranteed to elevate your dishes.
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BBQ Sauce For Canning Recipe
Equipment
- Large saucepan or stockpot
- Wooden spoon for stirring
- Canning jars (8 oz or 16 oz)
- Canning lids and rings
- Ladle
- Tongs
- Canning funnel (optional, but helpful)
- Large pot for boiling water (for the water bath)
Ingredients
- 2 cups ketchup
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar packed
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper optional, for heat
Instructions
Step 1: Combine the Ingredients
- Start by adding all of the ingredients into a large saucepan or stockpot. Use a wooden spoon to stir everything together. Make sure all of the sugar dissolves and the spices are well mixed.
Step 2: Bring to a Simmer
- Place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring occasionally to ensure it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot. Once it starts to bubble, reduce the heat slightly to maintain a gentle simmer.
Step 3: Let It Cook
- Let the sauce simmer for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken up and reduce in volume. Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t burn. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a little more vinegar or water to achieve your desired consistency.
Step 4: Prepare the Jars
- While the BBQ sauce is simmering, sterilize your canning jars. To do this, simply place the jars in a large pot of boiling water for 10-15 minutes. Once done, remove the jars and set them aside to cool.
Step 5: Fill the Jars
- Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, use a ladle to fill each jar with the hot BBQ sauce. Leave about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top of each jar. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth to remove any sauce.
Step 6: Seal the Jars
- Place the lids onto the jars and screw on the rings until they are finger-tight. Carefully lower the jars into a boiling water bath, ensuring the jars are covered by at least an inch of water. Boil the jars for 10 minutes to seal them properly.
Step 7: Cool and Store
- Remove the jars from the water bath and allow them to cool completely. Once cooled, check that the seals are secure (the lids should not pop when pressed). Store your sealed jars in a cool, dark place. They will last for up to a year.