This BBQ sauce recipe with grape jelly is a deliciously unique blend of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors that will elevate any grilling session.
The rich, fruity taste of grape jelly combines perfectly with the boldness of Heinz chili sauce, apple cider vinegar, and mustard powder, creating a mouthwatering sauce that pairs wonderfully with everything from ribs and chicken to vegetables and fries.
With just a few simple ingredients, this easy-to-make BBQ Sauce Recipe With Grape Jelly offers a perfect balance of flavors, bringing a fun twist to your traditional barbecue dishes.
In this blog post, I’ll guide you step-by-step through this simple yet delicious homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe With Grape Jelly. Let’s dive right in!
Why Add Grape Jelly To BBQ Sauce?
Grape jelly may seem like an unconventional ingredient for BBQ sauce, but trust me, it adds a whole new dimension of flavor.
The natural sweetness of grape jelly pairs perfectly with tangy vinegar, smoky spices, and rich tomato-based ingredients.
The result is a thick, glossy, and sticky BBQ sauce that perfectly coats your grilled meats, adding depth and sweetness that will leave everyone craving more.
Benefits of This BBQ Sauce
✔ Sweet & Tangy Flavor: The grape jelly provides a rich sweetness that balances the tartness of the vinegar and the savory notes of spices.
✔ Quick and Easy: With minimal ingredients and just a few steps, this BBQ sauce is a time-saver and perfect for last-minute grilling.
✔ Versatile: Use it for grilling, dipping, or as a marinade for a wide variety of meats and vegetables.
How To Prepare BBQ Sauce Recipe With Grape Jelly?
Recipe Details
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Course: Sauce / Condiment
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: American
Calories (per serving): Approx. 50 calories (varies depending on serving size)
Yield: About 2 cups of sauce
Kitchen Utensils Needed
- Small saucepan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk (optional, for mixing dry ingredients)
Ingredients
- 1 cup high-quality grape jelly
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup dry mustard powder
- 1 bottle Heinz chili sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. In a small saucepan, add the grape jelly, apple cider vinegar, dry mustard powder, Heinz chili sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, and liquid smoke.
2. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir the mixture with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula. Let the jelly melt and combine with the other ingredients.
3. Continue to stir occasionally and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 5-10 minutes, ensuring all ingredients are fully incorporated, and the sauce has thickened slightly.
4. Taste the sauce and add salt and pepper to your preference. You can also adjust the acidity by adding a bit more vinegar or sweetness by adding more jelly, depending on your taste.
5. Once the sauce is fully combined and heated through, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly before using. It can be served warm or at room temperature with your favorite BBQ dishes.
Special Notes
❖ Customizing the Flavor: Feel free to adjust the ingredients to match your flavor profile. For example, if you love spicy BBQ sauce, you can add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to bring up the heat.
❖ Perfect for Grilling: This BBQ sauce works wonders on grilled meats like chicken wings, ribs, or pork chops. It’s also great as a dipping sauce for fries, onion rings, or even grilled vegetables.
❖ Make It Vegan: If you need a vegan version, swap out the Worcestershire sauce for a vegan-friendly alternative and ensure the grape jelly doesn’t contain any gelatin (many brands use pectin instead).
Best Serving Ideas
For a delightful BBQ experience, serve your BBQ Sauce Recipe With Grape Jelly a variety of grilled meats like ribs, chicken, or burgers.
It also pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables or even as a dipping sauce for crispy fries and onion rings.
For a fresh touch, drizzle the sauce over a salad or use it as a glaze for grilled tofu or tempeh for a savory-sweet combination. This versatile sauce enhances both casual and elegant meals, making it a hit at any gathering!
Kitchen Tips
➤ Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure your meats are cooked perfectly every time by using a meat thermometer. This helps avoid under or overcooking.
➤ Prep Ingredients First: Save time during cooking by chopping, measuring, and prepping all your ingredients before you start. This “mise en place” technique makes the process smoother.
➤ Clean as You Go: Keep your workspace tidy by cleaning utensils, bowls, and surfaces while cooking. It reduces the mess after you’re done.
➤ Keep Knives Sharp: A sharp knife is safer and more efficient than a dull one. Sharpen your knives regularly for easier chopping and slicing.
➤ Store Fresh Herbs Properly: To extend the life of fresh herbs, store them in a glass of water (like flowers) in the fridge or wrap them in a damp paper towel and place them in a sealed bag.
Variations And Substitutions
➣ Spicy Kick: Add a tablespoon of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to give the sauce some heat.
➣ Honey Substitute: Replace grape jelly with honey or apricot jam for a different sweetness profile.
➣ Apple Cider Vinegar: Swap the apple cider vinegar with white vinegar or lemon juice for a slightly different tang.
➣ Smoked Paprika: For extra smokiness, replace the liquid smoke with smoked paprika.
➣ Garlic Cloves: Use fresh minced garlic in place of garlic powder for a more robust flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I adjust the sweetness of the grape jelly BBQ sauce?
Yes, you can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less grape jelly. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, increase the amount of jelly. If you want it less sweet, reduce the jelly or add some vinegar or mustard to balance the sweetness with acidity.
What meats are best to use with grape jelly BBQ sauce?
Grape jelly BBQ sauce works particularly well with pork (especially ribs, pulled pork, or meatballs) and chicken. The sweetness pairs nicely with the richness of pork, but it can also be a great topping for burgers or grilled vegetables.
Can I make the BBQ sauce in advance and store it?
Absolutely! You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 weeks. The flavors may even deepen and improve after a day or two. Simply reheat the sauce when you’re ready to use it.
Is this sauce vegan?
Yes, the recipe is vegan as long as you use a plant-based liquid smoke and ensure the jelly is made without animal products.
Can I freeze this BBQ sauce?
Yes, you can freeze the sauce in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before using.
Here Are Some Delicious Recipes For You
How To Make Chocolate Cake With White Icing
Easy Banana Bread Chiquita Recipe
Chocolate Vanilla And Strawberry Cake – Triple Flavor
Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookie Recipe | Classic Dessert
Cherry Chip Cookie Recipe | Deliciously Soft
Conclusion
This BBQ Sauce Recipe with Grape Jelly is a must-try for anyone who loves a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors in their BBQ sauce.
This homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe With Grape Jelly will definitely impress your guests and elevate your dishes. It’s easy to make and only requires a few simple ingredients.
Next time you’re firing up the grill, try this BBQ Sauce Recipe With Grape Jelly and watch as it becomes a new favorite in your recipe collection!
BBQ Sauce Recipe With Grape Jelly
Equipment
- Small saucepan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk (optional, for mixing dry ingredients)
Ingredients
- 1 cup high-quality grape jelly
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup dry mustard powder
- 1 bottle Heinz chili sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, add the grape jelly, apple cider vinegar, dry mustard powder, Heinz chili sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, and liquid smoke.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir the mixture with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula. Let the jelly melt and combine with the other ingredients.
- Continue to stir occasionally and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 5-10 minutes, ensuring all ingredients are fully incorporated, and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Taste the sauce and add salt and pepper to your preference. You can also adjust the acidity by adding a bit more vinegar or sweetness by adding more jelly, depending on your taste.
- Once the sauce is fully combined and heated through, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly before using. It can be served warm or at room temperature with your favorite BBQ dishes.