Apple Butter BBQ Sauce Recipe
This Apple Butter BBQ Sauce combines the sweetness of apple butter with the savory tang of barbecue sauce for a unique, flavorful twist. Perfect for grilling season, it’s an easy-to-make, versatile sauce that adds depth to everything from ribs to chicken. Sweet, smoky, and downright delicious!
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or whisk
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Garlic press (optional)
- Small mixing bowl (for prepping ingredients)
Ingredients
- 1 cup apple butter homemade or store-bought
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon mustard yellow or Dijon
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika for a smoky flavor
- 1 clove garlic minced
- ½ onion finely diced
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt or to taste
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the apple butter, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, smoked paprika, black pepper, chili powder, and salt.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to combine all the flavors. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a little water to reach your desired consistency.
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more salt for saltiness, brown sugar for sweetness, or more vinegar for tang.
- Let the sauce cool slightly before serving. Use it as a glaze for meats, a dipping sauce, or a marinade.