This Maple Peach Barbecue Sauce is a sweet and tangy treat that pairs perfectly with grilled meats. With juicy peaches and rich maple syrup, it adds a fruity twist to your meals!
I love slathering this sauce on ribs during cookouts. It’s so tasty, I might just start eating it with a spoon! 🥄 Plus, it’s super easy to make, which means more time enjoying with friends!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Fresh peaches give a vibrant flavor, but canned peaches work just as well if you’re short on time. You can also use peach preserves for added sweetness and richness.
Maple syrup: This is a key ingredient for sweetness and depth. If you need a substitute, agave syrup or honey can work, though they will slightly change the flavor profile.
Ketchup: Ketchup adds a tangy sweetness. If you’re looking for a healthier option, opt for low-sugar ketchup or even a homemade tomato sauce combined with a bit of sugar.
Apple cider vinegar: This gives the sauce a nice zing. White vinegar or even lemon juice can be used in a pinch, though they will change the flavor slightly.
Spices: The smoked paprika is what adds that lovely smoky essence. If you don’t have it, regular paprika works, but you can also add a touch of liquid smoke for that flavor. Adjust spices to your liking!
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Sauce Consistency?
Creating a smooth and thick barbecue sauce can be tricky. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start by mixing all the initial ingredients in a saucepan and whisk until combined.
- As you heat it, stir continuously to prevent sticking. This also helps blend the flavors well.
- Once it simmers, lower the heat. This gentle cooking allows it to thicken without burning or separating.
- Keep cooking for 15-20 minutes, and remember to stir occasionally. If it’s not thickening, you can let it simmer longer.
Let the sauce cool before using it. It will thicken a bit more as it cools down. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
How to Make Maple Peach Barbecue Sauce?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups peaches, pureed (fresh or canned)
- 1 cup maple syrup
- ½ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Maple Peach Barbecue Sauce will take about 10 minutes to prepare and an additional 15-20 minutes for cooking. So, in total, you should set aside around 30 minutes. You can make this sauce ahead of time, as it can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Base Ingredients:
Start by grabbing a medium saucepan. Add in your peach puree, maple syrup, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Use a whisk to mix everything together over medium heat until it’s nicely combined and smooth. This forms the delicious base of your barbecue sauce!
2. Add the Spices:
Time to spice things up! Stir in the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and if you like a bit of kick, the cayenne pepper. Mix well to ensure that all the spices are evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
3. Simmer and Thicken:
Now, let’s bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Once it starts bubbling lightly, reduce the heat to low. Let the sauce cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken a bit, making it really tasty.
4. Cool and Store:
After cooking, remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool. Once it’s cooled down, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Your Maple Peach Barbecue Sauce is now ready to be brushed on grilled meats or used as a scrumptious dipping sauce. Enjoy your creation!
Can I Use Different Types of Peaches for This Sauce?
Absolutely! You can use either fresh or canned peaches for this recipe. If using fresh peaches, make sure they are ripe for the best flavor. For canned peaches, drain them well before pureeing to avoid excess liquid in the sauce.
What Can I Substitute for Maple Syrup?
If you don’t have maple syrup, you can use honey or agave nectar as a substitute. Just keep in mind that the flavor will differ slightly, with honey providing a more floral taste. Adjust the sweetness of your sauce by tasting it as you go, especially if you use a sweeter substitute.
How to Store Leftover Sauce?
Store any leftover barbecue sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze it in ice cube trays, then transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer bag. This way, you can thaw just what you need later!
