This Maple Peach Barbecue Sauce brings a sweet and fruity twist to your grilled goodies! Made with juicy peaches and a hint of maple syrup, it’s hard to resist.
Trust me, slathering this sauce on ribs or chicken makes any summer barbecue a hit. Plus, it’s easy to whip up—you’ll be the star of the cookout!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peach Preserves: These are the star of the sauce, providing sweetness and peach flavor. If you don’t have preserves, you can use peach jam or even fresh peaches, just cook them down with a bit of sugar.
Maple Syrup: This adds a rich sweetness. If you need a substitute, honey or agave syrup can work in a pinch, although they have different flavors!
Apple Cider Vinegar: This brings a tangy note to balance the sweetness. White vinegar or lemon juice can be swapped if needed, but it will change the flavor slightly.
Dijon Mustard: Provides a nice depth to the sauce. You can replace it with yellow mustard for a milder taste, or omit it if you prefer a mustard-free sauce.
Smoked Paprika: This ingredient gives a great smoky flavor. For a substitute, regular paprika or chipotle powder can work, but you’ll lose some of that smoke. If you like it spicy, consider using chipotle!
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Consistency for Your Sauce?
Thickening the sauce is essential for that nice cling on grill meat. When simmering, keep an eye on the heat. Start with medium to help all the ingredients meld together, then reduce to low. Don’t rush it!
- Simmer for 15-20 minutes while stirring occasionally – this will allow the flavors to deepen.
- To test for thickness, dip a spoon into the sauce. If it coats the back nicely, you’re good to go.
Let it cool down; it thickens as it cools too. For a thicker sauce, you can cook it a bit longer or add some cornstarch mixed in water. Enjoy your grilling!
Maple Peach Barbecue Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup peach preserves
- ½ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons 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?
You’ll need about 30 minutes to make this delicious Maple Peach Barbecue Sauce. This includes about 10 minutes for preparation and 15 to 20 minutes for simmering the sauce. Then you can let it cool and it’s ready to use!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Base Ingredients:
Start by taking a medium saucepan and adding the peach preserves, maple syrup, and apple cider vinegar to it. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture gently until everything is well combined.
2. Add Flavorful Spices:
Next, it’s time to spice things up! Stir in the Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if you want a little kick. Mix everything together until it’s smooth and well blended.
3. Simmer and Thicken:
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once it’s simmering, turn the heat down to low and let the sauce simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes. Stir it occasionally as it cooks to prevent sticking. You’ll know it’s ready when the sauce has thickened slightly.
4. Cool and Store:
After simmering, remove the saucepan from heat and let the sauce cool a bit before using it. You can use your Maple Peach Barbecue Sauce right away for basting grilled meats or as a dipping sauce. If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Enjoy the deliciousness!
Can I Use Fresh Peaches Instead of Preserves?
Yes, you can use fresh peaches! To do this, you’ll need to chop and purée about 2 cups of ripe peaches, then reduce the apple cider vinegar slightly to maintain balance. Cook the purée down until it thickens before adding the other ingredients. This will give you a fresher taste!
What If I Don’t Have Apple Cider Vinegar?
No worries! You can substitute apple cider vinegar with white wine vinegar or even lemon juice. Just keep in mind that using lemon juice will slightly alter the flavor, giving it a more citrusy kick.
How Can I Store Leftover Sauce?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Make sure it cools completely before sealing it up. For longer storage, you can freeze the sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge before use!
Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
Absolutely! If you prefer a milder sauce, you can simply omit the cayenne pepper. For more heat, you can add extra cayenne or even some chopped fresh chilies. Just start with a small amount and adjust to taste as needed!
