Sweet & Smoky Apple Butter BBQ Sauce
Transform your grilling game with this Sweet & Smoky Apple Butter BBQ Sauce! Perfect for slathering on ribs, chicken, or even veggies, this sauce melds the richness of apple butter with the tang of ketchup and a smoky depth from liquid smoke. Whether you’re using store-bought apple butter or your own homemade version (check out Recipe #70016 for a delightful apple butter recipe), this sauce is sure to become a favorite at your backyard barbecues. The blend of spices brings a gentle heat and aromatic flavor, making it a versatile condiment that pairs perfectly with any grilled dish. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this unique, delicious sauce that captures the essence of autumn with every bite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
apple butter
1 cup (cider apple butter (or your own))
ketchup
1/2 cup
prepared mustard
1 tablespoon
Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon
liquid smoke
3 teaspoons
red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon
coarse kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon
fresh ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon
finely chopped onion
1 cup
apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon
minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon
brown sugar
1/2 cup (firmly packed)
paprika
1/2 teaspoon
Instructions
1
In a frying pan over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil and sauté the finely chopped onions until they become translucent, about 5 minutes.
2
Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
3
In a large sauce pot, combine the sautéed onion and garlic with the remaining ingredients: apple butter, ketchup, prepared mustard, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, black pepper, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and paprika.
4
Stir the mixture thoroughly to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
5
Place the sauce pot on medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once it begins to bubble, reduce the heat to low.
6
Let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
7
After simmering, remove the pot from heat and allow the sauce to cool for 30 minutes at room temperature.
8
Once cooled, store the sauce in an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 30 days, frozen for extended storage, or canned for long-term preservation.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sweet & Smoky Apple Butter BBQ Sauce?
It is a unique barbecue sauce that combines the richness of apple butter with tangy ketchup, smoky liquid smoke, and a blend of spices.
What are the primary ingredients for this sauce?
The main ingredients include apple butter, ketchup, prepared mustard, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, red pepper flakes, onion, garlic, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and various spices.
How do I prepare the onions for this recipe?
The onions should be finely chopped and then sautéed in a splash of olive oil for about 5 minutes until they become translucent.
When should I add the minced garlic?
Add the minced garlic after the onions have become translucent and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently.
Can I use homemade apple butter?
Yes, you can use either store-bought cider apple butter or your own homemade version.
Is this BBQ sauce spicy?
The sauce features a gentle heat provided by red pepper flakes and paprika, balanced by the sweetness of apple butter and brown sugar.
How long should the sauce simmer?
Once the mixture is combined and brought to a simmer, reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 15-20 minutes.
Why is it important to stir the sauce while it simmers?
Frequent stirring prevents the sauce from sticking to the pot and ensures even cooking.
How long does the sauce need to cool before storage?
The sauce should be allowed to cool for 30 minutes at room temperature before being moved to a container.
What is the best way to store this BBQ sauce?
Store the cooled sauce in an airtight container.
How long will this sauce stay fresh in the refrigerator?
The sauce can be refrigerated for up to 30 days.
Can I freeze the Sweet & Smoky Apple Butter BBQ Sauce?
Yes, the sauce can be frozen for extended storage beyond the 30-day refrigeration limit.
Is this recipe suitable for canning?
Yes, this sauce can be canned for long-term preservation.
What types of food pair well with this sauce?
It is perfect for ribs, chicken, and even grilled vegetables.
What type of vinegar is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar.
How much brown sugar should I use?
Use 1/2 cup of firmly packed brown sugar.
What gives the sauce its smoky flavor?
The smoky depth comes from the addition of three teaspoons of liquid smoke and half a teaspoon of paprika.
Does this recipe use prepared or dry mustard?
The recipe requires one tablespoon of prepared mustard.
What type of salt is recommended?
The recipe suggests using half a teaspoon of coarse kosher salt.
How many ingredients are in the Sweet & Smoky Apple Butter BBQ Sauce?
There are 13 total ingredients in this recipe.
Can I adjust the heat level of the sauce?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to increase or decrease the spiciness to your preference.
What kind of onion is needed?
The recipe calls for one cup of finely chopped onion.
What size pot should I use for simmering?
A large sauce pot is recommended to combine and simmer all the ingredients together.
How much ketchup is required?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of ketchup.
Does the sauce use fresh or ground pepper?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of fresh ground pepper.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe that is great for beginners.
What is the first step in making the sauce?
The first step is to sauté finely chopped onions in olive oil until they are translucent.
Can I use this as a marinade?
While primarily a BBQ sauce for slathering, its flavor profile makes it suitable for use as a flavorful marinade as well.
What is the purpose of Worcestershire sauce in this recipe?
Worcestershire sauce adds a savory, umami depth that complements the sweetness of the apple butter.
What is the texture of the finished sauce?
The sauce is thick and smooth, thanks to the combination of apple butter, ketchup, and simmered aromatics.