Apple Butter Barbecue Sauce

Apple butter barbecue sauce is a delightful fusion of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors. So it’s going to be a versatile condiment for various dishes. You can use it in many forms. Like grilling the ribs, slathering it on burgers, and using it as a dipping sauce. 

To make this easy apple BBQ sauce, you will mainly need apple butter, olive oil, sugar, and some ingredients that are available. If needed, you can prepare the apple butter too ,all by yourself. This article will guide you with the recipe of apple BBQ sauce, apple butter, and the best uses of the apple BBQ sauce.

Know About Apple Butter Barbecue Sauce

The apple butter rib sauce has a sweet and tangy BBQ glaze that can enhance the flavor of any grilled meat. Apple butter is the concentrated form of applesauce. When you combine it with traditional BBQ ingredients, like ketchup, vinegar, and spices, it turns into a unique kind of fruit-based BBQ sauce. If you want to add a twist to your barbecue dishes, the apple butter sauce is a great one. 

Ingredients You Need

Before you start making the pork BBQ sauce with apple, make sure you have the following ingredients. 

Apple Butter 

Apple butter is the star ingredient in this recipe. So use 1 cup of it to give a rich, fruity sweetness to the sauce. Both homemade and store-bought versions will work.

Ketchup

Use ½ cup of ketchup to give a tomato base to the sauce. This will maintain the sweetness and tanginess profile.

Brown Sugar

To enhance the sauce’s sweetness, use ¼ cup of brown sugar. It will add a molasses-like depth.

Apple Cider Vinegar 

1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar will provide acidity and balance the sweetness of the sauce. It also helps in preservation. 

Worcestershire Sauce

1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce can give an umami richness and savory depth to the sauce. 

Dijon Mustard

Take 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard to add some heat and tang to the sauce. It even complements the sweetness.

Garlic

Use 1 clove of minced garlic to give a subtle pungency and aroma to the sauce. 

Onion

One medium-sized onion will be enough to add sweetness and texture to the sauce when sauteed.

Olive Oil

You will need 1 tablespoon of olive oil for sauteing the onion and garlic and enhancing their flavor.

Liquid Smoke (Optional)

For a smoky flavor, use 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke. It will mimic the taste of wood-fired grilling. 

Red Pepper Flakes (Optional)

If you prefer spicy sauce, use ½ teaspoon of red pepper chili flakes. 

How To Make Apple Butter Barbecue Sauce with 5 Simple Steps?

Once you are ready with all the ingredients, you can start with the apple butter BBQ recipe.

Step 1

Start by heating the olive oil. Take a saucepan and heat the oil over a medium heat. Add the chopped onions and saute them until they become translucent in color. Then add minced garlic and cook for another minute. 

Step 2

Now pour in the apple butter, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, liquid smoke, and red pepper flakes. Mix everything well. 

Step 3

Let the mixture simmer gently. Keep the heat low and let it cook for 15 to 20 minutes. Meanwhile, stir the mixture occasionally until the sauce thickens.

Step 4

To get a smoother texture, blend the mixture and make a puree. This step is optional only if you prefer a smooth consistency in a sauce.

Step 5

Now, let the sauce cool down at room temperature. Then transfer it to a sterilized jar or an airtight container. You can store the sauce in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

How To Make Apple Butter?

To make your sweet barbecue sauce with apple butter, you will need apple butter. There is a guide to make it by yourself.

Step 1

First, gather the ingredients. You will need 4 cups of peeled, chopped apples. Then ½ cup water or apple juice, a pinch of salt, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. 

Step 2

Cook the apples with water. Add cinnamon to it. Keep it under low heat in a covered pot. Once the apple becomes soft, blend it, and make its puree.

Step 3

Cook the apple puree again, but this time covered on a low heat. Stir it often, for 1 to 2 hours, until it thickens and becomes deep brown. You can add some maple syrup or brown sugar if you want the apple butter to be sweeter.

Best Uses Of Apple Butter Barbecue Sauce

Here are some dishes that the apple BBQ sauce complements the most.

• Grilled or smoked ribs
• Pulled pork sandwiches 
• Burgers and sliders
• Grilled chicken or turkey
• Fries and nuggets
• Roasted vegetables 

Conclusion 

Apple butter barbecue sauce is not only flavorful but also super easy to prepare. For grilling, baking, and dipping, this sauce is a ten out of ten. It’s better to make the apple butter sauce on your own. Because this allows us to adjust the sweetness, tanginess, and spiciness. Even the apple butter is super easy to make. You just need apples, cinnamon, salt, and water.

For best results, store the apple butter BBQ sauce in jars. And for a longer period, freeze it. But it will be much better if you finish the sauce within 2 weeks. Because after freezing, you may not get the tempting taste that you got at first.

FAQ

What Does Apple Butter Do in Bbq Sauce?

The apple butter adds sweetness, richness, and a tangy flavor to BBQ sauce. It also gives a hint of apple flavor and improves the texture of the sauce.

Best Meats for Apple Butter Bbq Sauce?

Meats, like pork, chicken, ribs, and beef, go well with the apple butter BBQ sauce.

Can I Can or Preserve Apple Butter Barbecue Sauce?

Yes, you can preserve apple butter sauce in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. But if you want long-term preservation, simply freeze the sauce.