Maple Peach Barbecue Sauce

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Peach Preserves: This is the star of your sauce, adding a sweet and fruity flavor. If you can’t find peach preserves, try apricot or orange marmalade for a similar vibe.

Pure Maple Syrup: It brings rich sweetness and depth. If you’re looking for a substitute, honey or agave syrup can work, though they may change the taste a bit.

Apple Cider Vinegar: This ingredient adds acidity to balance the sweetness. If you don’t have it, white vinegar or lemon juice can be used, but adjust the quantity to taste.

Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy kick to the sauce. If you prefer a milder flavor, yellow mustard is a great alternative. Just keep in mind it’s a little less sharp.

Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika deepen the flavor. For added heat, cayenne is a great option, but you can skip it if you prefer a milder sauce or substitute with black pepper.

How Do I Get My Barbecue Sauce to Thicken Just Right?

Thickening your barbecue sauce is vital for that sticky, hearty texture. Here’s how to ensure success:

• Simmer the sauce gently for 10-15 minutes on medium heat. This helps evaporate excess liquid.
• Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
• If the sauce isn’t thickening to your liking, you can simmer it longer or add a bit of cornstarch mixed with water to speed things up.

Let the sauce cool before using. It will also thicken a bit as it cools down, so don’t worry if it looks slightly thinner while hot!

How to Make Maple Peach Barbecue Sauce

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1 cup peach preserves
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delicious Maple Peach Barbecue Sauce takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare on the stove, plus a little time to cool down afterward. In total, give yourself about half an hour, and you’re ready to enjoy your flavorful sauce with grilled meats!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Combine the Base Ingredients:

In a medium saucepan, start by adding the peach preserves, pure maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Mix everything together where the flavors start to blend and become delicious.

2. Heat and Bubble:

Put the saucepan on medium heat. Stir the mixture regularly until it starts to bubble gently. This step ensures all the ingredients marry together beautifully!

3. Spice It Up:

Once your mixture is bubbling, it’s time to add some flavor! Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if you’d like a bit of heat). Don’t forget to add salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine, and make that sauce sing!

4. Simmer to Thicken:

Let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally and keep an eye on it as it thickens slightly. You’ll know it’s ready when it clings to the back of your spoon.

5. Cool and Store:

Once the sauce has thickened, remove it from heat and let it cool down. After it’s cooled, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to a week.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

For the best flavor, brush this Maple Peach Barbecue Sauce onto your grilled or baked meats during the last few minutes of cooking. Enjoy the sweet and tangy taste of summer in every bite!

Can I Use Another Type of Preserves Instead of Peach?

Absolutely! You can substitute peach preserves with apricot or mango preserves for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that this may slightly alter the taste of your sauce, but it will still be delicious!

How Can I Make This Sauce Spicier?

If you want to add more heat, you can increase the cayenne pepper beyond 1/4 teaspoon or add a dash of hot sauce to the mixture. Just start with a little and taste as you go to get your desired spice level.

Can I Make This Sauce Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can make the Maple Peach Barbecue Sauce ahead of time! It can be made up to a week in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and give it a good stir or warm it slightly before using.

What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Sauce?

Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it in ice cube trays and transfer the frozen cubes to a resealable bag for up to 3 months. Just thaw and use when needed!