This Maple Peach Barbecue Sauce is a sweet and tangy delight! It mixes fresh peaches with rich maple syrup for a flavor that makes any grilled dish sing.
I love slathering it on chicken or ribs! Just remember, a little goes a long way—like the way I hug my fridge after making it! 😂
Making this sauce is super simple. Just blend the ingredients and simmer it on the stove. You’ll have a tasty boost for your summertime BBQ in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Fresh, ripe peaches are best for this recipe. If they’re out of season, you can use canned peaches (drained) or even frozen peaches. Just make sure to thaw them beforehand!
Maple Syrup: This adds that lovely sweetness. If you need a substitute, agave syrup or honey works, but it will alter the flavor. I personally love the distinct taste of maple syrup, so I’d stick with it when possible.
Ketchup: It provides a nice base for the sauce. If you want to make it healthier, you can use a low-sugar ketchup or even homemade tomato sauce. Just add a bit of sugar to balance the acidity.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds a tangy taste. White vinegar or lemon juice are great substitutes, though they might change the flavor a bit. I recommend starting with less if you switch to lemon juice since it can be more potent.
Dijon Mustard: This ingredient gives a slight heat. If you don’t have it, yellow mustard can work. If you prefer more spice, try spicy brown mustard instead. I find Dijon adds a nice depth, so it’s worth it if you can get it!
How Do I Make Sure My Sauce is Smooth?
To achieve a smooth sauce, the blending process is crucial. After cooking, let the sauce cool slightly before blending to avoid splatters. If you’re using an immersion blender, just pulse until you reach your desired consistency!
- For chunkier sauce: Blend less or skip blending entirely.
- If using a regular blender: Fill it only halfway to prevent overflow. Blend in batches if necessary.
After blending, simmer the sauce again to allow the flavors to meld nicely. Remember to taste and adjust seasoning before serving—it’s all about getting that flavor just right!
How to Make Maple Peach Barbecue Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup ripe peaches, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Maple Peach Barbecue Sauce takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook, giving a total of approximately 35 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for adding a tasty twist to your grilled dishes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Base Ingredients:
Start by taking a medium saucepan and placing it over medium heat. Add the diced peaches, maple syrup, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce into the pot. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed.
2. Simmer the Sauce:
Keep stirring the mixture occasionally as you bring it to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for about 10 minutes. You’ll want the peaches to soften and for the sauce to start thickening up a bit.
3. Add the Flavor Boosters:
Once the peaches are tender, remove the saucepan from the heat. Add in the Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, ground cinnamon, garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s fully combined.
4. Blend for Smoothness:
To get a smooth barbecue sauce, you can use an immersion blender right in the saucepan or carefully transfer the mixture to a regular blender. Blend until you reach your desired consistency. If you’d like some chunks, just blend it a little less or skip this step.
5. Final Simmer:
Return the blended sauce to the saucepan and simmer it for another 5 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on it and taste, adjusting the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
6. Cool and Store:
Let the sauce cool down before using it. Once cooled, store your homemade Maple Peach Barbecue Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to a week! Use it as a delectable marinade, glaze for grilled meats, or a tasty dipping sauce.
Can I Use Canned Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use canned peaches if fresh ones are not available! Just make sure to drain them well and reduce the amount of maple syrup slightly to balance the sweetness, since canned peaches can be syrupy.
How Can I Thicken the Sauce Further?
If you’d like a thicker sauce, try simmering it for a bit longer. Alternatively, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry and add it to the sauce, stirring until thickened.
Can I Make This Barbecue Sauce Vegan?
Absolutely! To make this sauce vegan, substitute the Worcestershire sauce with a vegan alternative and use tamari instead of soy sauce if gluten-free is needed. The flavor will still stay rich and delicious!
How to Store Leftovers Properly?
To store leftovers, let the sauce cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it in small portions for up to 3 months—just thaw it in the fridge overnight before use!
