Apple Butter Barbecue Sauce Recipe

Fall in love with this incredible Apple Butter Barbecue Sauce recipe! Inspired by a delightful find at an apple orchard, this recipe elevates classic BBQ to new heights. Using homemade or store-bought apple butter (like Smucker's), this sauce is perfect for ribs, chicken, or as a dipping condiment. Get ready for a burst of sweet and smoky flavor that will leave you craving more. This easy recipe comes together in just 20 minutes!

Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Calories 370.5 kcal
Protein 3g
Rating 3.5 (6 Reviews)
Apple Butter Barbecue Sauce

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Apple Butter Barbecue Sauce

  • 1 cup apple butter (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • Prepared Mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Liquid Smoke
  • Red Pepper Flakes
  • Kosher Salt
  • Fresh Ground Pepper
  • Onion
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • Garlic
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • Paprika

How to Make Apple Butter Barbecue Sauce

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine all ingredients.
  2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
  3. Reduce heat to low and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
  4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving or storing.
  5. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You may want to add more brown sugar for sweetness, apple cider vinegar for tang, or cayenne for heat.
  6. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Chef's secret: layers of flavor make a dish truly memorable! Consider what a little extra something could bring – perhaps a touch of acidity like a good vinegar or citrus zest, a hint of smokiness from paprika, a bit of umami from mushrooms or soy sauce, or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for texture. Experiment and taste as you go!

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

35 g

Sugar

321g

Fat

0g

Carbs

30g