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Peach BBQ Sauce Recipe

Peach BBQ Sauce

iamwinfred
This Peach BBQ Sauce recipe turns a handful of ripe summer peaches into a sweet, tangy, smoky sauce that beats anything you'll find in a bottle at the store. It comes together in one saucepan in about thirty five minutes, and it tastes like a cross between classic barbecue sauce and homemade peach preserves.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Condiment
Cuisine American
Servings 10 servings
Calories 55 kcal

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan or enameled Dutch oven
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Immersion blender or countertop blender optional, for smooth texture
  • Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Glass mason jars or airtight containers for storage
  • Fine-mesh strainer optional, for ultra smooth sauce

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large ripe peaches about 3 cups or 680g, peeled, pitted, and chopped
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/2 cup yellow onion about 75g, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar 80ml
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar packed, about 70g
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard or Dijon
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for heat
  • 1/4 cup water plus more as needed to thin the sauce

Instructions
 

  • Prep the peaches by scoring the bottoms, boiling for 30-45 seconds, shocking in ice water, then peeling and chopping into chunks.
  • Melt butter over medium heat, then saute onion for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add chopped peaches and cook for 5 minutes until soft and juicy, mashing larger chunks against the pan.
  • Stir in ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire, mustard, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, pepper, cayenne (if using), and water until combined.
  • Bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes until thickened and peaches break down, stirring often.
  • Remove from heat, cool 5 minutes, then puree with an immersion blender (or transfer to a countertop blender). Strain for ultra smooth texture if desired.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning, then cool completely before storing in jars or airtight containers in the refrigerator.

Notes

  • Use the ripest peaches you can find—slightly soft, fragrant peaches break down faster and taste sweeter than firm ones.
  • If your peaches aren't very sweet, add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar to balance things out.
  • Stir the sauce often while it simmers, since the sugar content makes it prone to sticking and scorching.
  • If the sauce is too thin after simmering, let it cook a few extra minutes uncovered to reduce further.
  • If it's too thick, whisk in a tablespoon of water at a time until it reaches the consistency you want.
  • Flavors mellow and blend together once the sauce has chilled overnight, so taste before storing and adjust accordingly.
  • Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Thaw frozen sauce overnight in the refrigerator before using.
  • For a spicy version, double the cayenne and add a chopped jalapeño when sautéing the onions.
  • For a bourbon twist, replace the water with two tablespoons of bourbon for a deeper, boozy flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 2tablespoonsCalories: 55kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 0.5gFat: 0.5gSaturated Fat: 0.3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 210mgPotassium: 95mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 4IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 1mgIron: 2mg
Keyword grilling sauce, homemade barbecue sauce, peach bbq sauce, summer peaches
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