Cherry-Chipotle BBQ Sauce

Cherry-Chipotle BBQ Sauce

Cherry-Chipotle BBQ Sauce is a delicious blend of sweet and spicy flavors that can elevate your grilled dishes. Whether you are hosting a summer BBQ or just want to spice up your weeknight dinner, this sauce brings a unique twist to traditional BBQ. It’s easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste.

Why Make This Recipe

Making your own BBQ sauce allows you to control the ingredients and flavors. You can adjust the sweetness or spiciness based on what you like. This Cherry-Chipotle BBQ Sauce is perfect for those who enjoy a little kick with their sweetness. Plus, it’s a great way to use fresh cherries if they are in season!

How to Make Cherry-Chipotle BBQ Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cherry preserves or fresh pitted cherries
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Combine cherry preserves (or fresh cherries), ketchup, apple cider vinegar, chopped chipotle peppers, and brown sugar in a saucepan.
2. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently.
3. Add Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the pan.
4. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together, stirring occasionally.
5. If you prefer a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender or transfer the sauce to a blender and puree it.
6. Allow the sauce to cool before transferring it to a jar.
7. Refrigerate the sauce for up to 2 weeks.

How to Serve Cherry-Chipotle BBQ Sauce

This BBQ sauce is perfect for topping grilled meats like chicken, ribs, or burgers. It also works great as a dipping sauce for fries, onion rings, and chicken nuggets. Drizzle it over your favorite dishes to add a sweet and spicy kick!

How to Store Cherry-Chipotle BBQ Sauce

To store the sauce, transfer it to an airtight jar or container and keep it in the refrigerator. It can last up to 2 weeks if stored properly. Make sure to give it a good stir before using it again, as some separation may occur.

Tips to Make Cherry-Chipotle BBQ Sauce

• Feel free to adjust the amount of chipotle peppers if you want more or less heat.
• If using fresh cherries, make sure to pit them before adding them to the mix.
• You can add more brown sugar if you prefer a sweeter sauce.

Variation

You can try adding different fruits like peaches or mangoes for a fruity twist. Using different types of vinegar, such as balsamic vinegar, can also change the flavor profile of your sauce.

FAQs

Q: Can I freeze the Cherry-Chipotle BBQ Sauce?
A: Yes, you can freeze it. Just store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Q: Is it possible to make this BBQ sauce without chipotle peppers?
A: Absolutely! You can leave them out or use smoked paprika for a different kind of flavor.

Q: How can I make this sauce less sweet?
A: You can reduce the amount of cherry preserves or add a bit of additional apple cider vinegar to balance it out.

Enjoy your homemade Cherry-Chipotle BBQ Sauce and let your culinary creativity shine!