Welcome to a flavor-packed adventure in my kitchen! Today, I am crafting a sauce that’s guaranteed to elevate your culinary creations—Bacon BBQ Sauce.
Imagine the savory goodness of bacon blending seamlessly with the smoky, tangy, and slightly sweet notes of classic BBQ sauce.
This combination creates a versatile condiment perfect for everything from grilling and roasting to simply adding a dash of excitement to your favorite dishes.
Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout or looking to spice up a weeknight dinner, this Bacon BBQ Sauce will be your new go-to for adding a burst of irresistible flavor.
Get ready to wow your friends and family with a sauce that’s as bold as it is delicious.
How To Make Bacon BBQ Sauce?
Preparation Times: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Course: Sauce
Cuisine: American
Yields: About 2 cups of sauce
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 6 slices of thick-cut bacon
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup bourbon (optional, for a smoky flavor)
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional, for extra smokiness)
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
Step-1: Cook the Bacon
Start by cooking the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until it’s crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the bacon fat in the skillet.
Step-2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet and cook until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
Step-3: Combine the Ingredients
In the same skillet, stir in the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, bourbon (if using), smoked paprika, chili powder, black pepper, salt, liquid smoke (if using), and cayenne pepper (if using).
Step-4: Simmer the Sauce
Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. If the sauce becomes too thick, add water as needed to reach your desired consistency.
Step-5: Add the Bacon
Chop the cooked bacon into small pieces and stir it into the sauce. Let the sauce cool slightly before serving or transferring it to an airtight container for storage in the refrigerator.
Nutrition Facts Of Bacon BBQ Sauce
| Nutrition | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Calories | 80 |
| Fat | 4g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5g |
| Cholesterol | 10mg |
| Sodium | 350mg |
| Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Sugars | 8g |
| Protein | 1g |
Serving Suggestions
This BBQ sauce is incredibly versatile. I love to serve it with grilled chicken, ribs, burgers, or even as a dipping sauce for fries and onion rings. It also makes a fantastic topping for pulled pork sandwiches.
Tips and Variations
❖ For a smoother sauce, blend it with an immersion blender before adding the bacon pieces.
❖ Adjust the sweetness or spiciness by adding more brown sugar or cayenne pepper, respectively.
❖ Add a smoky twist by using smoked bacon and increasing the liquid smoke.
❖ For a tangier flavor, increase the amount of apple cider vinegar slightly.
Special Note
Make sure the bacon pieces are finely chopped so that they evenly distribute throughout the sauce, ensuring you get a bit of bacon in every bite.
FAQS
How long can I store this Bacon BBQ Sauce?
You can store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Can I use this sauce as a marinade?
Yes, this BBQ sauce makes an excellent marinade for meats. Simply coat your meat of choice in the sauce and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least a few hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
What if I don’t have bourbon?
You can skip the bourbon or substitute it with a bit of smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a similar smoky flavor.
Can I use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon?
Yes, you can substitute turkey bacon for pork bacon if you prefer. Keep in mind that turkey bacon may produce less fat, so you might need to add a little bit of oil when sautéing the onions and garlic.
What can I use instead of bourbon?
If you prefer not to use bourbon, you can substitute it with apple juice for a non-alcoholic option. Alternatively, you can simply omit the bourbon and add a bit more liquid smoke for a smoky flavor.
Conclusion
This bacon BBQ sauce is a flavorful addition to any meal, and I hope you enjoy making and savoring it as much as I do.
The combination of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser every time. Give it a try and watch it become a favorite in your kitchen.
Bacon BBQ Sauce
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 6 slices of thick-cut bacon
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup bourbon optional, for a smoky flavor
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke optional, for extra smokiness
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for heat
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Start by cooking the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until it’s crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the bacon fat in the skillet.
- Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet and cook until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- In the same skillet, stir in the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, bourbon (if using), smoked paprika, chili powder, black pepper, salt, liquid smoke (if using), and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. If the sauce becomes too thick, add water as needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Chop the cooked bacon into small pieces and stir it into the sauce. Let the sauce cool slightly before serving or transferring it to an airtight container for storage in the refrigerator.
Notes
Welcome to Arora’s Sauce Recipe, where every drop tells a story of tradition, innovation, and a boundless love for culinary arts. My name is Brazen, and I am the founder and chief sauce creator at Arora’s Kitchen. Born into a family with a rich heritage of culinary arts, I grew up surrounded by the aromas of spices and the sounds of simmering pots, which ignited my passion for cooking from a young age.
Inspired by generations of culinary expertise, I embarked on a professional quest to capture these fleeting aromas and flavors in bottles of sauce that could bring a gourmet experience to every meal.
As the founder of Arora’s Sauce Recipe, my mission is to inspire your culinary adventures with the finest sauces. Whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook, our sauces are crafted to elevate your cooking with every spoonful.
Thank you for choosing Arora’s Sauce Recipe. Here’s to a journey filled with flavor, passion, and unforgettable meals.