Cherry BBQ Sauce

Cherry BBQ Sauce presents an intriguing culinary twist on the traditional barbecue accompaniment.

By infusing the robust, smoky flavors of classic barbecue sauce with the unexpected sweetness and tartness of fresh cherries, this sauce offers a delectable balance that elevates it from mere condiment to the highlight of any grilled dish.

Its rich, deep red hue and thick, velvety texture not only add a visual appeal to dishes but also promise a burst of flavor that can transform everyday barbecued meats, vegetables, and even vegan alternatives into gourmet creations.

Ideal for those who appreciate a blend of bold and nuanced tastes, this BBQ sauce is a versatile addition to the culinary repertoire of chefs and home cooks alike, promising to inspire new dishes and become a staple at many a barbecue feast.

How To Make Cherry BBQ Sauce?

Preparation Times: 10 minutes

Cooking Times: 25 minutes

Course: Condiment

Cuisine: American

Yields: About 2 cups

Equipment Needed

• Medium saucepan
• Wooden spoon
• Blender (optional for smoothing)
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh or frozen dark sweet cherries, pitted and coarsely chopped
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)

Instructions

Step-1. Preparation of Ingredients

Start by heating the olive oil or butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once heated, sauté the finely chopped onion and minced garlic until they become translucent and aromatic.

Step-2. Incorporate Cherries

Add the chopped dark sweet cherries to the saucepan, stirring frequently until the cherries start to break down and release their juices, approximately 5 minutes.

Step-3. Combine Remaining Ingredients

To the cherry mixture, blend in ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and honey. Stir thoroughly to ensure the ingredients are well mixed.

Step-4. Season the Sauce

Sprinkle smoked paprika, ground mustard, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using) into the sauce. Mix these spices well into the sauce base to distribute flavors evenly.

Step-5. Simmer to Thicken

Reduce the heat to low and allow the sauce to simmer gently. Stir occasionally, and let it cook for about 20 minutes, or until the sauce reaches a thick, rich consistency.

Step-6. Final Adjustments

Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, and additional spices if needed. For a thinner consistency, a bit of water can be added.

Step-7. Blend for Smoothness (Optional)

For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to puree the sauce right in the pan until it reaches your desired smoothness. Alternatively, carefully transfer to a blender, puree, and then return to the pan.

Nutrition Facts Of Cherry BBQ Sauce

Serving Suggestions

❖ Serve this BBQ sauce with grilled meats, as a unique dip for appetizers, or as a flavorful spread on sandwiches.

❖ It’s particularly delicious with pork ribs, grilled chicken, or even as a topping for veggie burgers.

Tips and Variations

☆ If using frozen cherries, ensure they are thawed and drained to remove excess moisture.

☆ For a spicier kick, increase the amount of cayenne pepper.

☆ Substitute apple cider vinegar with balsamic vinegar for a deeper flavor profile.

Special Note

For a more complex flavor, you might try adding a splash of bourbon or swapping the apple cider vinegar with balsamic vinegar.

FAQS

Conclusion

In addition to adding flavor to your food, making your own BBQ sauce at home gives you complete control over the ingredients, making it a healthier alternative to store-bought sauces.

The diversity and delight that homemade sauces can offer to your meal are exemplified by this Cherry BBQ Sauce. Enjoy making this sauce, but even more, enjoy what’s on your plate when it’s excellent.

Cherry BBQ Sauce

Cherry BBQ Sauce blends sweet cherries and tangy spices for a unique, flavorful twist on traditional barbecue sauces.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Condiment

Cuisine American

Servings 2

Calories 140 kcal

Equipment

• Medium saucepan
• Wooden spoon
• Blender (optional for smoothing)
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups fresh or frozen dark sweet cherries pitted and coarsely chopped
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 small onion finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional for extra heat

Instructions

 

• Start by heating the olive oil or butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once heated, sauté the finely chopped onion and minced garlic until they become translucent and aromatic.
• Add the chopped dark sweet cherries to the saucepan, stirring frequently until the cherries start to break down and release their juices, approximately 5 minutes.
• To the cherry mixture, blend in ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and honey. Stir thoroughly to ensure the ingredients are well mixed.
• Sprinkle smoked paprika, ground mustard, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using) into the sauce. Mix these spices well into the sauce base to distribute flavors evenly.
• Reduce the heat to low and allow the sauce to simmer gently. Stir occasionally, and let it cook for about 20 minutes, or until the sauce reaches a thick, rich consistency.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, and additional spices if needed. For a thinner consistency, a bit of water can be added.
• For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to puree the sauce right in the pan until it reaches your desired smoothness. Alternatively, carefully transfer to a blender, puree, and then return to the pan.

Notes

For a more complex flavor, you might try adding a splash of bourbon or swapping the apple cider vinegar with balsamic vinegar.

Keyword Cherry BBQ Sauce

Brazen

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.