Bacon BBQ Sauce
Bacon BBQ Sauce combines the smoky, savory flavor of bacon with the tangy, sweet notes of traditional BBQ sauce. This versatile condiment enhances grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and even fries, adding a rich, irresistible depth to any dish. Perfect for cookouts or everyday meals, it's a bold and delicious addition to your culinary repertoire.
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
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.