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Smoky Homemade Apple Butter BBQ Sauce

This sauce combines the warm sweetness of apple butter with the tang of classic BBQ, perfect for grilled meats or as a dipping sauce.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Condiment, Sauce
Cuisine: American
Calories: 104
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Sauce Ingredients
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 3/4 cup apple butter (homemade or store-bought) Choose smooth apple butter with a rich flavor.
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar Can substitute with white vinegar or rice vinegar.
  • 1/4 cup water Helps to blend the sauce smoothly.
  • 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar Can be substituted with honey or maple syrup.
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce Soy sauce can be used as a substitute.
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard Dijon mustard can be used for a stronger flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika Sweet paprika can be a substitute with liquid smoke for extra smokiness.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • pinch cayenne pepper (optional, for heat) Omit for a milder sauce.
  • Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste Taste before adding, as ketchup and Worcestershire contain salt.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Add the ketchup, apple butter, apple cider vinegar, water, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and optional cayenne to a medium saucepan. Whisk until smooth and even, setting aside salt and pepper for later.
Cooking
  1. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally as the sauce warms and lower the heat as needed to maintain a gentle simmer once small bubbles appear.
  2. Cook on low heat for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is slightly thicker and the flavors meld.
Final Adjustments
  1. Remove from heat and taste the sauce. Adjust with kosher salt, black pepper, or additional apple cider vinegar for brightness.
Storage
  1. Use the sauce immediately, or cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Stir well before serving.

Notes

For the best flavor, use smooth apple butter and adjust sweetness/tanginess based on your apple butter's taste. Careful not to overheat while cooking to prevent spattering and sticking.