Blueberry BBQ Sauce Recipe

This homemade Blueberry BBQ Sauce is a delicious and unexpected twist on traditional barbecue sauce. With its sweet and tangy flavor, this unique condiment adds a burst of fruity goodness to your favorite grilled meats and vegetables.

This Blueberry BBQ Sauce Recipe was originally featured in my Dr. Pepper Chicken Wing Recipe. This blueberry sauce was incredible on chicken wings, but since I first made it, I've tried it on pulled pork and burgers, and it's been delicious on those too!

Blueberry BBQ Sauce

So a few years back I traveled to Maine on a little road trip. The people were so friendly and the food was amazing. A lot of their shops and stores had blueberry jams (both sweet and spicy) and other blueberry forward items. It's kind of their thing.

One of the bars we went into had Blueberry Chicken Wings on the menu. Ordered...destroyed...and wanted more. That is when I knew I had to make some of my own bbq sauce with blueberries at home. Then of course I had to smoke some wings and toss them in there. Success.

Recipe Rundown

Blueberry BBQ Sauce Ingredients

Blueberries: I opted for fresh blueberries but you can definitely use frozen as well.

Ketchup: This makes up the tomato base of the bbq sauce. I used regular but a low sugar one would work as well.

Apple Cider Vinegar: Using apple cider vinegar provides some acidity and little bit of tang to the sauce and compliments the smokiness of BBQ foods. If you only have white vinegar- that will work fine, too. It may just have a little bit different of a taste.

Brown Sugar: I love brown sugar as the sweetening agent in this bbq sauce recipe. I used light brown but dark would work, too. Alternatively you can use honey.

Molasses: I added a little bit of molasses for some depth to the sauce. It is sweet, super flavorful, and has notes of dried fruits so I thought it would pair perfectly.

Chili Powder: The chili powder gives a hint of smokiness and heat which balance the sweetness of the blueberries.

Black pepper: Just a dash will do for some added flavor.

Water: I wanted to consistency of this bbq sauce to be a little thinner so added some water.

Cayenne Pepper: This is optional but cayenne pepper adds some heat and really pairs nicely with the sweetness of the fresh berries.

How to Make Blueberry Bbq Sauce

This homemade barbecue sauce is really easy to make. In total, it should only take about twenty minutes to make. You'll want to let it chill before you use it. I was shocked by how well the flavors melded together when I first tried it!

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

Combine all of the ingredients in a saucepan.

Step 2: Heat

Stir everything until well combined and heat up over high heat.

Step 3: Simmer

Once the sauce has started to boil reduce the heat and simmer for about ten minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent burning. When you first start stirring the blueberries will hold their shape, but once they warm up they will mush down, and all that will remain is some of the skin.

I was worried about all the pulp when I started, but you don't even notice it when you're done. After a few minutes of simmering the sauce will thicken up considerably.  Pour the sauce into a mason jar and set aside.

I let the sauce cool for about 15 minutes before I put the lid on the jar refrigerated it.

Watch Me Make This Blueberry BBQ Sauce

A Fun Take on Traditional Barbecue Sauce

I was pleasantly surprised by how delicious this sauce turned out. It is definitely a little sweeter than traditional barbecue sauces I've tried or made, but it's not too sweet. This blueberry bbq sauce goes well on beef, pork, and chicken. I encourage you to give it a try the next time you have fresh blueberries, or you are looking for a unique sauce to add to your barbecue!

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Blueberry BBQ Sauce

This Blueberry BBQ Sauce Recipe was originally featured in my Dr. Pepper Chicken Wing Recipe. This blueberry sauce was incredible on chicken wings, but since I first made it, I've tried it on pulled pork and burgers, and it's been delicious on those too! This homemade barbecue sauce is really easy to make. In total, it should only take about twenty minutes to make. You'll want to let it chill before you use it. I was shocked by how well the flavors melded together when I first tried it!

Cuisine Barbecue

Keyword barbecue sauce, bbq, blueberries, sauce

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes minutes

Total Time 20 minutes minutes

Servings 6 servings

Author Nick

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
• ⅜ cup ketchup
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ½ tablespoon molasses
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup water
• ½ teaspoon cayenne optional

Instructions

• In a medium saucepan combine all of the ingredients, adding the water last.
• Stir all of the ingredients together over high heat.
• Once the sauce has started to boil reduce the heat and simmer for about ten minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent burning.
• After a few minutes of simmering the sauce will thicken up considerably.
• Pour the sauce into a mason jar and set aside.
• I let the sauce cool for about 15 minutes before I put the lid on the jar and refrigerated it.