There's something magical about fruit-based barbecue sauces that brings a perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors to your favorite meats.
This homemade peach barbecue sauce recipe is not only incredibly easy to make but also delivers in flavor! You can use it as a marinade, a finishing sauce, or just like you would any traditional bbq sauce.
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Using just a few simple ingredients and about 15 minutes of cooking time, you'll create a zesty sauce that pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, pulled pork, pulled ham or even grilled fish.
Suggested Kitchen Tools for Peach BBQ Sauce
- Medium saucepan
- Measuring spoons
- Blender or food processor (or immersion blender)
- Wooden spoon for stirring
Ingredients & Substitutions
This Peach BBQ sauce can be made with just a few simple ingredients and a few spices. You have complete control over all of the ingredients which is why I love making sauces from scratch!
Peaches
- Used in this Recipe: One 15 oz can drained peaches + one 15 oz can undrained peaches (with natural juice)
- What it does in this recipe: Provides the sweet base and peachy flavor for the sauce
- Substitutions: Fresh peaches can be substituted, but you will need to cook them longer and I recommend adding a little white or brown sugar (sugar substitute is fine) to get the level of sweetness you like. Canned peaches in syrup will make a sweeter bbq sauce
Seasonings
- Used in this Recipe: sea salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and chipotle powder
- What it does in this recipe: Creates the bbq flavor and balances sweetness
- Substitutions:
- Kosher salt can be used, but if you use table salt cut the amount down to ¾ teaspoon.
- You can omit the black pepper or use white pepper if preferred.
- Fresh onion, finely chopped and/or fresh minced garlic can be used instead of the powder form. You would want to use about ¼ cup of finely diced onion and 1-2 cloves of minced garlic.
- The cinnamon and nutmeg bring balance to the bbq sauce I don't recommend skipping them or replacing them. You could use cardamom instead of nutmeg for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Chipotle brings a smokiness and spicy heat to the bbq sauce and can be increased, decreased, or omitted.
Vinegar
- Used in this Recipe: Apple cider vinegar
- What it does in this recipe: Provides acidity to balance sweetness
- Substitutions: White vinegar or white wine vinegar (avoid balsamic or red wine vinegar)
Bourbon
- Used in this Recipe: Kentucky bourbon
- What it does in this recipe: Adds depth and complexity to the sauce
- Substitutions: Water or additional peach juice can be used instead. You can also omit it and not replace it with anything for a slightly thicker sauce.
How to Make Homemade Peach BBQ Sauce
Mise En Place (prep for recipe)
- Drain one can of peaches and leave the juice with the second can.
- You can freeze the drained juice or use it to baste meat with if you are grilling or smoking.
- Measure out the remaining ingredients and have them ready.
Combine the Ingredients
- In a medium size (at least 3 quarts), combine the peaches with the juice from ONE CAN (using more juice can make the sauce too thin unless you omit the bourbon).
- Add the spice blend
- Add the vinegar
- Add the bourbon
Stir to combine.
Simmer the Sauce
- Place the uncovered saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat to a simmer and let cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce begins to reduce and become slightly syrupy.
- If you are using fresh peaches, you will want to simmer for about 30 minutes or until the peaches are soft.
- Remove from heat and allow the sauce to cool slightly.
Quick Tip
The sauce will thicken as it cools
Blend the Sauce
- Transfer the cooled mixture to a blender and pulse blend 3-4 times for a slightly chunky texture. For a smoother sauce, blend longer.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Add light brown sugar if you prefer a sweeter bbq sauce.
- Transfer to jars or an airtight container for storage.
- Refrigerate the sauce if you aren't using it within a few hours.
Quick Tip:
For best flavor, allow the sauce to come to room temperature before serving if refrigerated.
Ways to use Peach BBQ Sauce
This sauce is delicious as a topping for pulled pork or pulled ham sandwiches.
It is also delicious used as a grilling sauce for chicken or fish.
Beyond the traditional pairings with chicken, fish, pork, and ham, here are five unique and delicious ways to use your homemade peach BBQ sauce:
- Grilled Vegetable Glaze - Brush on thick slices of eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, or portobello mushrooms before grilling for a sweet and smoky flavor boost.
- Pizza Base - Use as an alternative to tomato sauce for a gourmet BBQ pizza, topped with caramelized onions, goat cheese, and arugula.
- Burger Topping - Elevate beef, turkey, or plant-based burgers with a dollop of peach BBQ sauce instead of ketchup for a fruity twist.
- Baked Bean Mix-In - Stir a few tablespoons into homemade or canned baked beans for extra depth and peachy sweetness.
- Grilled Cheese Companion - Spread a thin layer inside a grilled cheese sandwich with sharp cheddar or gouda for a sweet-savory combination that transforms this simple comfort food.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
How to Store Leftover Peach BBQ Sauce
- Store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- This sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers.
Quick Tip
Serve the Peach BBQ sauce at room temp or you can warm it up on the stove in a saucepan over low heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Fresh ripe peaches work wonderfully in this recipe. You'll need about 4-5 medium peaches, peeled and chopped. Add about ½ cup of water or peach juice to compensate for the missing liquid from the canned peaches.
You can also use frozen peaches in place of the canned peaches and add ¼ cup of water.
Yes, absolutely. You can make as much or as little peach bbq sauce as you like by adjusting all the ingredients accordingly.
The recipe as written has a little kick from the chipotle pepper. For a milder version, reduce the amount to just a pinch or omit entirely. For more heat, increase the amount gradually to suit your taste.
Homemade Sauce Recipes
Whether you are making bbq sauces, salad dressings, marinades, or other saucy condiments, you will not go wrong with these tested recipes!
Peach BBQ Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
Seasoning Blend
- 1 teaspoon fine grind sea salt or kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon chipotle powder optional
BBQ Sauce Ingredients
- 30 ounces peaches, canned in juice
- 1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup bourbon optional (use water or extra peach juice if omitting)
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Instructions
Prep for Recipe
- Drain one can of peaches and discard the juice. Leave the juice in the second can.30 ounces peaches, canned in juice
- MIx the spice blend in a small bowl.1 teaspoon fine grind sea salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon chipotle powder
Peach BBQ Sauce
- Combine the peaches, spice blend, and remaining ingredients in a medium size saucepan (at least 3 quarts).1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar, ½ cup bourbon
- Heat over medium high heat, stirring occasionally until the sauce comes to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium low and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes. Stir occasionally. When the sauce begins to thicken into a syrupy consistency and the peaches break apart easily, the sauce is done.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the sauce to cool for about 10. minutes. Use a regular blender or an immersion blender to blend the sauce into the consistency you like. Just a few pulses will give you a chunky sauce or you can blend longer for a smooth sauce.
- Store in an airtight container and refrigerate until use. This sauce is best served at room temperature or slightly warm, so make sure to remove it from the fridge about an hour before serving.
Notes
How to Store Leftover Peach BBQ Sauce
- Store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- This sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers.
Nutrition
About the Recipe Author, Louise Long
Louise is a full-time recipe creator and food blogger @ The Salted Pepper. She has over 30 years of experience with cooking and recipe development. She owned a restaurant for several years and was a full-time RN until retiring to blog full-time.
She published her first cookbook in the Fall of 2018 and is very interested in writing several more.
Louise is also the creator of an online Ninja Foodi Pressure Cooking Course with over 100 instructional step-by-step videos. People absolutely rave about the course and all the value they have received from it.
Louise has several very active Facebook groups that help people with the basics of cooking and learning more about the appliances they love.
Ninja Foodi Pressure Cooker & Air Crisper 101
Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill & Smoker
Louise is also a YouTube creator and you can find most of her recipes in video format on The Salted Pepper YouTube channel.
She is very responsive to messages and eager to help in any way she can. Get more Information about Louise & contact information
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Susan
I still have the hot and cold blender. Would you just put everything in and cook and blend it in that?
Louise
You certainly can do that! If you want the sauce with a little texture, consider just using the heating function and then pulse blend. If you want a smooth sauce, use the dip function.