Cherry Chipotle BBQ Sauce
Fire up your grill and get ready for a BBQ sauce that is unlike any other. This Cherry Chipotle BBQ Sauce brings the perfect balance of sweet cherries, smoky chipotle heat, and classic BBQ depth. It’s a bold sauce that’ll have your guests asking what’s in it – and coming back for seconds!
I created this Cherry Chipotle BBQ Sauce because I wanted something bold, something that stood out from the usual lineup. Fruity, smoky, and packing real heat, this sauce hits all the right notes.
As the cherries simmer down, they naturally thicken the sauce into a sticky glaze that clings beautifully to ribs, wings, and anything off the grill. A touch of honey and soy sauce adds balance, while the chipotle and spices bring the fire.
This cherry BBQ sauce is a game-changer. It’s unique, addictive, and ready to take your next cookout up a notch.
Check out our list of Top BBQ Sauce Recipes for more fun flavors!
Why This Process Works
- Sweet Heat: The combination of fresh cherries and chipotle creates a complex flavor profile that hits different parts of your palate. The natural sweetness of cherries mellows out the intense heat of chipotles, while still letting that signature smoky flavor shine through.
- Pairs with BBQ: The careful balance of honey, sugar, and soy sauce builds a rich base that clings perfectly to your meat. The sugars caramelize during cooking, creating those coveted charred bits on your grilled foods.
- Simple Preparation: Making homemade sauce for BBQ is actually quite simple. You will never go back to the store-bought options again!
Key Ingredients
- Cherries — Frozen or fresh cherries both work well here.
- Chipotles in Adobo — These smoked chipotle peppers add heat and smoke to the sauce.
- Honey & White Sugar — Use wildflower honey if you have it, or you can use agave syrup. The combo of honey and sugar will balance out all the flavors.
- Soy Sauce — For a kick of umami flavor.
- Garlic Powder & Powdered Ginger — For warmth and aroma.
- Salt — Add to taste, but don’t add too much since the soy sauce has salt, too!
- Apple Cider Vinegar — Brightens and balances all flavors.
Substitutions or Variations for Flavor
- Berries: This recipe works with most berries, specifically blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and cranberries. Cooking times will vary, just make sure the berries are quite soft and have released their liquid while simmering!
- Honey: Replace honey with maple syrup for a deeper sweetness with a slightly different flavor.
- Alcohol: Add bourbon or whiskey (about 2 tablespoons) for extra depth of flavor.
- Ginger: Fresh ginger will give this recipe an extra punch, make sure to grate it before adding it in.
How to Make Cherry Chipotle BBQ Sauce
- Simmer & Blend. Place all of the ingredients except the vinegar into a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once it just boils, lower the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 20-25 minutes, stirring on occasion to prevent burning. The berries will break down and completely soften, releasing liquid into the pan. Allow it to cool slightly, and puree the sauce in blender until completely smooth. Stir in the vinegar, taste and adjust if needed.
- Strain. (Optional) Pass the sauce through a strainer to remove any pulp, creating a silky smooth BBQ sauce.
Top Tips
- Straining the sauce is highly recommended for most uses, as it will be extremely smooth and easier to use in most applications.
- Add a little water to the blender as needed. Depending on the amount of liquid released from the cherries, it may require a little help to blend smoothly.
- For less heat, start with just one chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, and work your way up if you need more.
Pairings, Side Dishes, Complimentary Recipes
This cherry barbecue sauce works its magic across a range of smoked and grilled meats. It’s perfect to douse over smoked party ribs and beef back ribs, where it can form a glossy bark during the last hour of cooking. For an easy weeknight option, brush it on country style ribs and grilled corn ribs. It also turns classic chicken wings into sticky, flavorful crowd-pleasers, and adds depth to standards like pork chops, brisket, and pulled pork sandwiches!
For sides, contrast is key. Pair your meats with tangy blue cheese coleslaw or a crisp fennel apple slaw. Cranberry jalapeño poppers make the perfect appetizer that plays off the sauce’s sweet-heat profile. Round out the spread with classics like mac and cheese, potato salad, or grilled zucchini skewers – and don’t forget to brush some sauce on grilled corn for an extra flavor boost!
Frequently Asked Questions
Cherry chipotle BBQ sauce is a sweet, smoky, and spicy blend. The cherries bring a rich fruitiness, while the chipotle adds a deep, smoky heat. The added ginger and soy bring a savory spice that takes it to the next level. It’s bold, balanced, and perfect for glazing meats or dipping.
It has a medium level of heat, thanks to the chipotle peppers. Adjust the chipotles up or down to taste, depending on your heat tolerance!
It can be. Just make sure to use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Always check your labels to be sure.
This sauce pairs perfectly with pork ribs, grilled chicken, turkey, brisket, and even meatballs or burgers. It’s also a great dip for grilled sausages or used as a glaze for wings.
You can, but it will change the flavor and sweetness. If using preserves, reduce the amount of added sugar or honey, and be aware that it may not have the same natural texture.
More Sauce Recipes to Try
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Cherry Chipotle BBQ Sauce
Fire up your grill and get ready for a BBQ sauce that is unlike any other. This Cherry Chipotle BBQ Sauce brings the perfect balance of sweet cherries, smoky chipotle heat, and classic BBQ depth. It’s a bold sauce that’ll have your guests asking what’s in it – and coming back for seconds!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 2 cups
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries
- 2 tablespoons diced chipotles in adobo
- 3 tablespoons wildflower honey or agave
- 3 tablespoons white sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon powdered ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Place all of the ingredients except the vinegar into a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once it just boils, lower the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 20-25 minutes, stirring on occasion to prevent burning. The berries will break down and completely soften, releasing liquid into the pan. Allow it to cool slightly, and puree the sauce in blender until completely smooth. Stir in the vinegar, taste and adjust if needed.
- (Optional) Pass the sauce through a strainer to remove any pulp, creating a silky smooth BBQ sauce.
Notes
- Straining the sauce is highly recommended for most uses, as it will be extremely smooth and easier to use in most applications.
- Add a little water to the blender as needed. Depending on the amount of liquid released from the cherries, it may require a little help to blend smoothly.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Sauces & Salsas
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: BBQ Sauce
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 49
- Sugar: 10.6 g
- Sodium: 124.4 mg
- Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 11.8 g
- Protein: 0.5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
