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This cherry chipotle BBQ sauce is the perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and spicy. If you’re looking for a cherry BBQ sauce that delivers bold flavor and serious depth, this is it!
I’ve been wanting to create a cherry BBQ sauce for a while now, and I’m so excited to finally share this one with you. This BBQ sauce is absolutely amazing, it’s packed with sweet notes of cherries and just the right kick of smoky chipotle. It’s the ultimate sweet and savory BBQ sauce that you’ll want to slather on everything!
It’s fantastic on chicken, pulled pork, burgers, or even roasted veggies. We especially love it in our slow cooker BBQ chicken, air fryer BBQ chicken, and drizzled over our BBQ chicken salad. The richness and depth of this sauce make it a total standout. You’ve got to give this one a try!
If you can’t get enough of the bold BBQ flavors, don’t forget to check out our smoky BBQ sauce, another must-make!
Why You Will Love This Cherry BBQ Sauce
- Perfectly Balanced: It’s the ideal mix of sweet, smoky, and savory, with just the right amount of tang.
- Easy to Make: This homemade barbecue sauce comes together quickly with simple ingredients.
- Cherry Flavor: The cherries add a bright, tangy flavor and a subtle sweetness that make this sauce incredibly delicious.
- Versatile: It’s delicious on chicken, pork, burgers, or as a dip.
Ingredients Needed
- Tomato Sauce: The rich and savory base that ties the sauce together.
- Cherries: Pitted fresh or frozen cherries add sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Sweetener: Sweeten with brown sugar or a brown sugar substitute for a sugar-free version.
- Red Wine Vinegar: Adds just the right amount of tang to balance the sweetness.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Brings a savory, umami richness to the BBQ sauce.
- Chipotle: Chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky kick and a hint of heat.
- Seasonings: Smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to round out the flavors and add the classic BBQ taste.
Find the full measurements in the recipe card below.
Substitutions & Variations
- Adjust the Heat: Start with one teaspoon of chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce and add another teaspoon if you prefer it spicier.
- Vinegar Swap: You can use apple cider vinegar instead of red wine vinegar for a slightly sweeter and milder tang.
- Cherries to Use: Both fresh and frozen cherries work well. Just make sure they’re pitted before using.
- Sweeten to Taste: Adjust the amount of brown sugar or sugar substitute to sweeten this BBQ sauce to your taste.
- Extra Smoky Flavor: Add a small splash of liquid smoke or a bit more smoked paprika if you want a bolder and smokier BBQ sauce. Or, try our smoky BBQ sauce recipe!
How To Make Cherry Chipotle BBQ Sauce
Step 1: Add the tomato sauce, pitted cherries, sweetener, red wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, chopped chipotle peppers in adobo, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to a large high-powered blender.
Step 2: Thoroughly blend the ingredients until the mixture is completely smooth.
Step 3: Pour the BBQ sauce mixture into a saucepan and simmer it over low heat for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Remove the BBQ sauce from the heat and let it cool to room temperature before using, or serve it warm if you prefer.
Serving Suggestions
This cherry chipotle BBQ sauce is incredibly versatile and adds a delicious flavor to so many dishes. Whether you’re grilling, roasting, or just looking for a tasty dip, here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy it.
- Grilled Meats: Brush this cherry BBQ sauce over cooked chicken, air fryer pork chops, ribs, or burgers for a smoky and slightly sweet finish.
- Pulled Pork or Chicken: Stir it into shredded meat for a juicy, flavorful sandwich or taco filling. This cherry BBQ sauce is perfect in our slow cooker BBQ chicken recipe!
- Dipping Sauce: Serve it as a dip for crispy fries, onion rings, cornflake chicken tenders, or roasted vegetables.
- Pizza Sauce Alternative: Use this cherry chipotle BBQ sauce as a pizza sauce to make a classic BBQ chicken pizza with our protein pizza dough or cottage cheese pizza crust!
- Salad: Drizzle this cherry BBQ sauce over a BBQ chicken salad.
- Baked Beans: Stir it into baked beans or use it in our slow cooker baked beans recipe!
Shawna’s Expert Tips
- Use Plain Tomato Sauce: Make sure to use unseasoned, plain tomato sauce, not marinara or pasta sauce.
- Blend Until Smooth: Blend the BBQ sauce well so there are no chunks of cherry. You want a smooth texture.
- Let it Simmer: Simmering the sauce after blending helps deepen the flavors and thicken it to the right consistency.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover cherry chipotle BBQ sauce in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Freeze Cherry BBQ Sauce?
Yes! You can freeze this cherry BBQ sauce. Let it cool first, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or portion it into small freezer bags. You can freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
How Spicy Is This BBQ Sauce?
The heat depends on the amount of chipotle peppers you add. Start with one teaspoon for mild heat, and increase to your taste.
More BBQ Recipes To Try!
If you try this recipe, please be sure to leave us a comment and star rating, ★★★★★ letting us know how it turns out for you.
CHERRY CHIPOTLE BBQ SAUCE
Ingredients
- 15 ounce can of tomato sauce, (plain and unseasoned)
- 1/2 cup pitted cherries, fresh or frozen
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or sugar-free brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1-2 teaspoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Add the tomato sauce, pitted cherries, sweetener, red wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, chopped chipotle peppers in adobo, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to a large high-powered blender.
- Thoroughly blend the ingredients until the mixture is completely smooth.
- Pour the BBQ sauce mixture into a saucepan and simmer it over low heat for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. It helps the flavors meld and allows the sauce to slightly thicken.
- Remove the BBQ sauce from the heat and let it cool to room temperature before using, or serve it warm if you prefer.
Video
Notes
- Use Plain Tomato Sauce: Make sure to use unseasoned, plain tomato sauce, not marinara or pasta sauce.
- Adjust the Heat: Start with one teaspoon of chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce and add another teaspoon if you prefer it spicier.
- Vinegar Swap: You can use apple cider vinegar instead of red wine vinegar.
- Cherries: Both fresh and frozen cherries work well. Just make sure they’re pitted before using.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This cherry chipotle BBQ sauce stands out with its rich, layered flavor. Sweet cherries bring natural sweetness, while smoky chipotle adds a bold kick and just the right amount of heat. It’s the kind of sauce that transforms anything you grill into something unforgettable. We hope you love it as much as we do!