The BEST Apple Cider BBQ Sauce Recipe - The Foodie and The Fix (2024)

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This Apple Cider Barbecue Sauce recipe is the perfect start to a crazy-flavorful and healthy dinner!

Hey guys! So I know that with this Apple Cider BBQ Sauce recipe coming directly after my Easy Instant Pot Mole Sauce post, you're probably thinking "Is she only making sauces now?"

Uh, maybe? Ok, I'm kidding, but let's be real, sauces are freaking fun. There's no better way to spice up a meal than with a flavorful saucy something (like this one!), right?

Anyway, normally I would've tried to not post two sauces back to back but IT'S CIDER SEASON, MY PEOPLE AND I'M HERE TO DELIVER.

I'm figuring a lot of you are like me and pick up more apple cider than you could possibly drink this time of year and you know what? That's the smart idea because it's so amazing to cook with!

Need proof? Here are a few more faves:

  • Cider-Glazed Sweet Potato and Apple Bake
  • Thyme Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Garam Masala-Cider Sauce
  • Chai-Cider Protein Shake - ok, so no cooking here, but you know what I mean.

You guys. I'm so excited for you to make this sauce. It's sweet, it's spicy (if you want it to be!), it's completely addicting and I have so many recipe ideas for it that I can't wait to get cooking!! In the meantime, here's a little helpful Q&A 🙂

Can I freeze Apple Cider BBQ Sauce?

Yes you can!

Can I freeze apple cider?

Yes again 🙂 You can freeze some in ice cube trays and then put those in a freezer bag or you can freeze in an airtight container - note: if you freeze it in an airtight container, be sure to only fill it ¾ of the way up because the cider will expand when frozen.

Can I double this Apple Cider BBQ Sauce recipe?

Absolutely! Just note that it'll take longer to cook down.

Is this kid friendly?

Yes! My kids are obsessed with this barbecue sauce! You can always leave out the cayenne for your littles 🙂

Is this cider barbecue sauce gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free tamari instead of the soy sauce (this is noted in the recipe card to remind you!).

Is this apple cider barbecue sauce recipe vegan?

Yep 🙂

Is the BEST Apple Cider BBQ Sauce healthy?

Yep! Made with clean ingredients, it's perfect for the 21 Day Fix (<- affiliate link), 2b Mindset and for Weight Watchers (each serving only has 2 freestyle points!). I love that it's also lower in sugar than most store-bought BBQ sauces.

Is apple cider 21 Day Fix approved?

Yes!! 4 ounces of any 100% juice (including cider) counts as a purple treat swap for the 21 Day Fix

Can I substitute apple juice for the apple cider in this Apple Cider Barbecue Sauce recipe?

Yes! If you're checking out this recipe at a time of year when it's hard to get your hands on the good stuff, you can totally sub for some 100% apple juice. I highly recommend Simply Apple (it's kept in the refrigerated section near the OJ) because it tastes a lot closer to cider than shelf-stable apple juice.

Just note that since the sweetness level will likely be different with the juice, you may need to change the seasoning amounts a bit (and perhaps use less maple syrup).

What is the difference between apple cider and apple juice?

Ok, so this can vary depending on where you live, but generally, apple cider is unfiltered apple juice (which is why it's usually darker, cloudy and opaque) and the stuff labeled "apple juice" is filtered until clear and light in color.

What can I put this healthy barbecue sauce on?

While you may not want to drink it like I do (kidding - well... mostly) here are some delish options:

  • Top a meatloaf with it.
  • Mix it with some healthy Southwest Pulled Pork for a bangin' sammie.
  • Dunk some delish air fryer french fries in it.
  • Baste some grilled chicken with it.
  • Use it to make BBQ chicken pizza - I love using whole wheat pita bread for a quick, personal pizza 🙂

There are probably a million other awesome ways to use it, so if you get creative, please let me know!!

Anyway, hope you guys get as obsessed with this sauce as we are!

Don't forget to save The BEST Apple Cider BBQ Sauce Recipe to Pinterest for later! ↓

If you make this Apple Cider Barbecue Sauce, be sure to snap a pic and tag me @thefoodieandthefix or use #thefoodieandthefix on Instagram so I can check it out! It makes me ridiculously happy to see what you guys are making 🙂

How to make the BEST Apple Cider Barbecue Sauce:

📖 Recipe

The BEST Apple Cider BBQ Sauce Recipe - The Foodie and The Fix (13)

The BEST Apple Cider BBQ Sauce

Yield: 8 Servings

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

This easy apple cider barbecue sauce is the stuff fall dreams are made of!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup apple cider (if cider is out of season you can always sub a refrigerated apple juice like Simply Apple!)
  • ⅓ cup tomato paste
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
  • 3 Tbs - ¼ cup pure maple syrup (depending on sweetness of cider)
  • 2 Tbs low-sodium soy sauce (or gluten-free tamari if you're GF!)
  • 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
  • black pepper, to taste
  • cayenne pepper, to taste (optional, but I love a good pinch in this!)

Instructions

    1. Put all ingredients except cayenne into a small saucepan and bring to a bubble. Cook uncovered over medium-low heat until thickened and reduced by half to about 1 cup.
    2. Add cayenne (optional) little by little until you get your desired heat level, I use a good pinch!

Notes

21 Day Fix Container Counts per Serving: ¼ Purple Treat Swap, 1 sweetener teaspoon (or if you use the higher amount of maple syrup, 1 ½ teaspoons)

Weight Watchers Freestyle Points: 2 (calculated using 3 Tbs of maple syrup)

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 8Serving Size: 2 Tbs
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 52Total Fat: 0g

The BEST Apple Cider BBQ Sauce Recipe - The Foodie and The Fix (2024)

FAQs

Which vinegar is best for barbecue sauce? ›

The vinegar used for this style of sauce is usually apple cider vinegar, but plain white vinegar works as well.

What does apple cider vinegar do for the barbecue? ›

Spritzing meat helps prevent it from drying out, enhances the flavour profile, promotes a crispy crust outside with tender meat inside, and helps rubs absorb better. My favourite choice for spritzing meat is a mix of apple cider vinegar and water as it helps balance fatty cuts of meat, add moisture, and inject flavour.

How to make your barbecue sauce better? ›

Adding garlic or onion powder are standard flavors for barbecue, but get a little creative and try out different chile powders, peppers, cumin, or dried herbs to add body to the sauce.

What makes apple cider vinegar taste better? ›

Even diluted, the vinegar drink may not taste fabulous, so you can add a squeeze of honey and/or a dash of cinnamon or ginger. Sip the drink slowly. If you're drinking ACV daily, you may want to drink through a straw to prevent wearing the enamel of your teeth.

Is white vinegar or apple cider vinegar better for barbecue sauce? ›

With so many variations and styles of barbecue sauce, homemade over store-bought is the way to go if you want full control over how your sauce tastes.

Is apple cider vinegar better than white vinegar in bbq sauce? ›

When it comes to barbecue sauce, ACV brings the tanginess with an added touch of sweetness. You've got apple notes, as well as that element of cider — both welcome nuances to BBQ sauce. The needed acidity for balance is there but without all the sharp edges of white vinegar.

What is the ratio of apple cider vinegar to water for BBQ? ›

With that in mind, what I tend to use and find is the best spritz for smoking is apple cider vinegar but water will work as well, or a 50/50 mix.

How long to leave meat in apple cider vinegar? ›

Allow to meld on counter about 1 hour prior to using the first time. Shake several times. Use to marinate meat or poultry for 3 hours.

How much vinegar to add to barbecue sauce? ›

ingredients
  1. 1 12 cups cider vinegar.
  2. 34 cup spicy brown mustard.
  3. 12 cup ketchup.
  4. 13 cup light brown sugar, packed.
  5. 3 garlic cloves, mashed into paste.
  6. 1 teaspoon salt.
  7. 2 teaspoons cayenne.
  8. 1 teaspoon black pepper.

What is the secret to good BBQ? ›

Ten Secrets to Being A Better BBQ-er
  • Clean Your Grill. We've said it before and we will say it again. ...
  • Read The Whole Recipe First. ...
  • Preheat The Grill. ...
  • Correct Tools. ...
  • Know The Difference Between Direct Heat & Indirect Heat. ...
  • Don't Crowd The Grill. ...
  • Pay Attention. ...
  • Finished Temperature Of Meat.

How to make the perfect barbecue? ›

Eight ways to become a better barbecuer
  1. Prep ahead. Any good barbecue starts with the barbecue itself. ...
  2. Sort your tools. ...
  3. Marinate. ...
  4. Know your heat zones. ...
  5. Prevent sticking. ...
  6. Be balanced. ...
  7. Boost flavour. ...
  8. Clean up.

What is the best thing to mix with apple cider vinegar? ›

Amp your morning drink

Batayneh suggests combining 2 tablespoons of ACV, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of cinnamon, and a dash of cayenne pepper in a glass of warm water.

What to mix with apple cider? ›

Traditionally cider is spiked with dark spirits, like the rum and bourbon in the recipes above. But what if you want something a little lighter? Vodka can do the trick. Since it doesn't contribute much in the way of flavor, we add fresh ginger for its distinctive, peppery-sweet flavor.

Does apple cider vinegar burn belly fat? ›

Apple cider vinegar isn't likely to be effective for weight loss. Proponents of apple cider vinegar claim that it has numerous health benefits and that drinking a small amount or taking a supplement before meals helps curb appetite and burn fat. However, there's little scientific support for these claims.

What is the best vinegar for sauce? ›

White Wine Vinegar

The taste is milder than distilled white vinegar and apple cider vinegar. It has quite a few culinary purposes and is often used in salad dressings, sauces, and even marinades.

What kind of vinegar is used for sauce? ›

Unlike red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar will not stain your foods, so it is a good choice for brining and pickling. It is also a staple in many classic sauces, including hollandaise and béarnaise. It is even used in Julia Child's famous vinaigrette.

Is Sweet Baby Ray's vinegar based? ›

Sweet Baby Ray's Original Hot Sauce is a delicious blend of aged cayenne and vinegar that will keep you coming back again and again. It's also the base of all Sweet Baby Ray's legendary Buffalo Wing Sauces.

Can you use normal vinegar for barbecue sauce? ›

These days, the “best” vinegar might still be apple cider or white but you can't rule out rice wine, citrus juice or even balsamic when you want to add some acidity to barbecue sauce. It really boils down to what tastes good to you.

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