Pineapple BBQ sauce is a tangy, sweet sauce featuring pineapple as a primary ingredient, creating a fruity flavour with a balance of sweetness from brown sugar and tanginess from ingredients like vinegar or pineapple juice.
I made this Pineapple BBQ sauce after watching a cooking show where the chef grilled chicken and glazed it with a tropical BBQ sauce.
That inspired me to create my own version. I’ve made Pineapple BBQ Sauce many times before, so I’ll now walk you through each step.
With my experience, this Pineapple BBQ Sauce always turns out rich, bold, and full of flavour.
Why You’ll Love Pineapple BBQ Sauce?
You’ll love Pineapple BBQ Sauce for its bold flavour and tropical sweetness that stands out in every bite. The fresh pineapple blends smoothly with tangy ketchup, rich spices, and a hint of heat from cayenne, creating a smooth, balanced sauce.
It brings a fresh twist to grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or sandwiches. The natural fruitiness caramelises beautifully when cooked, giving food a delicious, sticky glaze.
This Pineapple BBQ sauce adds depth and brightness, turning simple meals into something unforgettable and full of character.
How To Prepare Pineapple BBQ Sauce?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Course: Sauce / Condiment
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: American (with tropical twist)
Yield: Makes about 2 cups of sauce
Main Kitchen Utensils
- Blender or food processor
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/3 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
How To Make Pineapple BBQ Sauce?
Step 1 – Make the Pineapple Base:
Start by tossing the pineapple chunks into a blender or food processor. Run it until you’ve got a smooth puree.
Step 2 – Mix Everything Together:
Pour the pineapple puree into a medium-sized saucepan. Add in the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, cayenne, and a bit of water. Give it a good stir to combine.
Step 3 – Heat It Up:
Set the pan over medium heat. Keep stirring as it warms up and starts to bubble gently.
Step 4 – Let It Simmer:
Turn the heat down low. Let the sauce simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes, stirring now and then. You’re looking for it to thicken up a bit.
Step 5 – Taste Test:
Grab a spoon and give it a taste. Need it sweeter? Spicier? More tang? Adjust as you go.
Step 6 – Cool and Store:
Once it’s done, let the sauce cool down to room temperature. Pour it into a clean jar or bottle. Keep it in the fridge it’ll stay good for about a week.
Nutrition Facts Of Pineapple BBQ Sauce
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 50 |
| Carbohydrates | 13g |
| Sugars | 11g |
| Fat | 0g |
| Protein | 0g |
| Sodium | 150mg |
About This Pineapple BBQ Sauce
This Pineapple BBQ Sauce stands out for its bold mix of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavours. Fresh pineapple brings a natural fruitiness that pairs well with the depth of ketchup and the sharpness of vinegar.
A touch of brown sugar, honey, and spices adds warmth and richness. The balance between tropical sweetness and barbecue heat makes it different from regular sauces.
It works especially well on grilled chicken, pork, or ribs, adding a sticky glaze and bright, memorable flavor.
Hot Tips Pineapple BBQ Sauce
➢ Fresh pineapple adds a bright, natural sweetness that canned pineapple can’t match.
➢ Simmer the sauce gently to develop a rich, well-rounded flavor and thicker consistency.
➢ Increase or reduce cayenne pepper to suit your desired spice level.
➢ Blend ingredients thoroughly before cooking to ensure a smooth, even sauce.
➢ Keep the sauce refrigerated in a sealed jar to maintain freshness for up to seven days.
Best Variations
➣ Add a splash of soy sauce for a savoury, umami twist.
➣ Mix in some fresh ginger to give the sauce a zesty, spicy kick.
➣ Incorporate chipolata peppers for a smoky, spicy flavour boost.
➣ Stir in mango puree to enhance the tropical sweetness.
➣ Use maple syrup instead of honey for a deeper, richer sweetness.
Ways To Use It Pineapple BBQ Sauce
1. Brush onto grilled chicken for a sweet and tangy glaze.
2. Toss with roasted vegetables to add a flavorful coating.
3. Use as a dipping sauce for crispy fries or nuggets.
4. Spread on burgers for a tropical barbecue twist.
5. Mix into pulled pork for extra moisture and taste.
Proper Storage Pineapple BBQ Sauce
Store Pineapple BBQ Sauce in a clean, airtight container to maintain freshness and flavour. Refrigerate immediately after cooking and cooling the Pineapple BBQ sauce to prevent spoilage.
The Pineapple BBQ sauce will keep well for up to one week in the refrigerator. Avoid leaving it at room temperature for extended periods to reduce the risk of bacterial growth.
Before each use, stir the Pineapple BBQ sauce gently to maintain its smooth consistency. For longer storage, freezing the Pineapple BBQ sauce in small portions works well and allows for easy thawing when needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Canned Pineapple Instead Of Fresh?
Yes, canned pineapple works, but fresh gives a brighter flavour.
Is This Sauce Spicy?
It has a mild heat from cayenne, but spice levels can be adjusted.
Can I Make This Sauce Vegan?
Yes, replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
What Meats Pair Best With This Sauce?
Chicken, pork, and ribs are great choices.
Conclusion
This Pineapple BBQ Sauce was an easy and enjoyable success, full of flavour and made with simple ingredients.
I truly enjoyed creating it and love how delicious it turned out every time. I hope this inspires you to try it for yourself.
It’s quick to make and brings something special to your meals. Give it a try soon, and once you taste it, let me know how delicious it turned out for you too. I’m sure you’ll love it!
More BBQ Sauce Recipes You’ll Love
Fig BBQ Sauce | Sweet And Smoky
Marionberry BBQ Sauce Recipe | Sweetness And Tangy
Ghost Pepper BBQ Sauce: Spicy Kick
Honey Gold BBQ Sauce: Southern Inspired
FODMAP BBQ sauce || Sweet, Gut Friendly
Pineapple BBQ Sauce
Equipment
- Blender or food processor
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/3 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
Step 1 – Make the Pineapple Base:
- Start by tossing the pineapple chunks into a blender or food processor. Run it until you’ve got a smooth puree.
Step 2 – Mix Everything Together:
- Pour the pineapple puree into a medium-sized saucepan. Add in the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, cayenne, and a bit of water. Give it a good stir to combine.
Step 3 – Heat It Up:
- Set the pan over medium heat. Keep stirring as it warms up and starts to bubble gently.
Step 4 – Let It Simmer:
- Turn the heat down low. Let the sauce simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes, stirring now and then. You’re looking for it to thicken up a bit.
Step 5 – Taste Test:
- Grab a spoon and give it a taste. Need it sweeter? Spicier? More tang? Adjust as you go.
Step 6 – Cool and Store:
- Once it’s done, let the sauce cool down to room temperature. Pour it into a clean jar or bottle. Keep it in the fridge it’ll stay good for about a week.
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 50 | Carbohydrates: 13g | Sugars: 11g | Fat: 0g | Protein: 0g | Sodium: 150mg“Hi, I’m Samia, a passionate recipe creator with 5 years of experience in crafting delicious, unique dishes. My love for cooking has led me to explore a variety of cuisines, combining flavors to create memorable meals for every occasion. Whether it’s a simple weeknight dinner or an elaborate feast, I believe in making every dish special. Join me on my culinary journey as I share easy-to-follow recipes and tips that will inspire your cooking and bring joy to your kitchen!”