Candied Jalapeno BBQ Sauce Recipe is a sweet, smoky, and spicy sauce made from apples, bell peppers, candied jalapenos, tomato puree, and spices.
I decided to make this sauce because of my past experience creating bold, flavourful BBQ sauces and seeing how this recipe was crafted inspired me to try it myself.
I will now share each step carefully, showing how to bring all ingredients together for a rich, delicious sauce.
Why This Candied Jalapeno BBQ Sauce Recipe Is A Must Try?
Candied Jalapeno BBQ Sauce Recipe is a must try because it combines sweet, smoky, and spicy flavours into a rich, unforgettable sauce.
The candied jalapenos add a unique heat balanced by the natural sweetness of apples and brown sugar. Every spoonful delivers a bold taste that elevates grilled meats, sandwiches, or roasted vegetables.
This recipe brings an exciting depth to everyday meals and creates a memorable experience for anyone who enjoys bold, flavourful cooking at home.
How To Prepare Candied Jalapeno BBQ Sauce Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Course: Condiment
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: American
Yield: About 4 cups of sauce
Equipment Needed
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Blender or immersion blender
- Heat-safe bowl or storage jars
Ingredient
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 cups tomato puree
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup chopped candied jalapenos
- 1 fresh jalapeno, chopped
- ½ cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon ground mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 red apples, cored and chopped
- 1 cup water
- ¼ cup molasses
- 1–2 teaspoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
1. Soften The Peppers
Put the chopped green pepper and jalapeno into a medium pot with a splash of water or a little oil. Cook over medium heat for 3–4 minutes, just until they start to soften.
2. Add The Apples
Stir in the chopped red apples and let them cook for another few minutes so they begin to break down and release their juices.
3. Add The Liquids And Sweet Ingredients
Pour in the water, tomato puree, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, molasses, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together until it’s evenly mixed.
4. Season The Sauce
Add the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, salt, and black pepper. If you want more heat, add a bit of chipotle in adobo.
5. Let It Simmer
Bring the pot to a gentle boil, then turn the heat down low. Let it simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, stirring now and then, until the apples are very soft and the sauce thickens.
6. Blend It Smooth
Take the pot off the heat and add the chopped candied jalapenos. Blend the mixture with an immersion blender or regular blender until smooth or leave it a little chunky if you like a bit of texture.
7. Taste, Adjust, And Store
Give it a taste and tweak the seasoning, sweetness, or heat as needed. Once it cools, spoon the sauce into clean jars or airtight containers.
Nutrition Facts Per Serving
| Nutrition | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Calories | 45 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g |
| Sugars | 8 g |
| Protein | 0.3 g |
| Fat | 0.1 g |
| Fiber | 0.3 g |
| Sodium | 160 mg |
Candied Jalapeno BBQ Sauce Recipe
This Candied Jalapeno BBQ Sauce Recipe is a bold, sweet heat condiment that blends tomatoes, apples, peppers, and smoky spices into a rich, glossy sauce perfect for grilling, dipping, or glazing.
The sweetness of brown sugar and molasses pairs beautifully with the tang of apple cider vinegar, while candied jalapenos add a unique spicy sweet kick.
The main speciality of this recipe is its balance of fruity apple depth and the signature sweet-spicy flavor of candied jalapenos, creating a standout BBQ sauce unlike any other.
Hot Tips
➢ Roast the jalapenos lightly to deepen their flavor before adding to the sauce.
➢ Use fresh, crisp apples to balance the sweetness and enhance the sauce’s texture.
➢ Stir the sauce frequently while simmering to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
➢ Blend thoroughly for a smooth, velvety consistency that coats meat evenly.
➢ Taste and adjust seasonings gradually to achieve a harmonious balance of sweet, smoky, and spicy flavours.
Best Variations
➣ Add pineapple chunks for a tropical sweetness and tangy twist.
➣ Incorporate bourbon for a deep, smoky, and slightly boozy flavor.
➣ Use roasted red peppers to enhance colour and add a subtle sweetness.
➣ Blend in smoked chipotle peppers for a richer, spicier kick.
➣ Stir in honey instead of brown sugar for a smoother, floral sweetness.
Usage Suggestions
Candied Jalapeno BBQ Sauce Recipe enhances grilled meats, adding a sweet and spicy layer to ribs, chicken, or pork.
Drizzle over roasted vegetables for a bold flavor boost or use as a dipping sauce for fries and nuggets. Spread onto sandwiches and burgers for a smoky, tangy kick.
Toss into tacos or wraps to elevate taste profiles. Stir into baked beans or mix into marinades to infuse heat and sweetness throughout dishes, creating a memorable flavor experience.
How To Make More Delicious Candied Jalapeno BBQ Sauce Recipe?
Enhance Candied Jalapeno BBQ Sauce Recipe by roasting jalapenos and bell peppers before blending to deepen flavor.
Caramelise apples in a bit of brown sugar to add natural sweetness and complexity. Stir in smoked paprika and a touch of chipotle for smokiness and subtle heat.
Simmer slowly to thicken the sauce and allow flavours to meld. Finish with a splash of apple cider vinegar for brightness. Strain for a smoother texture or leave chunky for rustic appeal.
How To Store The Finished Candied Jalapeno BBQ Sauce Recipe?
The finished Candied Jalapeno BBQ Sauce Recipe should be stored in clean, airtight jars or containers to maintain freshness.
Keep the sauce refrigerated, where it will stay flavourful for up to two weeks. For longer storage, freezing in suitable containers preserves taste and texture for several months.
Always use a clean spoon to serve, preventing contamination. Proper storage ensures the sauce remains rich, sweet, and spicy, ready to enhance meals anytime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Adjust The Heat Level?
Yes, reduce or remove the fresh jalapeno, or add more candied jalapenos for mild sweetness.
Can I Use Another Type Of Pepper?
Poblanos or mild green chilies can replace jalapenos, altering the spiciness slightly.
Is It Necessary To Peel The Apples?
Peeling is optional, but removing skins creates a smoother sauce.
Can I Make It Sugar Free?
Substitute brown sugar and molasses with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
Can This Sauce Be Canned For Long Term Storage?
Home canning is possible using proper sterilisation, but refrigeration or freezing is safer for flavor and texture.
Conclusion
This Candied Jalapeno BBQ Sauce Recipe was easy to prepare and turned out delicious, bringing a satisfying success I truly enjoyed.
I hope this recipe inspires you to try it yourself, as the balance of sweet, smoky, and spicy flavours is wonderful.
Soon, you will try it and share how tasty it is, experiencing the same delightful result and satisfaction from creating a sauce full of bold, memorable flavor.
If You Love BBQ Sauce Recipe Try These Out!
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Huckleberry BBQ Sauce Recipe | Sweet & Smoky
Caribbean Jerk BBQ Sauce | Spicy Flavours
Maple BBQ Sauce: Sweet And Savory
Low Salt BBQ Sauce: Tasty And Healthy
Candied Jalapeno BBQ Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Blender or immersion blender
- Heat-safe bowl or storage jars
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 cups tomato puree
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup chopped candied jalapenos
- 1 fresh jalapeno chopped
- ½ cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon ground mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 red apples cored and chopped
- 1 cup water
- ¼ cup molasses
- 1 –2 teaspoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
Soften The Peppers
- Put the chopped green pepper and jalapeno into a medium pot with a splash of water or a little oil. Cook over medium heat for 3–4 minutes, just until they start to soften.
Add The Apples
- Stir in the chopped red apples and let them cook for another few minutes so they begin to break down and release their juices.
Add The Liquids And Sweet Ingredients
- Pour in the water, tomato puree, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, molasses, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together until it’s evenly mixed.
Season The Sauce
- Add the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, salt, and black pepper. If you want more heat, add a bit of chipotle in adobo.
Let It Simmer
- Bring the pot to a gentle boil, then turn the heat down low. Let it simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, stirring now and then, until the apples are very soft and the sauce thickens.
Blend It Smooth
- Take the pot off the heat and add the chopped candied jalapenos. Blend the mixture with an immersion blender or regular blender until smooth or leave it a little chunky if you like a bit of texture.
Taste, Adjust, And Store
- Give it a taste and tweak the seasoning, sweetness, or heat as needed. Once it cools, spoon the sauce into clean jars or airtight containers.
Notes
Nutrition Facts Per Serving
Calories: 45 kcal | Carbohydrates: 10 g | Sugars: 8 g | Protein: 0.3 g | Fat: 0.1 g | Fiber: 0.3 g | Sodium: 160 mgHi, I’m Samia! I’ve spent the past five years creating recipes that are both delicious and unique. Cooking is my passion, and I love exploring different cuisines, blending flavors, and turning everyday meals into something memorable. From quick weeknight dinners to festive feasts, I aim to make every dish special. I’d love for you to join me on this culinary journey together we’ll explore simple, easy-to-follow recipes and tips that make cooking fun, inspiring, and full of joy!