Candied Jalapeno BBQ Sauce Recipe
Candied Jalapeno BBQ Sauce Recipe blends sweet, smoky, and spicy flavors for a bold condiment. Apples, bell peppers, and candied jalapenos create natural sweetness, balanced by ketchup, tomato puree, and apple cider vinegar. Simmered slowly with spices, it thickens into a rich, tangy sauce. Ideal for brushing on meats, drizzling over vegetables, or using as a dipping sauce.
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.