Homemade BBQ sauce recipe made with blueberries? Yep! This blueberry BBQ sauce is so much tastier than any store-bought bottled sauce. There’s just a touch of spice and a little sweetness, all perfectly balanced. With very little prep and some cook time, you’ll be left with the tastiest homemade BBQ sauce that can be used on so many things.
This easy blueberry BBQ sauce recipe was originally posted in May 2016, but has been updated with further recipe details.
Hi everyone! How’s it going? How was your weekend? Do you guys watch Chef’s Table? I really enjoy that one.
For those of you who are unfamiliar, it’s basically a series showcasing various chefs and their restaurants, their stories and some amazing food. I swear, every time I watch that show I get so inspired and it puts me right in the mood to cook.
Ok, well I’m usually always in the mood to cook, always in the mood to eat, but even more so after watching this.
Do you have any show recommendations? I’m always up for checking out something new, especially when it involves food! Without further adieu, onto this fruit BBQ sauce!
What Goes in Blueberry BBQ Sauce?
Speaking of food, how about more food, LOL? It’s so awesome to use ingredients in unexpected or non-traditional ways. Like, making homemade BBQ sauce with blueberries! I love experimenting in the kitchen and it’s definitely my happy place.
So, what goes in BBQ sauce? The base of many homemade BBQ sauce recipes is ketchup. That is definitely in this blueberry barbecue sauce recipe, but besides that there are:
- Plenty of blueberries (4 whole cups … after all this is a “blueberry” sauce recipe)
- Tomato paste (to thicken)
- Aromatics like garlic and shallot
- Some mustard and vinegar to brighten
- Some seasoning
- Touch of maple syrup to reinforce the sweet side of things
- Chili peppers and cayenne pepper for some heat
- Cilantro stems for a little freshness
Sounds yummy, right?
How to Make BBQ Sauce
Full details are in the recipe card below, but here are the basics:
- In a heavy-bottomed pot cook garlic, shallot and chili in some olive oil for a few minutes.
- Add remaining ingredients to pot, including:
- tomato paste
- blueberries
- balsamic vinegar
- maple syrup
- whole grain Dijon mustard
- ketchup
- Worcestershire sauce
- salt
- pepper
- cayenne pepper
- cilantro stems
- Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for about an hour (or until you’ve reached your desired consistency), stirring every 20 minutes or so, ensuring that it isn’t sticking.
- Then, blend with an immersion blender or mash with a potato masher or simply leave as is!
- Pour into a jar.
Tips for Making this Blueberry BBQ Sauce
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot. Whenever I’m making sauces or jams I find that a heavy-bottomed pot works best and stuff don’t tend to stick like it would with a thinner pot.
- Fresh cilantro stems were added to this blueberry BBQ sauce to add a little freshness and something different. If you’re not a cilantro fan, feel free to substitute with parsley or omit altogether.
- Don’t leave the sauce and do whatever. Be mindful to check on occasionally and stir so there’s no sticking/burning.
- Not into spice? Omit the chili peppers if you like (though this isn’t a spicy BBQ sauce). If you like things spicier, though, add a little more.
- As mentioned above, I used an immersion blender to lightly blend the sauce. If you don’t have that, use a potato masher. Alternatively, just break up with a spoon or leave as is. Make as smooth or as chunky as you wish.
How to Thin Barbecue Sauce
Is this blueberry BBQ sauce too thick? No worries! Just thin it out with a touch of ketchup or water, starting with about 1 tablespoon. Be careful not to add too much so that the flavours are diluted. Remember, you can always add more, but can’t take away.
How to Thicken Barbecue Sauce
Is your blueberry barbecue sauce too thin? Continue cooking until it reduces or thicken with a cornstarch slurry (use about 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of cold water). Stir and mix into the BBQ sauce until things thicken.
How to Use this Blueberry Sauce
This homemade BBQ sauce recipe is legit good, you guys, and always gets rave reviews from those that make it (dare I say the best BBQ sauce recipe?). It’s delicious on SO many things, but some of my faves are:
- Ribs
- Chicken wings
- Hamburgers
- Pork chops or roast
- Pulled pork sandwiches
- Stir into homemade beans
Enjoy this Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe? You May Enjoy These Too
What ingredients have you used in unexpected ways? I’d love to hear! It’s always nice trying new things.
This upcoming grilling season is the perfect time to try this BBQ sauce from scratch. It’s an easy and delicious recipe!
If you make this easy blueberry BBQ sauce, be sure to leave a comment below!
Best Blueberry BBQ Sauce Recipe (lots of blueberries)
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 shallot, peeled and minced (or small yellow onion)
- 2 red Thai chili peppers, minced (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 4 cups blueberries, frozen or fresh (I used frozen)
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon whole grain Dijon mustard
- ¾ cup ketchup, regular or low sodium
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, use a vegetarian or vegan variety (if needed)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper, optional
- 1 tablespoon, cilantro steams, minced (few stalks, no need to use leaves)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a medium pot or Dutch oven over medium-low heat.
- Add garlic, shallot and chili peppers. Cook about 5 minutes.
- Add tomato paste, blueberries, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, mustard, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using) and cilantro stems. Stir to combine. Reduce heat to low. Cover and cook about an hour or until you've reached your desired consistency/thickness, stirring every 20 to 30 minutes.
- Carefully using an immersion blender, blend sauce (or use potato masher or spoon or simply leave as is). I didn't puree a lot because I wanted some texture.
- Allow to cool (jam will further thicken as it cools), portion into a storage jar, cover, store in the refrigerator and enjoy within a few days up to a week. Yields about 2 cups, approximately. Serve with your favourite BBQ foods!
Notes
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot. Whenever I’m making sauces or jams I find that a heavy-bottomed pot works best and stuff don’t tend to stick like it would with a thinner pot.
- Fresh cilantro stems were added to this blueberry BBQ sauce to add a little freshness and something different. If you’re not a cilantro fan, feel free to substitute with parsley or omit altogether.
- Don’t leave the sauce and do whatever. Be mindful to check on occasionally and stir so there’s no sticking/burning.
- Not into spice? Omit the chili peppers if you like (though this isn’t a spicy BBQ sauce). If you like things spicier, though, add a little more.
- I used an immersion blender to lightly blend the sauce. If you don’t have that, use a potato masher. Alternatively, just break up with a spoon or leave as is. Make as smooth or as chunky as you wish.
Nutrition (ESTIMATE ONLY)
Nutrition estimate (if provided) is based on 1 Serving.
Nutrition information (if provided) is provided as a courtesy and should be considered an estimate only. Ingredients can vary and Girl Heart Food makes no guarantees to the accuracy of this information. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
A note on times provided: appliances vary, any prep and/or cook times provided are guidelines only.
Leanne | Crumb Top Baking
I’ve never made homemade BBQ sauce, but this one is totally inspiring me to do it this summer! And love that it’s loaded with blueberries! Such a great recipe Dawn!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
So yummy! Thank you Leanne 🙂
Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen
Is it weird that I think I could eat this with a spoon? I really enjoy sweet-spicy-savory condiments. And I love that I can fiddle with how spicy it is because bottled BBQ sauces are never spicy enough for me, haha! I’m definitely trying this one!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Lol…not at all 😉 Hope you love it! Thanks Kelsie!
Jennifer T Tammy
OMG this sounds amazing – I can think of so many ways that we could use it. I wish I had it ready for tonight’s BBQ
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Thank you Jennifer! It is quite versatile (and tasty) 😉
Philip - Chef Sous Chef
I love blueberry bbq sauce and appreciate that you used a lot of blueberries so you can actually taste them!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Totally! Thanks Philip 🙂
[email protected]
I loved the show “Cook Like a Chef”, although I see it only on re-runs on Gusto T.V. Do you know it? It is fast-paced but packed with recipes, tips and techniques. Your blueberry bbq sauce looks so wonderful, Dawn – such a pretty colour, too. I can almost taste how delicious it would taste on ribs – a favourite dish of our family which is often asked for when choosing individual birthday menus. I am going to surprise the family with your blueberry bbq sauce for the next birthday gathering. Thanks so much for sharing.
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
I can’t say I can recall that one off hand, but will have to check out! I’m so happy about that, Denise! Hope everyone loves it! Thank you very much 🙂
Jo Vanderwolf
Uh, yeah. This needs to happen immediately. I am in love with the color of your BBQ sauce and super intrigued with the flavors the blueberries would add. Making my shopping list now lol
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
I’m SO happy to hear that, Jo!! Hope you love it as much as we do 🙂
Colleen
Homemade BBQ sauce is the only way to go in my books, and this one looks amazing. I can’t wait for this summer’s blueberries so that I can make this!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Agreed!! Thank you Colleen 🙂
Isabelle @ Crumb
I had ribs with blueberry barbecue sauce at an event a few months ago, and have been dreaming of them ever since. Super-excited to try your recipe to see if it measures up to my memories… it looks like a winner!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Thanks Isabelle! It definitely goes great with ribs and just about anything 🙂
Katie Crenshaw
Dawn, I love a good barbecue sauce. This one looks AMAZING!!! A little sweet with some heat are my favorite combinations. My husband loves to make things on his Egg in the summer. I am going to surprise him with this. I will try it on some ribs and a pork tenderloin. I think it will be absolutely delish!!!! Thank you dear for the fabulous recipe!!! Have a great weekend!
Girl Heart Food
Wow…thanks so much, Katie!! So happy you like it! I’ve always wanted to try one of those Eggs…they are supposed to be really good. This sauce would be awesome on ribs and pork tenderloin. That’s what we had the sauce on – ribs and it was excellent. And anything I can fit blueberries in is a winner in my books. Thanks for the sweet comments, girl. Have a great weekend too! xo
Karen (Back Road Journal)
Love the beautiful color and looking at your list of ingredients, I know it is delicious.
Girl Heart Food
Thanks so much, Karen!!
Kathleen | Hapa Nom Nom
I have yet to see ‘A Chef’s Table’, if it’s anything like ‘The Mind of a Chef’ I’ll be all over it! I’m actually looking for a new show to binge on, so I’ll certainly check it out! The bbq sauce sounds awesome – I love anything that pairs savory and sweet!
Girl Heart Food
Yes! If you like ‘The Mind of a Chef’ then you’ll also enjoy ‘Chef’s Table’. Both are amazing! I’m with ya – anything sweet/savoury is right up my alley! Thanks so much, Kathleen 🙂 Have a great weekend!
GiGi Eats
Blueberries on meat?!?!?!?! 😮 I will take your word for it lady! LOL!
Girl Heart Food
Yes!! It is seriously good!!
Natasha @ Salt and Lavender
I’m loving the look of this stuff!!! I would totally put it on everything.
Girl Heart Food
Thanks Natasha 🙂
Megan - The Emotional Baker
I haven’t heard of that show, but The Great British Baking Show had the similar effect on me. I was so amazed by their flavor combos, I had to try them, too! & this barbecue sauce is genius!! I love the addition of blueberries – so perfect for summer 🙂
Girl Heart Food
Oh, I love The Great British Baking show, too, Megan! I couldn’t believe how these home cooks could bake like that. Unreal! Thanks so much for the comments, girl 🙂 Appreciate it!
Smitha
Blueberry in sauce looks innovative. Loved the way you did the sauce. Loved the pics
Girl Heart Food
Thank-you, Smitha, for the kind words 🙂
Rachelle @ Beer Girl Cooks
Girlfriend, I totally get the fear of the pressure cooker! We have an old timey one like your parents have with that whole rocking thing happening on top and it scars the beejesus out of me. I never go near it! I am so not afraid of your delicious blueberry bbq sauce though! I would love this on some ribs!
Girl Heart Food
Hahaha! I know, right?! What is it about that thing?? The sauce is wicked on ribs. Hope you get a chance to try soon, Rachelle 🙂 Thanks so much & have a great weekend, girl!
Liz @ Ready to Yumble
Oh hey, look at this fantastically fresh bbq sauce, just as I’m starting to post recipes for grilling ribs! Match made in heaven! I need to have ribs again soon with this sauce – sounds so flavorful!
Girl Heart Food
Perfect timing, then! Woo hoo! And any excuse to make ribs, right? Thanks Liz!!
karrie @ Tasty Ever After
I loooovvvve Chef’s Table. Magnus Nilsson is my absolute favorite! That guy is freakin’ incredible. I want to go to his restaurant so badly. So this recipe is freakin’ awesome too! You know Hubby & I smoke a lot so your sauce is on my list to make ASAP. Yummy!!!! 🙂
Girl Heart Food
So good, isn’t it?! That would be AWESOME! Thanks for the sweet comments, Karrie, and have a great upcoming weekend! xo
Yum In Your Tum | Amanda
This sauce looks amazing Dawn! What an interesting twist on BBQ sauce. I have never seen BBQ sauce made with blueberries before, but I cant wait to try it! and Chefs Table sounds like something I need to be watching, I love anything to do with food as well! 🙂 I have Netflix, but I am usually looking for cartoons for my son to watch. My weekend was pretty busy, because I am actually in the middle of moving back to Canada. Might not even be able to cook next week during the big move. But, I will be sure to save this delicious recipe to make when I return. YUMMY!
Girl Heart Food
Thank-you!! If you love anything to do with food, even shows, then you will probably love this one! Moving back to Canada? That’s exciting. A bit colder, probably, than what you’re used to, though. Hope you get to try the recipe soon when you are all settled in 🙂 Good luck!
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary
I haven’t seen Chef’s table, but I do have it in my list on Netflix… guess I need to get on watching it huh? Our weekend was nice – perfect mix of work and play. Anyways, nothing beats homemade BBQ sauce, especially when you add fruit to the mix! LOVE that you added blueberries to yours, Dawn! I could slather this sauce on all the things.. including my face! 😉 Cheers, sweets! xoxo
Girl Heart Food
Yes, you do! Hubby and I love it! Best to watch it with a nice glass of vino in hand and an empty belly ’cause you’re gonna wanna make something afterwards 🙂 Happy you like the recipe. Thanks for the sweet comment, Cheyanne! xo
[email protected]
Oh my…. Two things: I can’t wait to watch Chef’s Table and I can’t wait to delight in this blueberry sauce! I’ve been eating a lot of my favorite little blue fruit lately and you’ve given us another fabulous use for the tiny health bombs! Thanks, dear!
Girl Heart Food
Yay! You will love the show, I’m sure of it, Annie! And thanks so much for the kind comment about the sauce 🙂 Enjoy!!
Kathy @ Beyond the Chicken Coop
I am in such a blueberry mode right now! I love ’em. I’ve never made or even tried a fruit BBQ sauce! What have I been waiting for? This looks like one I need to try!
Girl Heart Food
Me too, Kathy! I have so many ideas for blueberries. So yummy! Hope you get a chance to try the recipe soon . Enjoy 🙂
Kevin | Keviniscooking
This is great, I love fruit in BBQ sauces (as you know). The cilantro stem add is wonderful, I am just imagining the combo. Love your writing Dawn, always entertaining. Pressure cookers always intrigued my and I have a few different ones. One thing I could never figure out was why they never made one that was scorch proof, like with a teflon coating inside. BUT this last one I got, electric, too, Hot Pot pressure cooker is off the hook easy and is like 6 things in one. Yay for grilling season!
Girl Heart Food
Thanks Kevin! I know 😉 It’s a lovely combo….hard to imagine not that long ago I didn’t like cilantro and now I try to put it in everything 😀 Appreciate the kind words about the writing, Kevin…that means a lot 🙂 The one I have has a teflon coating inside. Yours sounds wicked…6 things in 1? Talk about useful! And a double Yay from me for grilling season 😉 Bring it!!
Tracy | Baking Mischief
I *just* started season one of Chef’s Table last night and was in tears like 5 minutes in! The passion these people have for what they do is so lovely to watch! I can’t wait to watch the rest of the series.
This sauce looks AMAZING! I would never have considered blueberries in bbq sauce, but now I so want to try it. And over ribs? Mmmmmmmmmmmmm!!
Girl Heart Food
I know, right? So good!! It only gets better 🙂
Thank-you, Tracy!! You’re gonna love (at least I hope so) Yeah, I put on ribs that were a little spicy and the combo worked perfectly. Now I want ribs, lol.
Kathryn @ Family Food on the Table
One of my favorite BBQ sauces from a place nearby in Asheville NC is a blueberry version so this sounds perfect for me! I’m all about calling this health food, too, and adding it to everything all summer long!! Pinned!
Funny about the pressure cooker… I didn’t know one growing up but we have one and I’m definitely scared of it. I know I just need to get on with it, read the manual again and start cooking, but it seems intimidating even as an adult 😉
Also, I need to tune into Chef’s Table – sounds like a good one! XO
Girl Heart Food
Yay! And yay for calling it a health food 🙂 I agree! So many good things in blueberries, isn’t it? Thanks so much for the Pin too, Kathryn…much appreciated!
I’m still not 100% over my fear of the pressure cooker, but getting more comfortable with it. Every time I use it, I’m always cautious that the cover is on properly and all the buttons are in the right position.
Chef’s Table is truly awesome. If you watch it, let me know what you think! Have a great week, girl! xo
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom
I lllooooovvveeee condiments! Can’t wait to try this blueberry-barbecue-sauce!!!! and I have never heard of Chef’s Table on netflix! but sounds like I need to watch it! I love shows like that! and this BBQ sauce needs to happen at my next cookout for sure!
Girl Heart Food
Me too, Alice! Condiments, garnishes, you name it….really makes a dish, doesn’t it? Yay! Happy you like this recipe 🙂 You would really enjoy Chef’s Table. Hubby and I could easily watch the entire season in one sitting, but we like to take our time and enjoy every episode. Kinda stretch it out. So good. Thanks for the sweet comment!
David @ Spiced
What a fun recipe, Dawn…and perfect for the summer! You’ve got summer berries in there to create a fun twist on a classic summer sauce. I need to try this…ASAP! And the cilantro stems? I like that! I’m guessing this would be an excellent sauce on all sorts of grilled summer dishes. Yum! P.S. I’m still scared of our pressure cooker, too. Hah!
Girl Heart Food
Thanks so much, David! The cilantro really does add a nice background freshness to the sauce. Glad you like the recipe. I must admit, I’m not fully over my fear of the pressure. Have a great week!!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice
I’ve never watched Chef’s Table before, but I need to check that out! This barbecue sauce looks AMAZING, Dawn! I’ve never heard of a blueberry kind before, so I’m intrigued. I love the ingredients in here and how fresh this sounds. I could put barbecue sauce on just about anything, so I know this would be perfect. Pinned, of course! Hope your week is off to a great start!
Girl Heart Food
Oh, yes, you should definitely do that Gayle! I’m sure you would love it. Thanks so much! I love bbq sauce too, especially anything homemade. Hope you get a chance to try soon and thanks so much for the Pin, sweets 🙂 Have a lovely week too!
Miriam - londonkitchendiaries.com
My mum had a pressure cooker and I have been terrified of it as a child 🙂 Never watched chef’s table but I love watching cooking shows. It is so relaxing and inspirational at the same time. Blueberries in a bbq sauce is an amazing idea. I have to admit I am not too experimental in the kitchen – I once tried basil in a dessert and that was beautiful.
Girl Heart Food
Good to know I’m not the only one, Miriam 😉 Hubby and I watch a lot of cooking shows. I think I never get tired of them! Basil in dessert sounds delicious!Thanks so much for the comment, girl! Have a great week.
Kate @ Framed Cooks
Oh gosh – blueberry bbq sauce? Now THAT says summer all over it. Thanks for this great recipe – it’s going on my Summer of 2106 list!
Girl Heart Food
Doesn’t it, though? Thanks so much, Kate! Enjoy 🙂
Adina
I have cooked blueberries in so many ways but never like this, I am keeping this in mind for the next season, we have a huge and wonderful blueberry field not far away from us. Concerning food related books I can always recommend Nigella Lawson’s “How To Eat”, I read that book almost as if it was a novel. 🙂
Girl Heart Food
Oh that would be wonderful to pick your own berries and then make this sauce 🙂 Thanks so much for the book recommendation; I’ll certainly have to check that one out…she’s great! Thanks for the comments, Adina. Have a great week!
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen
I’m ALWAYS in the mood to cook too Dawn! And this blueberry bbq sauce will definitely be on my summer menu! I’ve never tried a bbq sauce with blueberries. Can’t wait to try! Hope you had a fabulous weekend!
Girl Heart Food
Cooking is the BEST, isn’t it? I find it soooo relaxing!! Plus, then I get to eat all the goodies, lol, and that’s pretty great too 😉 Thanks so much, Mary Ann! Happy you like the recipe 🙂 I did have a lovely weekend! Hope you did too. xo
Demeter | Beaming Baker
Alright, let’s go ahead and exchange high-fives for sharing a constant state of being in the mood to cook and eat. Lol. I’ve never seen Chef’s Table before, but you certainly have me intrigued!
Meanwhile, this blueberry barbecue sauce looks so, sooooo good!
The top blowing off the pressure cooker: OMG!! I totally thought the same thing! I mean, it’s called a pressure cooker!! It’s not called a relaxing + safe cooker. Lol. Glad that you got one and overcame your childhood fears. And now, we all have this wonderful blueberry bbq sauce because of it. 🙂 Yay!! Hope you’re having an awesome Memorial Day Weekend, D. Pinning, of course! xo
Sarah @ Champagne Tastes
I keep meaning to watch Chef’s Table! I’ve heard awesome things about it. It’s on my list!
This BBQ sounds fantastic- I love the idea of making your own instead of buying premade!
Girl Heart Food
It’s really great, Sarah! One of my favourite foodie shows, for sure! Thanks so much 🙂