Description

This Cherry BBQ Glaze is a sweet and tangy sauce made with fresh or frozen cherries, perfect for enhancing the flavor of ribs, grilled chicken, pork chops, or any of your favorite grilled meats. Combining the natural sweetness of cherries with classic BBQ ingredients like ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika, this glaze simmers down to a rich, smooth consistency that clings beautifully to your dishes. Easy to prepare on the stovetop, it offers a delightful homemade alternative to store-bought BBQ sauces with a unique fruity twist.

Ingredients

Ingredients:

1 cup fresh or frozen cherries (pitted)
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add cherries, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), and salt and black pepper. Stir well to fully combine all ingredients.
Simmer the Mixture: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. During this time, the cherries will soften and the glaze will start to thicken as the flavors meld.
Blend Until Smooth: Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the glaze to cool slightly. Use an immersion blender directly in the pan or transfer the mixture to a regular blender. Blend until you achieve a smooth, uniform consistency.
Final Thickening: Return the blended sauce to the saucepan and simmer for an additional 5 minutes if it needs to thicken further, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Use or Store: Use the glaze immediately as a topping for grilled ribs, chicken, or pork chops, or pour it into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to one week.

Notes

This glaze is an excellent companion to grilled meats like ribs, chicken, and pork chops.
For extra heat, increase the cayenne pepper or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
If using frozen cherries, there is no need to thaw before cooking, saving preparation time.
Store leftover glaze in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to one week.