Spicy Peach BBQ Sauce

Peach season doesn’t last long, so I love turning ripe peaches into a big batch of this sweet-and-spicy BBQ sauce. You get jammy peach flavor up front, a little tang from the vinegar and mustard, and a slow-building heat from the red pepper flakes. It’s ridiculously good on grilled chicken and pork.

Quick answer: Spicy peach BBQ sauce takes about 30 minutes to make. Soften the peaches, simmer them with the rest of the ingredients until thick, then blend it smooth or leave it chunky. Brush it on chicken, pork, or shrimp near the end of grilling. Makes about 2 cups.

Spicy Peach BBQ Sauce

A sweet-and-spicy BBQ sauce built on ripe peaches with a kick of heat — it comes together in about 30 minutes and is incredible on chicken, pork, and shrimp.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 2 cups

Course: Sauce

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups chopped fresh or frozen peaches or one 15-ounce can, drained
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes add more for extra heat
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Method

 

1. Add the peaches to a medium saucepan and cook over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in the ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, honey, mustard, Worcestershire, garlic, and spices.
3. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
4. For a smooth sauce, blend with an immersion blender, or leave it chunky for more texture.
5. Taste and add more crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
6. Use warm, or let it cool and store in an airtight jar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned or frozen peaches?

Yes — a 15-ounce can (drained) or 2 cups of frozen peaches both work, so you can make this sauce year-round.

How spicy is it?

Mild-to-medium with 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Add more, or toss in a diced jalapeño, if you want real heat.

What should I put it on?

It’s fantastic on grilled chicken, pork chops, ribs, and shrimp — and it makes a great glaze for meatballs.

Do I have to blend it?

No. Blend it for a smooth sauce, or leave it chunky for more texture — both taste great.

More Homemade BBQ Sauces to Try

Love making your own sauce? Try my Honey Bourbon BBQ Sauce and my Maple Strawberry BBQ Sauce next.