Homemade Blueberry BBQ Sauce Recipe with Fresh Blueberries
If you’re looking for a homemade barbecue sauce that’s sweet, tangy, and made with real ingredients, this blueberry barbecue sauce is worth trying. Unlike many blueberry BBQ sauce recipes that rely on jam or preserves, this one uses fresh blueberries for a brighter fruit flavor that still tastes like barbecue sauce, not dessert. Ketchup, apple cider vinegar, garlic, and maple syrup balance the berries into a sauce that’s perfect for grilled chicken, pork, burgers, or your next summer cookout.
Want to Save This Recipe?
Enter your email & I’ll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Simple and Savory
Recipe at a Glance
- Made with fresh or frozen blueberries, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, garlic, and maple syrup; no jam or preserves involved.
- Simmers for 30 to 35 minutes. Leave it chunky or blend it smooth, your choice.
- Keeps in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months, so it’s worth doubling the batch.
- Not just for ribs: it works on grilled meats, tofu, tempeh, baked beans, and pulled pork too.
Ingredient Notes:
- Blueberries – Fresh or frozen both work. Thaw and drain frozen berries first so the sauce doesn’t turn watery.
- Ketchup – The tomato base. Don’t substitute tomato paste; it throws off the sweet-to-tang balance.
- Apple cider vinegar – Sub white wine vinegar or balsamic if that’s what you’ve got open.
- Garlic – Fresh is best. In a pinch, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder works.
- Maple syrup – Use real maple syrup, not pancake syrup. Honey or brown sugar works as a sub.
Missing an ingredient? Try using the Ingredient Swap Assistant for a substitute!
How to Make Blueberry BBQ Sauce
- Prepare: Rinse the fresh blueberries or thaw the frozen blueberries ones. Chop the garlic, and measure the ketchup, vinegar, and syrup.
- Cook: Add everything except for the maple syrup to a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce to low and simmer 30 to 35 minutes, until the blueberries break down and the sauce thickens. Stir in the maple syrup.
- Finish: For a smooth sauce, blend with an immersion blender or a food processor. Leave it as is for a chunkier texture. Adjust with salt and pepper and store it in the fridge.
Make It Your Way
I make a big batch whenever blueberries are in season and use it when I’m barbecuing instead of my usual sauce. Sometimes I like to change it up; here are some suggestions:
- Make it spicy – Add a tablespoon of chipotle chili powder, chopped chili peppers, jalapeños, red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Bourbon Blueberry BBQ Sauce – Stir in a quarter cup of bourbon while the sauce cooks.
- Asian – Add a teaspoon or more of soy sauce and a little ginger to taste.
- Change up the fruit – Swap the blueberries for raspberries, blackberries, or a mix of fresh berries (about 1 cup).
- Smoky – For a smoky flavor, add smoked paprika to taste. Start with 1/4 teaspoon and adjust as needed.
Serving Suggestions
This sauce works on most grilled meats, such as pork ribs, chicken thighs, chicken wings, or chicken breasts.
It’s also great on meatless proteins such as grilled tofu or tempeh. Pair it with coleslaw and potato salad for a full BBQ plate, or stir it into slow-cooker recipes like baked beans, pulled pork, and country ribs.
How to Store Blueberry BBQ Sauce
Blueberry BBQ sauce can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container such as a mason jar or glass storage container.
Want to Save This Recipe?
Enter your email & I’ll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Simple and Savory
Click on serving size to scale this recipe
Blueberry Barbecue Sauce
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup you can adjust this to your taste
- 1 clove fresh garlic crushed
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: crush the garlic, rinse the blueberries or if you are using frozen, rinse them off and let them thaw out in a bowl.
- Add 1 cup fresh blueberries, 1/2 cup ketchup, 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar1 clove fresh garlic to a medium saucepan. bring to a boil over medium-high, then reduce to low and simmer 30-35 minutes while stirring occasionally until the blueberries become very soft.
- Stir in 1 tablespoon maple syrup, and check the taste for sweetness and adjust the flavors.
- For a smooth sauce, place sauce into a blender, food processor or use an immersion blender.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and can vary based on cooking methods and ingredients used
Homemade Blueberry BBQ Sauce Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can freeze leftover blueberry BBQ sauce. Place room-temperature BBQ sauce into an airtight container and freeze it for up to three months. Defrost it in the refrigerator overnight.
To prevent over-charring, brush the sauce on a few minutes before serving.
Sign Up for Easy Recipes Straight in Your In-Box!
What a super fun way to to use some of my blueberry bounty!! SO good!
This seems to be really easy to make! I am excited to add this to my 4th of July BBQ spread!
Enjoy!
Such a unique but delicious bbq sauce! I love how simple and easy it is too.
Thank you!
my mouth is WATERING .. I love blueberries and rarely think to do them in savory!
I love serving fruit in savory dishes.
I knew right away from the title I would like this and the recipe does not disappoint! So simple and easy yet such a great balance of sweet, savory and a little spice from the chipotle powder.
Thank you!
What a beautiful sauce! So easy to make and delicious! Perfect for summer BBQ.
OMG, this looks so good! I love the idea of blueberries adding fruity touch of sweetness to bbq sauce. Those ribs 🙂
Can I add chipotle peppers to the sauce?
Hi Dave! Yes you can add one or two chopped chipotle peppers to the sauce.
Hello, so glad I found this recipe. You see my small local business bbq joint sold his version of blueberry sauce for his pork spareribs. It was delicious. Now he has retired and doesn’t bottle anymore. I can’t wait to make this but, can I use 1 tbsp corn syrup in place of 1 tbsp maple syrup
Yes, you can replace maple syrup with corn syrup or any liquid sweetener.
Tried this recipe. Way way too much vinegar. Maple syrup did not cut through the vinegar I had to put about 2 -3 tablespoons of honey. Then a 1/2 tsp salt.
Hi Lauren! It sounds like you were looking for a sweeter sauce, I’m glad it worked out adding extra honey!