Tangy Blueberry Jalapeño Bourbon BBQ Sauce for Canning Recipe

Crafting a blueberry jalapeño bourbon BBQ sauce brings unexpected excitement to your summer preserving adventures.

Unexpected flavor combinations spark culinary creativity in surprising ways.

Sweet berries mingle with spicy peppers, creating a condiment that dances between heat and fruity complexity.

bourbon adds a rich, smoky undertone that deepens the sauce character.

Small-batch canning allows you to capture this vibrant blend for months of delicious enjoyment.

Kitchen experiments like these turn ordinary meals into memorable experiences.

You’ll want to slather this sauce on everything from grilled meats to roasted vegetables.

Blueberry Jalapeno BBQ Sauce Flavor Mixes

• Spicy Berry BBQ Sauce: Replace jalapeños with serrano peppers for an extra fiery kick.
• Low-Sugar Friendly Version: Substitute brown sugar and honey with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining flavor complexity.
• Smoky Chipotle Blueberry Sauce: Swap smoked paprika for ground chipotle powder to introduce a deeper, smokier profile with moderate heat.
• Alcohol-Free Bourbon Alternative: Use bourbon extract or replace bourbon with apple juice to create a non-alcoholic version that retains similar depth of flavor.

FAQs

• Are blueberries and jalapeños a good flavor combination?

Yes! The sweet blueberries balance the spicy jalapeños, creating a complex, tangy flavor profile that adds depth and excitement to BBQ sauce.

• Can I adjust the spice level of this sauce?

Absolutely! Remove jalapeño seeds for less heat or use fewer peppers. You can also substitute milder peppers like Anaheim or add more jalapeños for extra kick.

• What makes bourbon important in this BBQ sauce?

Bourbon adds rich, caramel-like notes and helps deglaze the pan, releasing deeper flavors from the onions and aromatics. It also contributes a subtle smoky undertone that enhances the overall sauce complexity.

• Is this sauce suitable for people who don't like chunky sauces?

Yes, the immersion blender or countertop blender completely smooths out the sauce, creating a uniform texture without visible blueberry or pepper pieces.

Jalapeño Blueberry BBQ Sauce Made for Bottling and Sharing

• Craft a Unique Flavor Explosion: Blend blueberries and jalapeños create an unexpected, mouthwatering BBQ sauce that surprises taste buds with sweet, spicy, and smoky notes.
• Preserve Homemade Goodness: Canning this sauce allows you to enjoy your culinary creation for months, capturing summer's fresh ingredients in convenient, shelf-stable jars.
• Versatile Culinary Companion: Perfect for glazing meats, dipping appetizers, or adding a gourmet touch to sandwiches and grilled dishes, this sauce elevates everyday meals with minimal effort.
• Customize Heat and Complexity: Easily adjust jalapeño quantities to match your spice tolerance, creating a personalized sauce that reflects your unique flavor preferences.

Blueberry Jalapeno Bourbon BBQ Sauce Ingredients

• Blueberries: Sweet and tangy fruit that provides deep color and rich flavor profile for the BBQ sauce.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato product that adds depth and thickness to the sauce.

• Jalapeños: Fresh peppers that bring heat and bright pepper flavor, adjustable to personal spice preference.
• Onion: Classic aromatic that provides foundational savory undertones to the sauce.
• Garlic: Intense flavor booster that enhances overall sauce complexity.

• Bourbon: Premium alcohol that adds smoky complexity and depth to the sauce.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Tangy liquid that balances sweetness and adds bright acidic notes.
• Brown Sugar: Deep caramel-like sweetener that contributes rich color and mellow sweetness.
• Honey: Natural sweetener that rounds out flavor and provides smooth texture.

• Smoked Paprika: Smoky spice that intensifies barbecue-style flavor profile.
• Mustard Powder: Sharp condiment that adds subtle heat and complexity.
• Salt: Essential seasoning that enhances all other ingredients.
• Black Pepper: Warm spice that provides subtle background heat.

• Olive Oil: Neutral cooking fat used for sautéing aromatics and building sauce base.

BBQ Sauce with Jalapeno Canning Guide

Step 1: Prep Wild Berries and Peppers

Rinse fresh blueberries or thaw frozen ones.

Remove stems and drain excess liquid.

Slice jalapeños carefully, removing seeds for less heat or keeping them for maximum kick.

Chop onions into tiny pieces and crush garlic cloves.

Step 2: Build Flavor Foundation

Heat olive oil in a large cooking pot over medium warmth.

Toss onions and cook until they become translucent and soft.

Add garlic and jalapeños, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

Let aromatics dance together for a couple minutes.

Step 3: Splash in Liquid Gold

Pour bourbon into the pot with a dramatic sizzle.

Swirl the pan to lift delicious browned bits from the bottom.

Allow alcohol to bubble and reduce, concentrating rich flavors.

Step 4: Create Sauce Magic

• Blueberries
• Tomato paste
• Apple cider vinegar
• Brown sugar
• Honey
• Smoked paprika
• Mustard powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir thoroughly and bring mixture to a gentle bubble.

Step 5: Simmer and Transform

Lower heat and let sauce develop depth.

Stir occasionally, watching blueberries break down and sauce thicken.

Cook for approximately 20-25 minutes.

Step 6: Smooth Out Texture

Use an immersion blender to create silky consistency.

Alternatively, carefully transfer to standard blender and pulse until perfectly smooth.

Step 7: Balance Flavor Profile

Taste sauce and adjust seasoning.

Add pinches of salt, sugar, or vinegar until flavor feels harmonious.

Step 8: Sterilize Canning Vessels

Boil glass jars and lids in water for ten minutes.

Keep warm and ready for filling.

Step 9: Seal Liquid Treasure

Ladle hot sauce into sterilized jars.

Leave half-inch space at top.

Wipe jar rims clean.

Secure lids tightly.

Step 10: Water Bath Processing

Submerge sealed jars in boiling water.

Process for fifteen minutes, accounting for altitude variations.

Step 11: Rest and Store

Allow jars to cool completely without movement.

Verify tight seals before storing in cool, dark pantry.

Canning Tips for Blueberry Jalapeño BBQ Sauce

• Adjust jalapeño quantity to match your spice tolerance, from mild to fiery hot.
• Use an immersion blender for seamless texture, preventing lumps and ensuring consistent sauce.
• Taste and tweak seasonings gradually, adding small amounts of salt, sugar, or vinegar to create perfect harmony.
• Sterilize jars thoroughly and process in boiling water bath to ensure long-lasting, shelf-stable sauce.
• Replace bourbon with apple juice for a non-alcoholic version without compromising deep flavor profile.

BBQ Sauce Storage for Canning

• Store unsealed or opened jars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Keep sauce away from direct light and heat sources to maintain quality.
• Transfer cooled sauce to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1/2 inch space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months, thawing in the refrigerator overnight before use.
• Warm sauce gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Add a splash of water or apple cider vinegar if the sauce becomes too thick during reheating.
• Properly sealed jars can be stored in a cool, dark pantry for up to 1 year. Always inspect the seal and check for any signs of spoilage before consuming.

BBQ Pairings for Blueberry Jalapeño Sauce

• Savor Perfect Pairings for Blueberry Jalapeño Bourbon BBQ Sauce
• Grill Companion Meats: Pair this bold sauce with grilled pork ribs, chicken thighs, or smoked brisket. The sauce's sweet-spicy complexity enhances the richness of dark, tender meats with a beautiful caramelized finish.
• Cheese Board Partner: Match the sauce with creamy blue cheese, sharp aged cheddar, or tangy goat cheese. The sauce's bourbon undertones and fruity heat create a stunning contrast against smooth, rich cheese textures.
• Craft Beer Complement: Select robust amber ales, smoky porters, or hoppy IPAs to match the sauce's intense flavor profile. These beer styles harmonize with the bourbon's warmth and jalapeño's spiciness while balancing the blueberry's sweetness.
• Unexpected Side Kick: Drizzle over grilled cornbread, use as a dipping sauce for crispy sweet potato fries, or mix into baked beans for an unexpected flavor adventure that elevates classic side dishes.

Blueberry Jalapeno Bourbon BBQ Sauce for Canning Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Blueberry jalapeño bourbon BBQ sauce blends sweet, spicy, and smoky flavors into a bold condiment perfect for summer grilling. Homemade preservation brings gourmet complexity you can savor on meats, sandwiches, and more throughout the year.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruits and Peppers:

• 2 cups (473 milliliters) fresh or frozen blueberries
• 12 jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely chopped

Liquid and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1/2 cup (118 milliliters) bourbon
• 1/2 cup (118 milliliters) apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil

Base and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 6 ounces (170 grams) tomato paste
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/3 cup (79 milliliters) brown sugar
• 1/4 cup (59 milliliters) honey
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare blueberries by rinsing fresh varieties or thawing frozen ones, ensuring thorough drainage. Remove seeds from jalapeños and chop finely according to desired heat level.
2. Warm olive oil in a large saucepan over medium temperature. Sauté diced onions until translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes.
3. Incorporate minced garlic and chopped jalapeños, cooking briefly to release aromatic flavors.
4. Pour bourbon into the pan, gently stirring to lift browned bits from the bottom. Allow liquid to reduce and alcohol to evaporate.
5. Combine blueberries, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, honey, smoked paprika, mustard powder, salt, and pepper into the saucepan.
6. Bring mixture to a gentle bubble, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring periodically until sauce thickens and blueberries break down.
7. Use an immersion blender to create a smooth consistency, alternatively transferring to a countertop blender in batches after slight cooling.
8. Taste and refine flavor profile by adjusting seasonings as needed.
9. Sterilize canning jars and lids through boiling water method, maintaining warmth until filling.
10. Carefully ladle hot sauce into prepared jars, leaving½ inch headspace. Clean jar rims and secure lids with fingertip-tight bands.
11. Submerge filled jars in boiling water canner, processing for 15 minutes while accounting for altitude variations.
12. Allow jars to cool undisturbed for 12-24 hours, verifying seal integrity before storage.

Notes

• Balance heat by removing jalapeño seeds for milder sauce or adding extra seeds for more intensity.
• Swap bourbon with apple juice or chicken stock for non-alcoholic version, maintaining deep flavor complexity.
• Experiment with alternative berries like raspberries or blackberries for unique sauce variations.
• Use an immersion blender cautiously to prevent splattering, ensuring smooth sauce consistency without burning yourself.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 95
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 3 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg