Traeger Apricot BBQ Sauce Recipe: Sweet and Smoky Perfection

I’ve perfected my Traeger apricot BBQ sauce recipe through countless summer barbecues. This sweet and smoky sauce is a game-changer for grilled meats, adding a rich, fruity flavor that’s hard to resist.

With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, you’ll have a versatile condiment to elevate your grilled dishes. It’s perfect for slathering on ribs, chicken, or pork, and can be made ahead to save time during your next barbecue.

Ingredients for Traeger Apricot Bbq Sauce

Simple pantry staples come together to create this sweet and smoky Traeger apricot BBQ sauce.

The apricot jam is crucial—look for high-quality, no-added-sugar varieties at Trader Joe’s or specialty stores. For the best flavor, choose unfiltered apple cider vinegar. If you’re using a different brand of Worcestershire sauce, double-check that it’s anchovy-free.

No smoked paprika? Regular paprika works, but add a dash of liquid smoke for that deep smokiness. For a thicker sauce, reduce the apple cider vinegar to 2 tablespoons. If you prefer a milder flavor, start with half the garlic powder and adjust to taste. The brown sugar can be adjusted based on your sweetness preference.

This sauce keeps for up to 2 weeks in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container and give it a good stir before using. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months—just thaw and reheat when needed.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Traeger Apricot BBQ Sauce

Creating this sweet and smoky BBQ sauce is straightforward and rewarding – let’s get started.

Step 1: Combine Wet Ingredients

Begin by combining the 1 cup Apricot Jam, 0.5 cup Ketchup, and 0.25 cup Apple Cider Vinegar in a medium saucepan. I like to use a whisk for this step as it helps break down the jam and ensures a smooth base for our sauce. The mixture might look a bit separated at first, but don’t worry – it’ll come together as it heats.

As you whisk, you’ll notice the apricot jam adds a rich, fruity aroma that’s balanced beautifully by the tanginess of the ketchup and vinegar. This combination creates a complex flavor profile that’s both sweet and savory.

Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients and Spices

Once your wet ingredients are well combined, add the 2 tbsp Brown Sugar, 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce, 1 tsp Smoked Paprika, 1 tsp Garlic Powder, 0.5 tsp Onion Powder, 0.25 tsp Black Pepper, and 0.25 tsp Salt. Whisk everything together until the dry ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.

The smoked paprika is a game-changer here – it adds a deep, smoky flavor that complements the Traeger cooking perfectly. If you’re using a different type of paprika, you might need to adjust the quantity to achieve the desired smokiness.

Step 3: Simmer and Reduce the Sauce

Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. You’ll know it’s simmering when you see tiny bubbles breaking the surface – be careful not to let it boil vigorously as this can cause the sauce to reduce too quickly.

Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and let the sauce cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon and has reduced slightly. If you prefer a thicker sauce, continue to simmer for a few more minutes until it reaches your liking.

Step 4: Cool and Store the BBQ Sauce

Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the BBQ sauce cool to room temperature. This step is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken further. Once cooled, transfer the sauce to an airtight container – I prefer glass jars with tight-fitting lids to preserve the flavor.

The BBQ sauce will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. When you’re ready to use it on your Traeger, simply give it a good stir and brush it onto your meat during the last few minutes of cooking. This sauce is perfect for chicken, pork, or beef – it’s that versatile.

Dietary Considerations for This traeger apricot bbq sauce

Making It Gluten-Free

This Traeger apricot BBQ sauce is naturally gluten-free thanks to its simple ingredient list. To maintain its gluten-free status, ensure your Worcestershire sauce is certified gluten-free – some brands contain gluten due to added ingredients like malt vinegar.

Keto and Low-Carb Adaptations

For a keto version, replace the brown sugar with 1-2 tablespoons of Swerve or another sugar substitute. The apricot jam contains natural sugars, so you may want to reduce it to ½ cup if you’re watching carbs closely. The sauce contains about 12g of sugar per ¼ cup serving, primarily from the apricot jam and ketchup.

Vegan Considerations

Most ingredients in this BBQ sauce are vegan-friendly. However, traditional Worcestershire sauce contains anchovies. Look for an anchovy-free Worcestershire sauce or a vegan-certified alternative to keep this sauce plant-based. Some brands now offer vegan Worcestershire sauce made with ingredients like tamarind or seaweed.

Sodium Content

This sauce contains 250-300mg of sodium per ¼ cup serving, mainly from the ketchup and Worcestershire sauce. For lower-sodium versions, use low-sodium ketchup and reduce the added salt to 1/8 teaspoon. You can also make your own ketchup from fresh tomatoes to control the salt content.

Preserving the Sauce

Proper storage is crucial for maintaining flavor and safety. Store the cooled sauce in airtight glass containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze in small portions – ice cube trays work perfectly for this. The sauce will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Canning Considerations

If you want to can this sauce, follow safe canning practices. The acidity from the apple cider vinegar and apricot jam helps preserve the sauce. Use a water bath canner and process for 10 minutes, adjusting for altitude as necessary. Always use a tested canning recipe and follow USDA guidelines to ensure safety.