• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

The Kitchen Prep Blog

Easy Recipes with a Fresh Twist

  • Home
  • About Dianna
  • Recipe Index
  • Work With Me
    • Disclosure Policy
  • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • About Dianna
  • Work With Me
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×
    Home » Condiments & Sauces

    Blueberry BBQ Sauce

    Published: Jun 18, 2016 · Modified: Feb 21, 2023 by thekitchenprep · This post may contain affiliate links ·

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Blueberry BBQ Sauce! Transition those sweet spring berries into an accompaniment for savory summer grilling with this fruity barbecue sauce that works on chicken, ribs & pork!

    Blueberry BBQ Sauce in a mason jar with blueberries scattered beside it.

    This post may contain affiliate links, which means that, at no extra cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you click a link and purchase an item I’ve recommended. Thanks for your support in running this blog!

    Springtime blueberry picking hauls can inspire all kinds of cooking and baking! But you don't have to stop at pies, smoothies & breakfast treats.

    Give your blueberries a shot at a savory creation with my Blueberry BBQ Sauce!

    Sweet and sticky with just a hint of heat (or not... it's your call), this sauce is perfect for slathering over your favorite proteins or giving extra wow-factor to burgers, wraps and more all summer long!

    Looking for more ways to use up your blueberries? Try my Blueberry Lemon Blossoms or Blueberry & Brie Salad with Puff Pastry Croutons!

    This recipe is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free and vegetarian, and can be made vegan. (See Variations & Substitutions below.)

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • FAQ's
    • Variations & Substitutions
    • Blueberry BBQ Sauce

    Ingredients

    • Blueberries. Fresh or frozen work fine.
    • Water
    • Granulated sugar
    • Lemon zest. Use a vegetable peeler to remove 2 large strips of lemon peel from a lemon, trying to avoid the white pith which can add a bitter flavor.
    • Butter. A few tablespoons of butter help give the sauce a nice richness.
    • Onion. I like to use yellow onion or sweet onion.
    • Garlic
    • Dried thyme
    • Red wine vinegar. If you don't have red wine vinegar, regular white or apple cider vinegar can be used.
    • Hot sauce. You may also use a pinch of cayenne or omit altogether if you prefer no heat at all.

    Instructions

    Combine the blueberries, water, sugar and lemon zest in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

    Reduce the heat to medium-low and allow to simmer until reduced by about half, stopping to smash the berries every now and again, about 15-20 minutes. Until the sauce is reduced and has thickened slightly.

    Tip: Be careful when boiling anything with sugar as it can scorch easily.

    Remove from heat and set aside.

    Meanwhile, in another saucepan or in a medium pot, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic and saute until softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.

    Sprinkle in thyme, vinegar, hot sauce, and blueberry mixture and bring to a bubble, then reduce to a simmer and allow to cook for another 6-8 minutes until the mixture has thickened a bit. Remove from heat and cool slightly.

    Pour the mixture into a blender or food processor and blend to desired consistency, or leave chunky if desired.

    Tip: Be careful blending hot liquids as they can blow the top right off of your blender! It's always best to let a mixture cool before blending and hold the top of the blender with a thick dish towel for safety.

    Pour into a jar with a tight fitting lid and refrigerate until ready to use.

    A blue ceramic spoon scooping out blueberry bbq sauce to show texture.

    FAQ's

    Can Blueberry BBQ Sauce be made ahead?

    Yes! Make the sauce as directed then store in the refrigerator in an airtight container.

    How long does Blueberry BBQ Sauce last?

    Stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it should last 4-5 days.

    What does Blueberry BBQ sauce go well with?

    Anything you'd put regular BBQ sauce on! Ribs, chicken breasts or thighs, chicken wings, pork... the possibilities are endless.

    Variations & Substitutions

    • Try a different herb such as basil for another flavor profile.
    • Add a boozy bite by mixing in 2 tablespoons of bourbon (off the heat.)
    • Experiment with sweeteners by using ½ cup brown or granulated sugar and ¼ cup maple syrup or honey. (Be careful with scorching; keep the heat low while on the stovetop.)
    • Use an entirely different fruit such as blackberries or raspberries for a totally different version!

    Diet-Specific Substitutions

    This recipe is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free and vegetarian.

    • Vegan: Use plant-based butter instead of regular.
    Blueberry BBQ Sauce in a mason jar with blueberries scattered beside it.

    Blueberry BBQ Sauce

    Dianna Muscari | The Kitchen Prep
    Blueberry BBQ Sauce! Transition those sweet spring berries into an accompaniment for savory summer grilling with this fruity barbecue sauce that works on chicken, ribs & pork!
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 20 minutes mins
    Cook Time 20 minutes mins
    Total Time 40 minutes mins
    Course Sauce
    Cuisine American
    Servings 1 jar

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 pint blueberries fresh or frozen
    • 1 ¼ cups water
    • ¾ cup sugar
    • 2 strips of lemon zest
    • 4 tablespoons butter
    • 1 medium onion minced
    • 2 large garlic cloves grated
    • ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
    • ¼ cup red wine vinegar
    • 1 teaspoon hot sauce

    Instructions
     

    • Combine the blueberries, water, sugar and lemon zest in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
    • Reduce the heat to medium-low and allow to simmer until reduced by about half, stopping to smash the berries every now and again, about 15-20 minutes. Until the sauce is reduced and has thickened slightly.
    • Remove from heat and set aside.
    • Meanwhile, in another saucepan or in a medium pot, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic and saute until softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
    • Sprinkle in thyme, vinegar, hot sauce, and blueberry mixture and bring to a bubble, then reduce to a simmer and allow to cook for another 6-8 minutes until the mixture has thickened a bit. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
    • Pour the mixture into a blender or food processor and blend to desired consistency, or leave chunky if desired. (Be careful blending hot liquids.)
    • Pour into a jar with a tight fitting lid and refrigerate until ready to use.

    Notes

    Variations
    • Try a different herb such as basil for another flavor profile.
    • Add a boozy bite by mixing in 2 tablespoons of bourbon (off the heat.)
    • Experiment with sweeteners by using ½ cup brown or granulated sugar and ¼ cup maple syrup or honey. (Be careful with scorching; keep the heat low while on the stovetop.)
    • Use an entirely different fruit such as blackberries or raspberries for a totally different version!
    Diet-Specific Substitutions
    This recipe is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free and vegetarian.
    • Vegan: Use plant-based butter instead of regular.

    More Condiments & Sauces

    • San Marzano Tomato Sauce
    • Bacon aioli in a small white ceramic ramekin atop an orange and white striped napkin.
      Bacon Aioli
    • Honey Sriracha Sauce in a white ramekin with sriracha in the background.
      Honey Sriracha Sauce
    • Grilled Chicken Wraps with Peach Ginger Chutney on a white plate.
      Grilled Chicken Wraps with Peach-Ginger Chutney

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Hi! I'm Dianna. I used to think cooking had to be complicated to be good, so I never considered it "my thing." Now I know that's far from true, and my mission is to create & share easy, mouthwatering recipes - from weeknight dinners to simple bites for entertaining - that anyone can make! Join me in my South Florida kitchen and let's get cooking!

    More about me →

    Popular

    • Fork and knife cutting into a stuffed cubanelle pepper.
      Stuffed Cubanelle Peppers
    • Benedictine Spread for Kentucky Derby in a white bowl with a piece of pumpernickel toast in the foreground slathered with spread.
      Benedictine Spread - A Derby Classic
    • Close up of Italian Knot Cookies on a white cake plate.
      Italian Knot Cookies
    • A large skillet filled with Creamy Mushroom & Chicken Sausage Florentine Pasta with a yellow and white striped dish towel underneath.
      Creamy Mushroom & Chicken Sausage Florentine Pasta

    Welcome!

    I'm Dianna and I've been creating & sharing easy recipes with a fresh twist for 14 years!

    More about me

    Popular

    • A large skillet filled with Creamy Mushroom & Chicken Sausage Florentine Pasta with a yellow and white striped dish towel underneath.
      Creamy Mushroom & Chicken Sausage Florentine Pasta
    • Moroccan-Spiced Vegetable Soup via The Kitchen Prep. An easy and flavorful meal for a cold day!
      Moroccan-Spiced Vegetable Soup with Couscous
    • Irish Cheddar & Cabbage Hash Brown Skillet on a dark green surface with a striped kitchen towel beside it.
      Irish Cheddar & Cabbage Hash Brown Skillet
    • A pavlova nest with coconut custard filling sprinkled with coconut flakes and drizzled with chocolate.
      Mini Pavlova Nests

    Seasonal

    • Orange-Avocado Salad
      Orange-Avocado Salad with Honey Vinaigrette
    • Sausage & Squash Soup in a white mug with ingredients around it.
      Sausage & Squash Soup
    • A stack of sweet corn and black bean fritters in a mini cast iron skillet with fresh sweet corn in the background.
      Sweet Corn & Black Bean Fritters
    • Vanilla Bean Citrus Bars! A crisp, shortbread crust is topped with a layer of sweet, citrusy filling speckled with fragrant vanilla beans. These are the stuff of potluck dreams!
      Vanilla Bean Citrus Bars
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter

    Follow Me on Facebook

    Welcome!

    I'm Dianna and I've been creating & sharing easy recipes with a fresh twist for 14 years!

    More about me

    Popular

    • A large skillet filled with Creamy Mushroom & Chicken Sausage Florentine Pasta with a yellow and white striped dish towel underneath.
      Creamy Mushroom & Chicken Sausage Florentine Pasta
    • Moroccan-Spiced Vegetable Soup via The Kitchen Prep. An easy and flavorful meal for a cold day!
      Moroccan-Spiced Vegetable Soup with Couscous
    • Irish Cheddar & Cabbage Hash Brown Skillet on a dark green surface with a striped kitchen towel beside it.
      Irish Cheddar & Cabbage Hash Brown Skillet
    • A pavlova nest with coconut custard filling sprinkled with coconut flakes and drizzled with chocolate.
      Mini Pavlova Nests

    Seasonal

    • Orange-Avocado Salad
      Orange-Avocado Salad with Honey Vinaigrette
    • Sausage & Squash Soup in a white mug with ingredients around it.
      Sausage & Squash Soup
    • A stack of sweet corn and black bean fritters in a mini cast iron skillet with fresh sweet corn in the background.
      Sweet Corn & Black Bean Fritters
    • Vanilla Bean Citrus Bars! A crisp, shortbread crust is topped with a layer of sweet, citrusy filling speckled with fragrant vanilla beans. These are the stuff of potluck dreams!
      Vanilla Bean Citrus Bars

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclosure Policy

    Subscribe

    • Sign Up! and get recipes delivered to your inbox.

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Work with Me

    Copyright © 2025 · The Kitchen Prep ·