Imagine the surprise when you tell friends you made your own BBQ sauce. It’s surprisingly easy and ideal for a slow cooker. Letting the spices, tomatoes, and sweeteners simmer all day builds a thick, rich sauce that develops even more flavor after chilling. This version with peach and jalapeño is particularly vibrant, but the method invites many variations to suit your taste.
There are countless ways to use this sauce. I’ll share pulled pork and pulled chicken recipes that pair perfectly with it. Use it as a glaze for ribs, a condiment on sandwiches, or a dipping sauce for smoked meats.
The finished sauce is thick and glossy—the texture I prefer for BBQ. Different regions have different BBQ traditions, and I enjoy trying them all, but this style leans toward a sweet, tomato-forward profile enhanced by stone fruit and a touch of heat.
This recipe highlights tomato flavor with sweetness from molasses and peach preserves. You can easily adjust the vinegar, molasses, or preserves to make it tangier or sweeter. Swap the fruit for apricot, mango, or even pineapple to create a whole lineup of sauces to share with friends.
Slow Cooker Jalapeno Peach BBQ Sauce
Jennifer Draper
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Ingredients
- 16 ounces canned tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup peach preserves
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 4 tablespoons molasses
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons diced onion
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 jalapeno seeded and diced
Instructions
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Whisk all ingredients together in a small (1.5 to 2 quart) slow cooker until combined.
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Cook on low up to 6 hours or on high up to 3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is reduced and thickened.
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Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity: add more molasses for depth, more peach preserves for sweetness, or more vinegar for tang, according to your preference.
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Cool slightly, then blend with an immersion blender until the onion, garlic, and jalapeño are fully incorporated and the sauce is smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer to a blender and puree.
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Cool completely, transfer to an airtight container, and refrigerate.
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Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before using if desired.
Nutrition
Important nutritional disclaimer
