Peach BBQ Sauce for Canning or Freezing

Peach BBQ sauce is a delicious and unique twist on traditional barbecue sauce. Made with ripe peaches, this sauce has a sweet and tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with grilled meats like chicken, pork, and ribs. (And this recipe makes a large batch, so you’ll have plenty of sauce to water bath can or to freeze for later.) So if you’d like to switch up your usual barbecue routine, or to impress your family or guests with a new flavor twist, this peach BBQ sauce is a must-try. 

When it comes to preserving peaches, I like to have quite a few jars of canned peaches to make cobbler and pie, to serve over ice cream, and as a topper for my lunchtime cottage cheese. And you just can’t go wrong with a few jars of some small-batch peach butter or a batch of dehydrated peaches stashed away in the pantry. But I also try and find some new and different ways to preserve peaches, too.

So recently, while searching websites and my preserving books for some new ways to preserve peaches, I came across a recipe for Peach BBQ Sauce. And because we have a great love of all things BBQ sauce here in our house, Peach Barbecue Sauce sounded like something I needed to try. And oh my, I was not disappointed! This sauce is seriously good. Sweet and a little smoky with a bright peach flavor. It’s just perfect for chicken or even as a glaze on pork chops or a pork loin.

Here where I live in the mountains of western North Carolina, our home is located just about 30 or so minutes away from the border of upstate South Carolina. And starting in late spring, SC peaches are in full swing. And did you know that South Carolina is the one of the largest producers of peaches in the United States?

It’s true. South Carolina has a long history of producing delicious, high-quality peaches. The state’s warm climate and fertile soil provide ideal conditions for peach trees to thrive, resulting in some of the juiciest and most flavorful peaches you’ll ever taste. It’s a major industry in SC, with hundreds of growers and thousands of acres dedicated to cultivating this beloved fruit. The state’s reputation for delicious peaches has even earned it the nickname “The Tastier Peach State” (in reference to its northern neighbor, Georgia, which is known as “The Peach State”).

And because I’m fortunate enough to live so close to a source of sweet and tasty peaches, I make sure to have my fill of them while the season lasts. I’ve also been hard at work preserving enough of these beauties to get us through the winter.  And if you like canning recipes, check out my recipe for Blueberry Lemon Jam!

This recipe for Peach BBQ sauce is adapted from a Ball recipe. I’ve changed up the spices but have not altered the amount of vinegar and low-acid vegetables, so the recipe remains safe for water bath canning. And if you don’t want to can this sauce, just pop it in the freezer and thaw when needed (I like to use these reusable freezer containers when I freeze sauce or jam).

Note: The original recipe can be found on the Fresh Preserving website, and also in the Ball Complete Book of Home Preserving.

Tips for making your own Peach BBQ Sauce:

• An easy way to peel peaches is to submerge them in a pot of boiling water for 30 seconds, or until the skins split, then immediately transfer to a bowl of ice water. The skins will then easily slip off using a paring knife.
• This recipe contains onions, garlic, and peppers, which are all low-acid vegetables. In order to keep this recipe safe for water bath canning, do not alter the amount of produce or vinegar in the recipe. Also, be sure to use 5% acidity vinegar.
• If you like a spicier BBQ sauce, substitute some or all of the bell pepper for an equal amount of jalapeno peppers or a spicier pepper. Be sure and keep the total amount of peppers the same as the original recipe.
• Use only yellow peaches if you plan on canning your BBQ sauce. White-fleshed peaches are lower in acidity and aren’t safe for water bath canning.
• If you are new to water bath canning, you can find step-by-step instructions here.
• To find out more information about the hows and whys of safe canning, check out the National Center for Home Food Preservation website.

How to use homemade Peach Barbecue Sauce:

1. Glaze for grilled chicken: Brush peach BBQ sauce on chicken pieces during the last few minutes of grilling for a sweet and tangy glaze.
2. Dip for vegetables: Serve peach BBQ sauce as a dip for grilled or roasted vegetables, such as zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers.
3. Topping for burgers: Spread peach BBQ sauce on your favorite burger, along with some melted cheese and crispy bacon, for a delicious twist on a classic.
4. Marinade for tofu: Marinate sliced tofu in peach BBQ sauce for at least an hour before grilling or pan-frying for a flavorful and protein-packed vegetarian or vegan option.
5. Sauce for pulled pork: Toss shredded, slow-cooked pork in peach BBQ sauce for a juicy and flavorful twist on the classic BBQ sandwich. Top with coleslaw for a refreshing crunch.
6. Pizza topping: Spread peach BBQ sauce on pizza dough instead of traditional tomato sauce, then top with shredded chicken or pork, red onion, and mozzarella cheese for a sweet and savory pizza that’s sure to impress your taste buds. You can also add sliced peaches or pineapple for an extra fruity twist

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