Kc Bbq Sauce Recipe

I think a truly great barbecue sauce should feel like a warm hug for your taste buds. This homemade kc bbq sauce recipe delivers that comfort, but with a surprising and deep smoky cherry note that sets it apart from anything you’ll find in a store. When the rich, thick sauce starts simmering on the stove, the aroma instantly fills the kitchen with a complex, sweet and savory scent. This recipe captures the essential sweet and thick Kansas City style, elevated by a rich smoky cherry infusion. It’s an easy, family-friendly upgrade for weeknight meals, perfect for healthy eating. The deep flavor makes this unique kc bbq sauce recipe a go-to for a genuine upgrade from store-bought options. Get ready to redefine your comfort food favorites with this unique and delicious twist.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
  Used to sauté the aromatics and build the flavor base. Choose a standard olive oil here; extra virgin is unnecessary.
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  The foundation of sweetness and flavor. Finely dicing helps it cook down fully and integrate into the final sauce without large chunks. When my kids were younger, I blended the onion mixture first to hide all traces of vegetables from picky eaters.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
  Adds a crucial aromatic layer. Ensure it’s minced finely to release its flavor quickly.
• 170 g (6 oz) tomato paste
  The primary base and thickener for authentic kc bbq sauce. Sautéing the paste briefly deepens its complexity and removes any metallic aftertaste.
• 120 ml (½ cup) apple cider vinegar
  Essential for balancing the sweetness with a pleasant, tangy acidity. Do not substitute with white vinegar, as ACV offers a superior depth of flavor.
• 120 ml (½ cup) water or vegetable broth
  Used to thin the sauce to the correct consistency during simmering. Vegetable broth adds more depth, while water keeps it simple. I find the broth creates a more complex flavor profile.
• 100 g (½ cup, packed) dark brown sugar
  Provides the signature sweetness of the Kansas City style. Dark brown sugar specifically adds a deeper molasses flavor compared to light brown sugar.
• 60 ml (¼ cup) molasses
  The key ingredient for deep color and rich, smoky sweetness. Use unsulphured molasses for the best flavor; avoid blackstrap molasses for this recipe as it can be too bitter.
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) alcohol-free Worcestershire sauce
  Adds an umami kick and complex background notes. Ensure it is alcohol-free if serving to children or for dietary reasons.
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) liquid smoke
  Provides the necessary smoky flavor without needing a smoker. Use high-quality liquid smoke, as a small amount goes a long way.
• 60 g (½ cup) dried cherries, roughly chopped
  The unique infusion ingredient that adds sweetness and fruity notes to complement the smoke. Chop roughly to release flavor during simmering; they will soften significantly.
• 1 large chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced (plus 1 teaspoon of adobo sauce)
  Adds a pleasant smoky heat that pairs perfectly with the cherry. Mincing the pepper finely ensures the heat disperses evenly.
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) smoked paprika
  Enhances the smokiness in the sauce. Use standard smoked paprika, not hot smoked paprika.
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) sweet paprika
  Adds color and a sweet pepper base without overwhelming heat. Balances the intensity of the smoked paprika.
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) garlic powder
  Complements the fresh garlic and adds overall depth.
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) onion powder
  Adds a concentrated, savory flavor to the base.
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) dry mustard powder
  Provides a subtle, spicy kick that cuts through the richness.
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) black pepper
  Standard seasoning for depth.
• ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
  Adjust to preference for additional spiciness.
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) fine sea salt, or to taste
  Essential for flavor balance, added at the end.
• Pinch of smoked paprika and 1 teaspoon (5 ml) dried cherries (finely minced) for garnish
  For presentation; garnish is added after plating.

Instructions

1. Start the Base: Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes soft and translucent. Do not let the onion brown, as this will add bitterness; aim for softening. Add the minced garlic, smoked paprika, sweet paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dry mustard, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using) and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. This blooming of the spices releases their essential oils.
2. Toast the Tomato Paste: Stir in the 6 ounces of tomato paste. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly and scraping the bottom of the pan to prevent scorching. This step deepens the tomato flavor and removes the raw, metallic taste, which is crucial for a great homemade kc bbq sauce recipe. Continue to stir and cook until the paste darkens slightly.
3. Add Liquids and Infusion: Pour in the apple cider vinegar, water (or broth), dark brown sugar, molasses, alcohol-free Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke. Whisk thoroughly to combine all ingredients, ensuring the sugar dissolves completely. Add the roughly chopped dried cherries and the minced chipotle pepper with its adobo sauce; stir until well incorporated.
4. Simmer and Thicken: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan partially with a lid, and let it cook for 45-60 minutes. Stir occasionally, every 10-15 minutes, to prevent the thicker sauce from sticking to the bottom and burning. The goal is for the sauce to reduce by about ¼ and for the dried cherries to become very soft. If the sauce thickens too fast, add 1-2 tablespoons of water or broth to reach the desired consistency before blending.
5. Blend to Smoothness: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Carefully blend the sauce using an immersion blender directly in the pot until it reaches your desired smoothness. For a completely smooth kc bbq sauce recipe, transfer it to a stand blender and blend carefully. For a more rustic, home-style look, leave some tiny flecks of cherry and chipotle visible.
6. Final Adjustments and Storage: Taste the sauce and adjust the salt as needed. Allow the sauce to cool completely at room temperature; it will continue to thicken significantly as it cools. Transfer the cooled sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and for the kc bbq sauce recipe to reach optimal texture and flavor complexity.

Ways to Enjoy This Smoky Cherry Sauce

This unique smoky cherry kc bbq sauce recipe works beautifully with almost any protein or vegetable. It’s a versatile condiment for quick meals or a delicious addition to your family dinner routine. Try these suggestions:

• Classic Pulled Chicken: This kc bbq sauce recipe shines when paired with pulled chicken. Slather it on slow-cooked chicken during the last 30 minutes of cooking or serve it on the side with a scoop of creamy coleslaw.
• Grilled Chicken and Ribs: Use it as a basting sauce for ribs during the last few minutes of grilling, or brush it over chicken thighs as they finish cooking to create a delicious, caramelized crust.
• Signature Burger Topping: Ditch standard condiments; use this sauce to elevate a simple cheeseburger. It provides a sweet, smoky kick that complements sharp cheddar or provolone cheese perfectly.
• Baked Beans or Meatballs: Stir a generous amount into baked beans for a deep, complex flavor boost. It also makes an excellent glaze for cocktail meatballs or a base for a hearty meatloaf.

Make-Ahead Tips and Storage Guide

This make-ahead friendly kc bbq sauce recipe is perfect for meal prep. Making a large batch means you always have a healthy, homemade condiment ready for quick weeknight dinners.

• Refrigeration: Store cooled sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The flavors will continue to deepen after a few days, so making it ahead of time is highly recommended.
• Freezing Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the sauce in a freezer-safe container or ice cube trays. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or heat gently in a saucepan from frozen. The sauce may separate slightly upon thawing but will re-emulsify when reheated and stirred.
• Yield and Planning: This recipe yields approximately 2 cups of sauce, enough for a small family gathering. Consider doubling the batch for large cookouts or easy dinner ideas.

FAQs

What makes this a Kansas City-style sauce?

The key characteristics of this kc bbq sauce recipe are its thick, tomato-based foundation and a balance of sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors. This specific recipe includes those essential elements plus a unique cherry twist that elevates it to a family-friendly favorite.

Can I adjust the spiciness of the sauce?

Yes, for less heat, use only the chipotle pepper and omit the cayenne. For more heat, add an extra dash of cayenne or an extra chipotle pepper. The heat level is fully adjustable to your family’s preference for healthy eating. This kc bbq sauce recipe is versatile for customization.

Is liquid smoke necessary for the recipe?

Liquid smoke provides the necessary smoky flavor without needing an actual smoker, which is essential for a true kc bbq sauce profile. While you can omit it, the sauce’s character will change significantly, losing some of the classic Kansas City flavor. This kc bbq sauce recipe really benefits from a small amount of high-quality liquid smoke for authenticity.

Can I make this a low-sugar sauce?

To make this a low-sugar or low-carb meal, you can substitute the brown sugar with a low-carb sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit in a 1:1 ratio. The flavor will be less rich, but it keeps the consistency. The kc bbq sauce recipe is still delicious with less sugar.

How do I make the sauce thinner or thicker?

To thin the sauce, add an extra tablespoon of water or broth during simmering. To thicken it, let it simmer uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tsp cold water) at the end to quickly adjust the consistency.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried cherries?

You could substitute fresh cherries, but dried cherries provide a concentrated sweetness and a chewier texture that holds up better during the long simmer and blending process. If using fresh, make sure they are pitted and adjust sugar levels as needed for a consistent result. The dried cherries give this kc bbq sauce recipe a unique depth.

How long does the sauce need to cool before serving?

The sauce must cool completely before serving; ideally, refrigerate it for 2 hours. This time allows the flavors to meld and for the kc bbq sauce recipe to reach its full thickness. I always chill this sauce overnight to let the cherry notes fully develop; it’s much better the next day.

Conclusion

This kc bbq sauce recipe with smoky cherry infusion is a simple way to create a memorable meal at home. Don’t forget to save this recipe for your next family cookout!

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