Delicious Homemade Barbecue Pizza Sauce Recipe
Elevate your pizza game with this unique barbecue pizza sauce! This creative blend marries the rich, deep flavors of traditional tomato-based pizza sauce with the sweet, spicy, and savory notes of barbecue sauce. The result? An irresistible base that will take your grilled pizza to new heights.
Born from the creative pressures of grilling competitions, this sauce was designed to win over judges and pizza lovers alike. It strikes the perfect balance between classic pizza sauce and tangy barbecue, allowing your chosen toppings to shine while adding an unexpected twist.
Whether you’re firing up the grill for a backyard pizza party or looking to experiment with new flavors in your kitchen, this barbecue pizza sauce is sure to impress. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how easy it is to create this mouthwatering sauce!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion (about 1 small)
- 2 teaspoons freshly minced garlic (about 2 medium cloves)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 (28-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1/3 cup dark brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 2 teaspoons yellow mustard
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Directions
- Start by heating the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat until it shimmers. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it softens and becomes translucent. This step builds a flavorful base for your sauce.
- Once the onions are soft, it’s time to add some aromatic kick. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for just 30 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown, as this can create a bitter taste.
- Now comes the heart of the sauce. Add the tomato sauce, dark brown sugar, tomato paste, honey, apple cider vinegar, molasses, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and dried oregano to the pan. Stir well to combine all these flavor-packed ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. During this time, the sauce will thicken slightly and the flavors will meld together beautifully.
- After simmering, it’s time to achieve that perfect smooth texture. Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the sauce right in the pan until it’s silky smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the sauce to a regular blender in batches, being cautious with the hot liquid.
- Your barbecue pizza sauce is now ready to use! Spread it generously on your pizza dough before adding your favorite toppings and grilling or baking.
Storage Tips
If you’re not using the sauce immediately, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or jar. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, making it perfect for impromptu pizza nights or as a flavorful condiment for other dishes.
Serving Suggestions
While this sauce was created with pizza in mind, don’t limit yourself! Try it as a dipping sauce for breadsticks, spread it on a sandwich for a tangy twist, or use it as a base for a unique barbecue chicken pasta dish. The possibilities are endless!
Customization Ideas
Feel free to adjust the sweetness or heat levels to suit your taste. Add a bit more honey for extra sweetness, or increase the red pepper flakes for a spicier kick. You could even experiment with smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke for a more pronounced barbecue flavor.
Nutritional Facts
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Servings: 8 to 10 | |
| Amount per serving | |
| Calories | 118 |
| % Daily Value* | |
| Total Fat 3g | 4% |
| Saturated Fat 0g | 2% |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 499mg | 22% |
| Total Carbohydrate 23g | 8% |
| Dietary Fiber 2g | 6% |
| Total Sugars 20g | |
| Protein 2g | |
| Vitamin C 8mg | 40% |
| Calcium 35mg | 3% |
| Iron 1mg | 8% |
| Potassium 416mg | 9% |
| *The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. | |
Why You’ll Love This Barbecue Pizza Sauce
- Unique flavor profile: Combines the best of pizza and barbecue sauces
- Versatile: Great on pizzas, but also works well as a dipping sauce or sandwich spread
- Make-ahead friendly: Stores well in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks
- Customizable: Easily adjust sweetness and heat levels to your preference
- Perfect for grilling: Stands up well to high heat, making it ideal for grilled pizzas
Whether you’re a pizza aficionado looking to shake things up or a barbecue lover wanting to expand your horizons, this barbecue pizza sauce is sure to become a new favorite in your culinary repertoire. Its balanced blend of flavors will have your taste buds dancing and your dinner guests asking for the recipe. So fire up that grill or preheat your oven, because pizza night just got a whole lot more exciting!