Traeger Apricot BBQ Sauce Recipe: Sweet & Smoky Perfection

If you’re craving a sauce that brings a perfect balance of sweet and tangy to your grill, Traeger Apricot BBQ Sauce is the way to go. It’s a simple, homemade recipe that combines fresh apricots with garlic, onion, and spices, making it a standout on everything from pork ribs to grilled chicken.

A jar of apricot BBQ sauce surrounded by fresh apricots, a wooden spoon with sauce, spices, and a Traeger grill in the background.

This sauce blends apricot puree, apple cider vinegar, honey, brown sugar, and a touch of Worcestershire sauce to create a rich, flavorful glaze that’s easy to whip up in under an hour. The best part? It’s versatile enough to use as a marinade, dipping sauce, or finishing glaze.

Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or a weekend griller, this apricot BBQ sauce adds a refreshing twist without overpowering your dishes. Plus, making it yourself means no preservatives and you get to adjust the sweetness or spice just the way you like it. 🍑🔥

Ingredients List & Step-By-Step Instructions For Traeger Apricot Bbq Sauce Recipe

This apricot BBQ sauce blends sweet apricot jam with tangy vinegar, smoky spices, and a little heat. The right balance takes your grilled chicken or ribs from good to finger-licking great. Here’s what you need and how to bring it all together in just a few simple steps.

Step 1

Gather these ingredients to kick off the sauce:

Ingredient Quantity
Apricot jam 1 cup
Ketchup ½ cup
Apple cider vinegar ¼ cup
Honey 2 tablespoons
Worcestershire sauce 1 tablespoon
Tomato sauce ¼ cup
Brown sugar 1 tablespoon

Next, prepare your spices:

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • A pinch (¼ teaspoon) cayenne pepper

Step 2

Get a medium saucepan ready and set it over medium heat. Pour in the apricot jam, ketchup, and tomato sauce first. Stir this trio until they meld into a smooth base.

Add the apple cider vinegar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Stir gently while everything warms through. This combo gives your sauce that sweet, tangy kick.

Now toss in all the spices: smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and cayenne pepper. These seasonings bring balance and that subtle smoky heat. Stir well and bring the mixture to a light simmer.

Step 3

Let the sauce bubble on low heat for about 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking or burning. The goal is to let it thicken slightly.

If you want a bit of texture, mash one or two fresh apricots with a potato masher and add them in during simmering. This creates a fresher, fruitier punch.

Taste and adjust seasonings if needed—maybe a little more honey for sweetness or cayenne for heat. When it coats the back of a spoon, it’s ready to be slathered on chicken, pork, or even grilled veggies. 🍗🔥

Chef Melanie

More recipe sites