Bacon & Onion Barbecue Sauce: A Smoky, Savory Delight
Barbecue sauce is a staple condiment in many households, and for good reason. It adds a delicious tang and depth of flavor to grilled meats, vegetables, and even sandwiches. While there are countless store-bought options available, nothing compares to the rich, complex taste of homemade barbecue sauce. This recipe elevates the classic barbecue sauce by incorporating two beloved ingredients: bacon and caramelized onions. The result is a smoky, savory, and slightly sweet sauce that will transform your grilling game.
## Why Bacon & Onion Barbecue Sauce?
This isn’t your average barbecue sauce. The addition of bacon and onions adds layers of flavor that simply can’t be replicated with bottled sauces. Here’s why you should try this recipe:
* **Smoky Flavor:** Bacon provides a distinct smoky flavor that permeates the entire sauce.
* **Sweetness:** Caramelized onions contribute a subtle sweetness that balances the tang of the vinegar and the richness of the bacon.
* **Depth of Flavor:** The combination of bacon, onions, and a variety of spices creates a complex and nuanced flavor profile.
* **Versatility:** This sauce is incredibly versatile and can be used on a wide range of dishes.
* **Homemade Goodness:** Making your own barbecue sauce allows you to control the ingredients and avoid artificial flavors and preservatives.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather the following ingredients:
* **Bacon:** 1 pound, thick-cut, chopped
* **Onions:** 2 large, yellow, thinly sliced
* **Garlic:** 4 cloves, minced
* **Ketchup:** 2 cups
* **Apple Cider Vinegar:** 1 cup
* **Brown Sugar:** 1/2 cup, packed
* **Worcestershire Sauce:** 1/4 cup
* **Dijon Mustard:** 2 tablespoons
* **Smoked Paprika:** 2 tablespoons
* **Chili Powder:** 1 tablespoon
* **Black Pepper:** 1 teaspoon, freshly ground
* **Cayenne Pepper:** 1/2 teaspoon (optional, for heat)
* **Salt:** To taste
* **Olive Oil:** 1 tablespoon (optional, if bacon doesn’t render enough fat)
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect bacon and onion barbecue sauce:
**Step 1: Cook the Bacon**
* In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the bacon is crispy and has rendered its fat. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
* Remove the bacon from the pot using a slotted spoon and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain the excess grease. Reserve about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pot. If the bacon didn’t render enough fat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pot.
**Step 2: Caramelize the Onions**
* Add the sliced onions to the pot with the reserved bacon fat (or olive oil). Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and caramelized. This process takes time, usually about 20-30 minutes. The key is to cook them slowly and patiently, allowing the natural sugars in the onions to break down and create a sweet, rich flavor. Don’t rush this step, as it’s crucial for the overall taste of the sauce.
* If the onions start to stick to the bottom of the pot, add a tablespoon of water or apple cider vinegar and scrape up any browned bits. This adds extra flavor to the sauce.
**Step 3: Add Garlic and Spices**
* Once the onions are caramelized, add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute or two until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
* Stir in the smoked paprika, chili powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for another minute to bloom the spices, releasing their aromas and enhancing their flavors.
**Step 4: Combine the Remaining Ingredients**
* Pour in the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard into the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
**Step 5: Simmer the Sauce**
* Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the sauce simmer for at least 1 hour, or up to 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The longer the sauce simmers, the more the flavors will meld together and deepen.
* If the sauce becomes too thick during simmering, add a little water or apple cider vinegar to thin it out.
**Step 6: Add the Bacon and Adjust Seasoning**
* After simmering, stir in the cooked bacon. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt as needed. Remember that the bacon is already salty, so be careful not to over-salt the sauce.
**Step 7: Blend for a Smooth Sauce (Optional)**
* If you prefer a smooth barbecue sauce, use an immersion blender to blend the sauce directly in the pot until it reaches your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer the sauce to a regular blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Be cautious when blending hot liquids, as they can splatter.
* If you prefer a chunkier sauce, skip this step.
**Step 8: Cool and Store**
* Let the barbecue sauce cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The sauce will thicken as it cools.
* The bacon and onion barbecue sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. You can also freeze the sauce for longer storage (up to 3 months). Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before using.
## Tips and Tricks for the Best Bacon & Onion Barbecue Sauce
* **Use High-Quality Bacon:** The flavor of the bacon is crucial to the overall taste of the sauce, so use good-quality, thick-cut bacon.
* **Don’t Rush the Caramelization:** Caramelizing the onions properly is essential for the sweetness and depth of flavor in the sauce. Be patient and cook them slowly over low heat.
* **Adjust the Heat:** If you prefer a spicier sauce, add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
* **Experiment with Flavors:** Feel free to experiment with different spices and flavorings to customize the sauce to your liking. Some ideas include adding a splash of bourbon, a tablespoon of molasses, or a pinch of ground cloves.
* **Control the Consistency:** Adjust the amount of liquid to achieve your desired consistency. If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it for longer. If you prefer a thinner sauce, add more water or apple cider vinegar.
* **Taste as You Go:** Taste the sauce throughout the cooking process and adjust the seasoning as needed. This will ensure that the sauce is perfectly balanced to your liking.
## Serving Suggestions
This bacon and onion barbecue sauce is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions:
* **Grilled Meats:** Brush it on grilled chicken, ribs, pork chops, or steak during the last few minutes of cooking.
* **Pulled Pork:** Toss shredded pulled pork with the sauce for a delicious and easy meal.
* **Burgers:** Use it as a topping for burgers, sandwiches, and wraps.
* **Pizza:** Spread it on pizza crust as a base for a unique and flavorful pizza.
* **Vegetables:** Grill or roast vegetables like corn on the cob, zucchini, or bell peppers and brush them with the sauce.
* **Dipping Sauce:** Serve it as a dipping sauce for chicken nuggets, fries, or onion rings.
* **Baked Beans:** Stir it into baked beans for an extra layer of smoky flavor.
* **Meatloaf:** Use it as a glaze for meatloaf.
## Variations
Here are a few variations you can try to customize this bacon and onion barbecue sauce to your liking:
* **Spicy Bacon & Onion Barbecue Sauce:** Add 1-2 finely chopped jalapenos or serrano peppers to the pot along with the onions.
* **Honey Bacon & Onion Barbecue Sauce:** Substitute the brown sugar with honey for a sweeter and more floral flavor.
* **Maple Bacon & Onion Barbecue Sauce:** Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a distinct maple flavor.
* **Bourbon Bacon & Onion Barbecue Sauce:** Add 1/4 cup of bourbon to the pot along with the other liquids for a boozy kick.
* **Coffee Bacon & Onion Barbecue Sauce:** Add 1 tablespoon of instant coffee granules to the pot along with the spices for a rich and complex flavor.
## Equipment
* Large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
* Slotted spoon
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Knife and cutting board
* Immersion blender or regular blender (optional)
* Airtight container for storage
## Recipe Card
**Bacon & Onion Barbecue Sauce**
A smoky, savory, and slightly sweet barbecue sauce made with bacon, caramelized onions, and a variety of spices. Perfect for grilling, sandwiches, and more!
**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 1 hour 30 minutes
**Total Time:** 1 hour 45 minutes
**Yield:** Approximately 3 cups
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound thick-cut bacon, chopped
* 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 cups ketchup
* 1 cup apple cider vinegar
* 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
* 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
* 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
* 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
* 1 tablespoon chili powder
* 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
* 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
* Salt to taste
* 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, if bacon doesn’t render enough fat)
**Instructions:**
1. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside. Reserve 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pot (or add 1 tablespoon of olive oil).
2. Add the sliced onions to the pot and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until caramelized (20-30 minutes).
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in the smoked paprika, chili powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for another minute.
5. Pour in the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Stir well to combine.
6. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
7. Stir in the cooked bacon. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt.
8. (Optional) Use an immersion blender or regular blender to blend the sauce until smooth.
9. Let the sauce cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
## Conclusion
This bacon and onion barbecue sauce is a flavorful and versatile condiment that will elevate your grilling and cooking to the next level. The combination of smoky bacon, sweet caramelized onions, and a blend of spices creates a complex and delicious sauce that is sure to impress. So, ditch the store-bought stuff and try this homemade recipe for a truly unforgettable barbecue experience. Enjoy!