Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes — use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.

Do these freeze well?

Yes — freeze after cooling and thaw in the refrigerator.

You can reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes — thighs stay juicier and add richer flavor.

Can I grill the chicken?

Absolutely. Grilling adds smoky Mediterranean flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — skip feta and tzatziki or use dairy-free versions.

Can I substitute the rice?

Yes — quinoa, orzo, couscous, or mixed greens all work well.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes — store ingredients separately and assemble when serving.

Is blackened tuna spicy?

It has a mild-to-moderate heat. Reduce the cayenne pepper or jalapeño for a milder version.

Can I grill the tuna instead?

Yes. Grill over high heat for the same amount of time, making sure the grates are well-oiled.

What type of tuna should I use?

Ahi (yellowfin) or sushi-grade tuna works best for searing.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes. The mango salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Dirty rice has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun dirty rice ahead of time?

Yes. Store dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze Cajun dirty rice?

Yes. Cajun dirty rice freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

What meat can I substitute for beef?

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.

Is Cajun cornbread spicy?

Cajun cornbread has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing the jalapeño or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun cornbread ahead of time?

Yes. Cajun cornbread can be baked up to one day ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Can I freeze Cajun cornbread?

Yes. Wrap the cornbread tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I make Cajun cornbread without cheese?

Yes. You can omit the cheese for a dairy-light version without affecting the texture.

Gumbo is mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.

Can I make chicken and sausage gumbo ahead of time?

Yes. Gumbo tastes even better the next day and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze chicken and sausage gumbo?

Yes. Gumbo freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Do I have to use okra in gumbo?

No. Okra helps thicken gumbo, but you can omit it or use filé powder if preferred.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes spicy?

They have a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make Cajun roasted potatoes ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

Can I use red or russet potatoes?

Yes. Just cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even roasting.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes vegan?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written.

Is Cajun shrimp & grits spicy?

Cajun shrimp and grits has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to make it milder.

Can I make Cajun shrimp and grits ahead of time?

The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but the grits can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of broth or milk.

Can I use instant grits?

Yes, but stone-ground grits provide the best flavor and creamiest texture.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Yes, whole milk can be used, though the grits will be slightly less rich.

Maple Apple Butter BBQ Sauce (Sweet, Smoky & Perfect for Fall Meals!)

Sarah Smith
Dec 2, 2025
2 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

A glass jar filled with smooth, brown sauce, a spoon inside. In the background are a bowl of brown sugar and a jar of honey. Neutral setting.

This Maple Apple Butter BBQ Sauce is sweet, tangy, smoky, and perfectly cozy — made with apple butter, maple syrup, vinegar, spices, and a touch of tomato for rich depth. It’s amazing on ribs, chicken, pork tenderloin, sandwiches, or as a dip for crispy appetizers like Buffalo Chicken Sliders or Philly Cheesesteak Sliders

Try brushing it over Baked Country-Style Pork Ribs, serving it with Slow-Cooked Pork Roast, or pairing it with Cajun Shrimp Lettuce Wraps for a fall-inspired twist.

Why You’ll Love This

Sweet, smoky BBQ sauce with rich maple and apple butter flavor
Smooth, bold taste that feels cozy and seasonal
Easy homemade sauce made with simple pantry ingredients
Perfect for brushing on chicken, pork, ribs, or using as a dipping sauce

Recipe Card

Prep Time: 5 min. Cook Time: 10 min. Total Time: 15 min. Servings: Makes 1 ½ cups

Ingredients

1 cup apple butter
½ cup ketchup
¼ cup maple syrup
2 tbsp brown sugar
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp Dijon mustard
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
¼ tsp black pepper
Pinch of cayenne (optional)
Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients

In a medium saucepan, whisk together:

Apple butter
Ketchup
Maple syrup
Brown sugar
Vinegar
Worcestershire
Dijon
All seasonings

2. Simmer

Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

Cook 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until glossy and slightly thickened.

3. Taste & Adjust

Sweetness: add more maple or brown sugar.

Tang: add extra vinegar

Heat: add cayenne

4. Serve

Use warm as a glaze, dip, or drizzle! Stores beautifully.

Ways to Use This Sauce

Brush over Baked Country-Style Pork Ribs
Serve with Slow-Cooked Pork Roast
Drizzle onto Fried Zucchini Chips
Toss with shredded chicken for sandwiches
Add to Crispy Roasted Potatoes
Spoon over Meatballs or grilled pork chops

Storage

Refrigerator: 7–10 days

Freezer: Up to 3 months

Reheat: Warm gently on low heat

FAQ

Can I use homemade apple butter?

Yes — homemade or store-bought both work perfectly.

Can I make it spicier?

Add cayenne, red pepper flakes, chipotle powder, or hot sauce.

Can I make this thicker?

Simmer longer or add an extra tablespoon of tomato paste.

Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?

Yes — the flavor will change slightly, but still delicious.

Is this good for canning?

This specific recipe isn’t tested for canning; best to refrigerate or freeze.

Can I use it on beef?

Absolutely — it’s delicious on burgers, meatloaf, and brisket.

Conclusion

This Maple Apple Butter BBQ Sauce is sweet, smoky, cozy, and full of warm fall flavor — the perfect upgrade for pork, chicken, roasted veggies, sandwiches, or weeknight dinners. With simple ingredients and just 15 minutes of cooking, it’s a homemade BBQ sauce you’ll reach for again and again. Once you try it, you’ll want to keep a jar in the fridge at all times!