Sauce For Ham Barbecues
A tangy, sweet, and savory sauce with onions, peppers, and Worcestershire, perfect for glazing ham or complementing grilled meats at barbecues.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown onion and celery in butter or oleo.
- Add remaining ingredients, stirring well.
- Cover and simmer until flavors meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try adding a splash of apple cider vinegar instead of regular vinegar, or use honey in place of brown sugar for a different sweetness. If you're short on time, pre-chopped vegetables can save you prep work. This sauce also works well with pulled pork or chicken, making it versatile for various barbecues.
Serving Suggestions
This sauce pairs beautifully with grilled or smoked ham, bringing a zesty kick to your barbecue. Serve it alongside coleslaw and cornbread for a classic American meal. You can also drizzle it over nachos or use it as a dipping sauce for appetizers like Nautical Nibblers for a fun twist.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sauce For Ham Barbecues contains roughly 104 calories, with 2g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 563mg per serving (24% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this barbecue sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! This sauce can be made a day or two in advance to allow the flavors to meld even further. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat before serving. Many barbecue enthusiasts find that making sauces ahead enhances their taste.
What can I use instead of ketchup in this recipe?
If you're looking for a substitute for ketchup, you can blend tomato paste with a bit of water and sugar to achieve a similar consistency and flavor. Alternatively, consider using homemade tomato sauce or a mix of crushed tomatoes with seasonings.
Is this sauce suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this sauce is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat products. However, always check your Worcestershire sauce for anchovies if you want to keep it fully vegetarian; opt for a vegan version instead to be safe.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).