Balsamic Barbecue Sauce

Something with barbecue sauce is on our dinner menu at least once a week – it might just be the most popular condiment in my house. While pulling a bottle of barbecue sauce out of the pantry might be the easiest way to sauce up your meals, you are usually limited to only certain flavors and styles. So sometimes I like to change things up!

One of my favorite ingredients to add to a different flavor to something we already love is balsamic vinegar. It’s bold and tangy, but with a fruity element that brings an extra something to savory dishes. I also love adding it to condiments like Creamy Balsamic Dressing or Balsamic Ketchup. And, of course, this barbecue sauce!

Balsamic BBQ Sauce – American Classic with Italian Flavor!

I love slathering it on Grilled BBQ Chicken Breasts or as a dip for Air Fryer Prosciutto-Wrapped Chicken Tenders. Here’s why it’ll become a pantry staple for you too…

• Adds serious flavor. Apple cider vinegar and white vinegar are most commonly used in any barbecue sauce recipe. However, replacing some of it with balsamic vinegar is an easy way to bring a unique flavor profile.
• Classic with a twist. Balsamic BBQ Sauce still has that rich, smooth texture and sweet, tangy flavor everyone loves. But it changes things up just a bit to give those taste buds a happy surprise.
• So versatile. You can use this sassy sauce in place of your favorite barbecue sauce in any recipe to add a little Italian inspo. Swap it out on BBQ Chicken Pizza or check out my other suggestions in the Make it a Meal section below!

Recipe Ingredients

You’ll likely have many of the items in your pantry, but just in case you need to add anything to your grocery shopping list, here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need to make this Italian-style Balsamic BBQ Sauce. Scroll down to the recipe card for the full amounts and step-by-step instructions.

• Tomato paste: You’ll need one small can.
• Balsamic vinegar: Use a good quality, and be sure it is gluten free, if that is a concern for you. Some lower-quality balsamic vinegars have added colorings that may not be gluten free.
• Apple cider vinegar: While you still want enough vinegar for the right level of tangy flavor, using all balsamic vinegar can be a bit too harsh. So this recipe still uses some apple cider vinegar.
• Water: To get just the right consistency.
• Molasses: For that smoky sweetness. You can use brown sugar if you prefer, and to make it a bit sweeter.
• Dry mustard powder: Adds a bit of sharpness.
• Dried oregano and basil: For a little extra Italian-inspired flavor.
• Garlic powder: Gotta have a hint of garlic in your Italian BBQ sauce.
• Salt and pepper: Always essential.

Tips and Variations

• Cook to your preference. While stirring, bring to a slow boil, then simmer until thickened to your desired consistency, whether you want it a little thinner for pouring or nice and thick for brushing.
• Use now or later. You can use it right away or cool and save for later (see below for the details). It’s delicious immediately, but the flavors meld and mellow if you let it sit for at least a day.
• Prefer a sweeter sauce? Add 1/4 cup brown sugar.
• Too tangy? Replace 1/4 cup of the balsamic vinegar with an additional 1/4 cup of water.
• Need some heat? Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Make it a Meal

Try these saucy recipes using this Balsamic BBQ Sauce instead of your usual bottled stuff for a new, bold flavor. You’ll love these serving suggestions!

• Sauce up your chicken. Try these juicy BBQ Balsamic Baked Chicken Breasts along with a side of Parmesan Polenta and a fresh Zucchini Noodles Caprese Salad.
• Make some meatballs. I love adding the balsamic goodness to my BBQ Turkey Meatballs. It’s a great weeknight meal with Baked Sweet Potatoes and Bacon Green Beans.
• Tangy tostadas. It’s an unexpected Tex Mex and Italian fusion when you use it to make BBQ Chicken Tostadas served with Italian Herb Oven Fries and Mozzarella Cauliflower Tots.
• Grain bowl goodness. Pile some BBQ Shrimp on top of Cheesy Quinoa with simple Steamed Broccoli.