20 Mouthwatering Ways to Use BBQ Sauce 🍗🔥

20 Mouthwatering Ways to Use BBQ Sauce 🍗🔥

BBQ sauce isn’t just for slathering on ribs or chicken anymore. Its tangy, smoky, and slightly sweet flavors can transform any mundane dish into a culinary masterpiece. In this blog, we’ll explore ten creative and mouthwatering ways to use BBQ sauce that will elevate your cooking game. Whether you’re a BBQ enthusiast or just looking to spice up your meal prep, these ideas are guaranteed to impress.

Man Putting Charcoal on a Barbecue Grill with His Friends

1. BBQ Breakfast Tacos

Kickstart your morning with a twist by adding BBQ sauce to your breakfast tacos. Scramble eggs, cook up some bacon or sausage, and top with a smoky BBQ sauce for a flavorful start to your day. This dish pairs wonderfully with spicy Red sauce, which introduces a vibrant tanginess that complements the richness of the eggs and meat. The addition of fresh cilantro and diced onions can elevate the tacos’ freshness, making it a balanced and irresistible breakfast option.

2. Smoky BBQ Mac and Cheese

Transform the classic comfort food into a smoky delicacy by incorporating BBQ sauce into your mac and cheese. The sauce adds depth and a sweet tanginess to the creamy dish, creating a tantalizing flavor profile. For an enhanced experience, mix in some pulled pork or crispy bacon bits. Baking it till the top is golden and crispy adds a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior, making it a dish worth sharing… or keeping to yourself.

3. BBQ Pulled Pork Pizza

Why settle for ordinary pizza when you can have a BBQ pulled pork pizza? Spread a generous layer of BBQ sauce over your pizza dough, then top with pulled pork, red onion slices, and mozzarella cheese. The savory pork and sweet, tangy BBQ sauce combine for an explosion of flavor with every bite. After baking to perfection, a final garnish of fresh cilantro or arugula adds a bright, peppery touch to this hearty dish.

4. BBQ Sauce Glazed Meatballs

Elevate your meatball game by glazing them with a rich, smoky BBQ sauce. These meatballs can be served as a tantalizing appetizer or a main course. The sauce not only adds an incredible layer of flavor but also ensures the meatballs remain moist and juicy on the inside. Pair with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or a crisp green salad for a meal that’s sure to impress.

5. Smokey BBQ Hummus

Give your classic hummus a fiery makeover by blending in some BBQ sauce. The smoky flavor of the sauce pairs surprisingly well with the creamy chickpeas, creating a unique dip that’s perfect for snacking. Serve with fresh vegetables, pita bread, or tortilla chips for dipping. It’s an easy way to add a twist to your appetizer spread that guests will love.

6. BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Combine sweet, savory, and smoky by topping baked sweet potatoes with shredded BBQ chicken. The natural sweetness of the potatoes complements the tangy BBQ sauce beautifully, making for a nourishing and satisfying meal. A sprinkle of green onions or chives on top adds freshness to this delightful dish. It’s a wholesome meal that packs in the flavor while offering plenty of nutritional benefits.

7. BBQ Ranch Salad Dressing

Whisk together your favorite ranch dressing with some BBQ sauce for an instant salad dressing makeover. This BBQ ranch fusion brings a zesty, creamy delight to any salad, combining the best of both worlds. Drizzle over a chicken salad, a simple green salad, or even a pasta salad to liven up your lunch or dinner with minimal effort.

8. Spicy BBQ Shrimp Skewers

Marinate shrimp in a spicy BBQ sauce before threading them onto skewers and grilling to perfection. The direct heat intensifies the sauce’s flavors, creating a caramelized exterior on the shrimp that’s hard to resist. Serve with a side of grilled vegetables or over a bed of rice for a complete, flavorful meal that’s excellent for entertaining or a family dinner.

9. BBQ Sauce and Peach Grilled Chicken

Create a dazzling summer dish by brushing your grilled chicken with a mixture of BBQ sauce and fresh peach preserves. This combination yields a glaze that’s the perfect blend of sweet and tangy, complementing the natural flavors of the chicken. Serve with a fresh peach salsa or a simple salad to round out a meal that sings of summer.

10. Sweet and Spicy BBQ Popcorn

Bring a twist to your usual popcorn by tossing it with a mix of melted butter, BBQ sauce, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat. This sweet and spicy BBQ popcorn is an addictive snack that’s perfect for movie night or as a novel treat at your next gathering. It’s surprisingly easy to make and even harder to stop eating.

Full Recipes

  1. Slow-Cooked Pulled Pork with Gabrick’s Texas Tang® BBQ Sauce

Nothing beats a classic pulled pork sandwich, especially when it’s smothered in Gabrick’s Texas Tang® BBQ Sauce. The slow-cooking process makes the pork incredibly tender, while the sauce adds a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. This recipe is perfect for a weekend BBQ or any time you crave comfort food.

Ingredients:

  • 4-5 lbs pork shoulder (bone-in or boneless)
  • 2 tbsp Gabrick’s BBQ Rub
  • 2 cups Gabrick’s Texas Tang® BBQ Sauce
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1⁄2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1⁄2 cup chicken broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Buns for serving

Instructions:

  1. Rub the pork shoulder with Gabrick’s BBQ Rub, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
  2. Place the onion slices at the bottom of your slow cooker, then place the pork shoulder on top.
  3. Add minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, and chicken broth around the pork.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
  5. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
  6. Mix the shredded pork with 1 cup of Gabrick’s Texas Tang® BBQ Sauce, adding more if needed.
  7. Serve on buns with extra BBQ sauce on the side.

2. BBQ Spare Ribs with Beer-Braised Collard Greens

When it comes to ribs, you can’t go wrong with this recipe featuring Gabrick’s Spicy Red BBQ Sauce. The slow-cooked ribs are tender and flavorful, and the beer-braised collard greens provide a perfect, slightly bitter contrast to the rich and spicy ribs. This dish will impress at any cookout.

Ingredients:

  • 2 racks of pork spare ribs
  • 1⁄4 cup Gabrick’s Spicy Red BBQ Sauce
  • 2 tbsp Gabrick’s BBQ Rub
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1⁄2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1⁄4 cup beer (lager or ale)
  • 1 lb collard greens, chopped
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).
  2. Rub the ribs with Gabrick’s BBQ Rub and brown sugar, ensuring an even coating.
  3. Place the ribs on a baking sheet and cover tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 3 hours.
  4. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic until softened. Add collard greens and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
  5. Pour in the beer and apple cider vinegar. Cover and simmer for 45 minutes until the greens are tender.
  6. Remove the ribs from the oven, brush generously with Gabrick’s Spicy Red BBQ Sauce, and return to the oven uncovered for 15 minutes.
  7. Serve the ribs alongside the beer-braised collard greens.

3. Sticky Sweet Ribs with Gabrick’s Candy Jalapeno BBQ Sauce

For those who enjoy a hint of sweetness with their heat, these sticky sweet ribs are a must-try. Gabrick’s Candy Jalapeno BBQ Sauce gives these ribs a delightful glaze that balances spicy and sweet flavors. Perfect for a special occasion or whenever you feel like treating yourself.

Ingredients:

  • 2 racks baby back ribs
  • 1⁄4 cup Gabrick’s Candy Jalapeno BBQ Sauce
  • 2 tbsp Gabrick’s BBQ Rub
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1⁄2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
  • Aluminum foil

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
  2. Rub the ribs with Gabrick’s BBQ Rub, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
  3. Wrap the ribs in aluminum foil and bake for 2.5 to 3 hours until tender.
  4. In a small bowl, mix Gabrick’s Candy Jalapeno BBQ Sauce with honey.
  5. Unwrap the ribs and brush them with the sauce mixture.
  6. Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and bake the ribs uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until the sauce is caramelized.
  7. Slice and serve with extra Gabrick’s Candy Jalapeno BBQ Sauce.

4. Famous 3-Step BBQ Chicken with Gabrick’s Sweet Heat BBQ Sauce

Simplicity meets flavor in this easy BBQ chicken recipe. With just three steps, you can enjoy juicy, flavorful chicken thighs brushed with Gabrick’s Sweet Heat BBQ Sauce. This dish is great for weeknight dinners or casual weekend grilling.

Ingredients:

  • 4 bone-in chicken thighs
  • 1⁄4 cup Gabrick’s Sweet Heat BBQ Sauce
  • 2 tbsp Gabrick’s BBQ Rub
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
  2. Rub the chicken thighs with olive oil, Gabrick’s BBQ Rub, salt, and pepper.
  3. Grill the chicken over direct heat for 5-7 minutes per side to sear.
  4. Move the chicken to indirect heat, brush with Gabrick’s Sweet Heat BBQ Sauce, and continue grilling for 25-30 minutes, turning and basting occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  5. Serve with extra Gabrick’s Sweet Heat BBQ Sauce on the side.

5. Beer-BBQ Chicken Wings with Cornbread Waffles

If you’re looking for a fun and creative BBQ dish, these beer-BBQ chicken wings served over cornbread waffles are a hit. The wings are marinated in Gabrick’s Texas Tang® BBQ Sauce and beer, giving them a deep, rich flavor. Paired with cornbread waffles, this dish is both satisfying and unique.

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs chicken wings
  • 1⁄4 cup Gabrick’s Texas Tang® BBQ Sauce
  • 1⁄4 cup beer (lager or ale)
  • 2 tbsp orange juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1⁄4 cup sugar
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1⁄2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 eggs
  • 1⁄4 cup melted butter

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, mix Gabrick’s Texas Tang® BBQ Sauce, beer, orange juice, garlic, and chipotle peppers. Marinate the chicken wings in this mixture for at least 2 hours.
  2. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the wings for 8-10 minutes per side until cooked through, basting with extra marinade during cooking.
  3. For the cornbread waffles, combine cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. In another bowl, mix buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter. Combine wet and dry ingredients, then cook in a waffle iron until golden brown.
  4. Serve the wings atop the cornbread waffles with a drizzle of Gabrick’s Texas Tang® BBQ Sauce.

6. Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken with Gabrick’s BBQ Sauce

When you need a quick and easy meal, this slow-cooker pulled chicken recipe is a go-to. The chicken is tender and flavorful, thanks to a slow cooking process in Gabrick’s BBQ Sauce. This dish is perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or as a topping for salads.

Ingredients:

  • 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup Gabrick’s BBQ Sauce (any variety)
  • 1⁄2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Buns for serving

Instructions:

  1. Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Add sliced onion and minced garlic on top.
  2. Pour in the chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, and 1⁄2 cup of Gabrick’s BBQ Sauce.
  3. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
  4. Shred the chicken with two forks and mix it with the remaining Gabrick’s BBQ Sauce.
  5. Serve on buns with extra sauce on the side.

7. Gabrick’s Cowboy Beans

Gabrick’s Cowboy Beans are the perfect side dish for any BBQ. This recipe combines ground beef, sausage, and bacon with Gabrick’s Spicy Red BBQ Sauce to create a hearty, flavorful dish. It’s a crowd-pleaser that pairs well with just about any grilled meat.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1⁄2 lb sausage, crumbled
  • 4 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) baked beans
  • 1⁄2 cup Gabrick’s Spicy Red BBQ Sauce
  • 1⁄4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a large skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pan.
  2. Add ground beef and sausage to the skillet and cook until browned. Add onion and garlic, sautéing until softened.
  3. Stir in the baked beans, Gabrick’s Spicy Red BBQ Sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and chili powder. Mix well.
  4. Simmer on low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Top with the cooked bacon before serving.

8. BBQ Shrimp Skewers with Gabrick’s Candy Jalapeno BBQ Sauce

These BBQ shrimp skewers are a quick and tasty option for any BBQ gathering. Marinated in a simple garlic and lime mixture, the shrimp are grilled to perfection and brushed with Gabrick’s Candy Jalapeno BBQ Sauce for a sweet and spicy kick.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1⁄4 cup Gabrick’s Candy Jalapeno BBQ Sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, lime juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Add the shrimp and marinate for 15-20 minutes.
  2. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
  3. Thread the shrimp onto the soaked wooden skewers.
  4. Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque.
  5. Brush the shrimp with Gabrick’s Candy Jalapeno BBQ Sauce during the last minute of grilling.
  6. Serve hot with a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

9. BBQ Meatloaf with Gabrick’s Texas Tang®

This BBQ meatloaf recipe takes a classic comfort food and gives it a BBQ twist with Gabrick’s Texas Tang® BBQ Sauce. The sauce adds a tangy sweetness to the meatloaf, which is perfect for a family dinner or meal prep.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1⁄2 lb ground pork
  • 1⁄2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1⁄4 cup milk
  • 1 egg
  • 1⁄2 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1⁄4 cup Gabrick’s Texas Tang® BBQ Sauce, plus more for topping
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1⁄2 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, Gabrick’s Texas Tang® BBQ Sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
  3. Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it in a loaf pan or on a lined baking sheet.
  4. Bake for 45 minutes. Remove from the oven and brush the top with additional Gabrick’s Texas Tang® BBQ Sauce.
  5. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until the meatloaf is cooked through and the top is caramelized.
  6. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
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