Reuben BBQ Sauce Recipe is a creamy, smoky barbecue sauce inspired by Reuben sandwich flavours, combining mustard, pickles, mayonnaise, tangy vinegar, and sweet barbecue notes.
This Reuben BBQ Sauce Recipe tastes deeply savoury, slightly sweet, and pleasantly sharp, making every bite exciting and satisfying.
I made this Reuben BBQ Sauce Recipe after watching deli style sandwiches and smoked meats being prepared, which sparked creativity in my kitchen.
Now I am ready to show step by step how this Reuben BBQ Sauce Recipe comes together and how it is served.
About This Reuben BBQ Sauce Recipe
Reuben BBQ Sauce Recipe is a bold, creamy condiment inspired by the classic Reuben sandwich. It blends smoky barbecue sauce with tangy mustard, crunchy pickles, rich mayonnaise, and a touch of sweetness for balance.
The sauce delivers a perfect mix of savory, sweet, smoky, and acidic flavors, making it ideal for burgers, grilled meats, sandwiches, and fries.
The main speciality of this Reuben BBQ Sauce Recipe is its unique fusion of traditional BBQ flavor with iconic Reuben sandwich elements, creating a rich, zesty, and versatile sauce that stands out from ordinary barbecue sauces.
How To Prepare Reuben BBQ Sauce Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Course: Sauce
Cuisine: American (Reuben inspired)
Difficulty: Easy
Yield: 4 cups
Kitchen Utensils
- Medium saucepan
- Silicone spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Heat resistant mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 240 g ketchup
- 30 g brown sugar
- 15 g yellow mustard
- 15 g apple cider vinegar
- 2 g smoked paprika
- 1 g grated white onion powder
- 1 g garlic powder
- 120 g mayonnaise
- 0.5 g black pepper
- 14 g butter or olive oil
- 240 g store bought barbecue sauce
- 80 g finely chopped pickles
- 10 g hot sauce
- 15 g Worcestershire sauce
How To Make Reuben BBQ Sauce Recipe?
1. Start The Base
In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt some butter or warm a bit of olive oil. Sprinkle in the grated white onion and garlic powders, and stir for about 30 seconds until you can really smell their aroma.
2. Build The Sauce
Add the ketchup, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, black pepper, and a dash of hot sauce. Stir everything together until it’s fully blended.
3. Simmer & Finish
Let the sauce gently simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring now and then, until it thickens slightly. Take it off the heat and let it sit for 5 minutes to cool a bit.
4. Make It Reuben Style & Serve
Mix in the mayonnaise and finely chopped pickles until the sauce is smooth and creamy. You can serve it right away, or pop it in the fridge for a while letting it chill will deepen the flavours even more.
Nutrition Facts Per Serving
| Nutrition | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Calories | 70 kcal |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 6 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Protein | 0.5 g |
| Sodium | 180 mg |
Hot Tips
➣ Toast the pickles lightly in a skillet to enhance their flavor before adding to the sauce.
➣ Stir the sauce continuously while simmering to prevent sticking and ensure smooth consistency.
➣ Use smoked paprika for a richer, deeper smoky taste that complements the tangy pickles.
➣ Let the sauce rest for at least 30 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld.
➣ Blend a small portion in a food processor for an ultra smooth, creamy texture.
Usage Suggestions
Reuben BBQ Sauce Recipe adds bold, tangy flavor to burgers, sandwiches, and grilled meats. It enhances roasted vegetables, drizzles over fries, and complements pulled pork or chicken.
The creamy, smoky, and slightly sweet profile brightens potato salads, dips, and slaws. Tossing roasted or steamed vegetables in the sauce creates a flavourful side dish.
It can also be brushed onto ribs or meatloaf for an extra layer of richness and depth, turning simple dishes into something memorable.
What Makes This Reuben BBQ Sauce Recipe?
What makes this Reuben BBQ Sauce Recipe special is the bold balance of smoky barbecue flavor, creamy richness, sharp pickle bite, and classic deli style seasoning.
Ketchup and barbecue sauce create depth, mustard and vinegar add tang, mayonnaise brings smooth texture, and chopped pickles deliver signature Reuben character.
Every spoonful feels hearty, savoury, and indulgent. The sauce stands out for burgers, sandwiches, grilled meats, or dipping, offering a memorable twist inspired by iconic Reuben flavours rooted in classic American deli tradition.
How To Make Reuben BBQ Sauce Recipe Tastier?
Make Reuben BBQ Sauce Recipe tastier by gently sauteing the pickles in butter to deepen their flavor before mixing.
Use smoked paprika and a splash of pickle juice to boost tanginess and aroma. Let the sauce simmer slowly to help the sweet, smoky, and savoury notes blend smoothly.
Balance sweetness by adjusting brown sugar and add a small amount of hot sauce for gentle heat. Resting the sauce before serving allows flavours to intensify and harmonise.
How Do I Freeze Reuben BBQ Sauce Recipe?
Allow the Reuben BBQ Sauce Recipe to cool completely before transferring it into an airtight freezer-safe container or heavy duty freezer bag.
Leave some space at the top to allow for expansion. Seal tightly, label with the date, and place in the freezer.
The Reuben BBQ Sauce Recipe can remain frozen for up to three months. Thaw slowly in the refrigerator overnight before use, then stir thoroughly to restore smooth texture and combine flavours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Adjust The Spiciness?
Yes, add more or less hot sauce according to taste.
Can I Use Homemade Barbecue Sauce?
Homemade or store bought sauce works well in this recipe.
Is It Gluten Free?
Check the barbecue sauce and Worcestershire sauce labels; otherwise, it can be gluten free.
Can This Sauce Be Used On Sandwiches?
It pairs beautifully with Reuben sandwiches, burgers, or grilled meats.
Conclusion
I had so much fun making this Reuben BBQ Sauce Recipe, and it turned out absolutely delicious! The flavours blended perfectly, and it was easy to prepare, making the cooking experience enjoyable and satisfying.
I hope this Reuben BBQ Sauce Recipe inspires you to try it yourself it’s simple, flavourful, and guaranteed to impress.
I’m sure once you make Reuben BBQ Sauce Recipe, you’ll love it just as much. Try it soon and let me know how delicious it turns out!
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Reuben BBQ Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Silicone spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Heat resistant mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 240 g ketchup
- 30 g brown sugar
- 15 g yellow mustard
- 15 g apple cider vinegar
- 2 g smoked paprika
- 1 g grated white onion powder
- 1 g garlic powder
- 120 g mayonnaise
- 0.5 g black pepper
- 14 g butter or olive oil
- 240 g store bought barbecue sauce
- 80 g finely chopped pickles
- 10 g hot sauce
- 15 g Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
Start The Base
- In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt some butter or warm a bit of olive oil. Sprinkle in the grated white onion and garlic powders, and stir for about 30 seconds until you can really smell their aroma.
Build The Sauce
- Add the ketchup, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, black pepper, and a dash of hot sauce. Stir everything together until it’s fully blended.
Simmer & Finish
- Let the sauce gently simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring now and then, until it thickens slightly. Take it off the heat and let it sit for 5 minutes to cool a bit.
Make It Reuben Style & Serve
- Mix in the mayonnaise and finely chopped pickles until the sauce is smooth and creamy. You can serve it right away, or pop it in the fridge for a while letting it chill will deepen the flavours even more.
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 70 kcal | Fat: 5 g | Carbohydrates: 6 g | Sugar: 4 g | Protein: 0.5 g |Sodium: 180 mgHi, I’m Samia! I’ve spent the past five years creating recipes that are both delicious and unique. Cooking is my passion, and I love exploring different cuisines, blending flavors, and turning everyday meals into something memorable. From quick weeknight dinners to festive feasts, I aim to make every dish special. I’d love for you to join me on this culinary journey together we’ll explore simple, easy-to-follow recipes and tips that make cooking fun, inspiring, and full of joy!