If you’ve ever tasted the Bronco Berry Sauce, you know it’s more than just a dipping sauce—it’s an experience. With its perfect balance of sweet and spicy, this sauce has won the hearts of fast-food lovers everywhere, especially when paired with Arby’s famous jalapeño poppers.
But why not skip the drive-thru and make this fan-favorite at home? In this Bronco Berry Sauce recipe, we’ll walk you through how to recreate that irresistible flavor in your kitchen. Whether hosting a BBQ or craving a little extra zing for your snacks, this homemade version will surely hit the spot. Let’s dive in!
What Is Bronco Berry Sauce?
Bronco Berry Sauce is a sweet and spicy treat. It’s famous at Arby’s, especially with their jalapeño poppers. This sauce blends raspberry jam with hot sauce and a few spices. The result? A flavor that’s both sweet and hot. It makes every bite of food even better.
Arby’s uses this sauce on its jalapeño poppers, and it’s a big hit. The sauce adds just the right amount of heat and sweetness—a perfect match. Now, with this Arby’s berry sauce recipe, you can make it at home. Just a few simple ingredients, and you’ll have your batch ready to dip!
Why make Bronco Berry Sauce at Home?
Making your own Arby’s Bronco Berry Sauce recipe is fun and straightforward. You control what goes in it. You can adjust the sweetness and spice as you like—no strange ingredients or preservatives, just pure flavor. When you make it at home, you can use it for so many things.
It’s perfect for dipping chicken or fries, glazing meats, or even experimenting with dishes like our Red Snapper with Creamy Creole Sauce—where the bold flavors of the sauce can shine. Plus, with this Arby’s berry sauce recipe, you can enjoy it anytime, and no drive-thru is needed!
Ingredients for Copycat Bronco Berry Sauce Recipe
- ½ cup Raspberry Jam
- 1-2 tablespoons Hot Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Vinegar
- 1-2 tablespoons Sugar
- ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ½ teaspoon Onion Powder
- 2 tablespoons bell pepper
- ¼ teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional)
- 2-3 tablespoons Water (to adjust consistency)
Equipment and Tools Required
- Measuring Spoons and Cups
- Medium Saucepan
- Whisk or Stir Spoon
- Storage Container
Cooking Time and Serving People
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 15 minutes
- Serving: 6 people
How to Make Arby’s Bronco Berry Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients: Start by measuring out all your ingredients. You’ll need ½ cup of raspberry jam, 1-2 tablespoons of hot sauce, 1 tablespoon of vinegar, and 1-2 tablespoons of sugar. Grab your garlic powder, onion powder, bell pepper, and cayenne pepper (if you like extra spice!).
Step 2: Combine everything in a Saucepan: In a medium saucepan, combine raspberry jam, hot sauce, vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add bell pepper for a little extra flavor. Stir everything together until it’s smooth.
Step 3: Adjust Consistency: If the sauce feels too thick, add 2-3 tablespoons of water to thin it out. Keep stirring until the sauce is well-blended. If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a bit more jam.
Step 4: Simmer: Turn the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent burning, and make sure it’s not too thick or thin.
Step 5: Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce! If it’s not sweet enough, add more sugar. If you like it spicier, add more hot sauce or cayenne pepper. You can even tweak the flavor with a splash of lemon juice if you want a zesty kick. Adjust until it’s perfect for your taste.
Step 6: Cool and Store: Once the sauce is done, please remove it from the heat and let it cool. Pour it into a storage container and refrigerate. It will last about a week, so you can enjoy it whenever the craving hits!
Watch How to Make
Serving Ideas for Arby’s Bronco Berry Sauce Recipe
- As a Dipping Sauce for Fried Foods: Chicken tenders, onion rings, fries, or mozzarella sticks—the sweet-spicy sauce pairs perfectly with crispy, savory snacks.
- Spread on Burgers or Sandwiches: Slather it on your grilled chicken sandwiches, pulled pork sliders, or turkey burgers to give them a burst of flavor without overpowering the main ingredients.
- Use as a Glaze for Grilled Meats: Brush it over grilled chicken, pork ribs, or shrimp during the last few minutes of cooking. The sugar in the sauce helps create a glossy, flavorful glaze.
- Pair with Soft Cheeses: Serve it as a topping for brie, goat cheese, or cream cheese with crackers for a simple yet sophisticated appetizer.
- Toss in a Salad Dressing: Mix with olive oil and vinegar to make a sweet-spicy vinaigrette that’s great on mixed greens, fruit salads, or roasted vegetables.
- Elevate Your Quesadillas or Tacos: Drizzle or dip the sauce over fish, shrimp quesadillas, or pulled chicken tacos. The sweetness complements spicy fillings.
- Serve with Grilled Vegetables: Drizzle it over grilled sweet potatoes, carrots, or Brussels sprouts. The sauce adds a lovely kick that balances the smoky flavor.
- As a Dip for Fresh Veggies: Serve it alongside baby carrots, celery, or cucumber sticks as a sweet and spicy dip that refreshes and satisfies.
- Perfect for Meatballs: Combine the sauce with BBQ sauce for a meatball glaze, or serve it on the side for dipping. Ideal for cocktail meatballs at a party.
- Use as a Fruit Topping: Try Bronco Berry Sauce as a surprising topping for fruit-based desserts like cheesecake or vanilla ice cream. The sauce adds sweetness and a slight heat that works well with rich or creamy treats.
Tips for Arby’s Bronco Berry Sauce Recipe
- Balance Sweet and Spicy: Use a mix of red bell peppers (for sweetness and color) and jalapeños (for heat). Adjust the spice by removing or keeping the jalapeño seeds.
- Use a Thickening Agent: Thicken with a cornstarch slurry (1:1 cornstarch and cold water) added while simmering. Stir constantly to avoid lumps.
- Add a Tangy Kick: Include apple cider or white vinegar to add brightness and balance the sweetness.
- Simmer for Flavor: Let the sauce simmer gently (not boil) to develop depth and concentrate the flavors without burning the sugars.
- Cool before Serving: The sauce thickens as it cools, so let it sit at room temperature before serving or storing it to check the final texture.
- Store It Right: You can keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1–2 weeks. You can also freeze it in small batches for later use.
How to Store and Preserve Bronco Berry Sauce
- Refrigeration: After the sauce cools, pour it into an airtight jar or container. Pop it in the fridge, and it’ll stay good for up to one week. Perfect for quick snacks throughout the week!
- Freezing: Want to save some for later? Just freeze it! Pour small portions into ice cube trays, freeze, and then transfer to a freezer bag. This way, you can grab a cube or two whenever you need a dip or glaze.
- Consistency Tip: If your sauce thickens after chilling, don’t worry. Just reheat it gently and stir in a splash of water or vinegar to restore it to its smooth, pourable texture.
FAQs about Arby’s Bronco Berry Sauce Recipe
What is Bronco Berry Sauce?
It’s a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce popular at Arby’s, often served with jalapeño poppers.
What is berry sauce made of?
Arby’s berry sauce is made from a blend of raspberry jam, vinegar, hot sauce, and spices like garlic and onion powder. It also includes small bits of bell pepper, which add texture and a mild savory note. Our Bronco Berry Sauce recipe recreates this flavor with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
How many calories are in the Bronco Berry Sauce?
A single serving of Arby’s Berry Sauce (about 1 oz or 2 tablespoons) has around 50–60 calories. If you’re making a Bronco Berry Sauce copycat recipe at home, the calorie count may vary slightly depending on the amount of sugar and jam you use.
Can I use fresh raspberries instead of preserves?
While the name Bronco Berry might suggest berries, the original Arby’s sauce contains no. However, if you want to add a fruity twist, you can use a few fresh raspberries blended into the sauce. Just keep in mind—it will change the flavor and make it taste more like a berry jam than the sweet pepper-style sauce Arby’s serves.
Can I freeze the sauce?
Yes, you can freeze it, but the texture might change slightly after thawing.
Can I make this sauce less spicy?
Yes, absolutely! To reduce the heat, use less jalapeño or swap it for sweet red bell pepper. Removing the seeds and ribs from the jalapeño also helps. You’ll still get the flavor without the fiery kick.
Why is my sauce too thin?
If your sauce is runny, it might not have simmered long enough to thicken, or the pectin didn’t activate properly. Make sure to bring the mixture to a gentle boil and stir frequently. You can also add a bit extra pectin or let it cool fully—it thickens more as it cools.
Can I make this sauce less spicy?
Yes, absolutely! To reduce the heat, use less jalapeño or swap it for sweet red bell pepper. Removing the seeds and ribs from the jalapeño also helps. You’ll still get the flavor without the fiery kick.
Is this sauce gluten-free?
Yes, in most cases, Bronco Berry Sauce is gluten-free, especially if you make it at home. Just be sure to use gluten-free versions of hot sauce and jam. Homemade versions let you control the ingredients fully, making it a safe option for those avoiding gluten.
What does Bronco Berry Sauce taste like?
Bronco Berry Sauce has a bold, sweet flavor from raspberry jam and a spicy kick from hot sauce and spices. It’s fruity, tangy, and slightly savory—a perfect balance of sweet and heat. If you’ve ever dipped Arby’s jalapeño poppers into it, you know it’s magic in a bite!
Final Thoughts on Arby’s Berry Sauce
Arby’s Bronco Berry Sauce is one of those simple yet delicious recipes that quickly becomes a favorite in your kitchen. With just a few basic ingredients, you can whip up a sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy sauce that pairs perfectly with so many snacks and meals. Whether you’re dipping chicken tenders, spreading it on burgers, or using it as a glaze for grilled meats, the possibilities are endless!
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