Start by adding the jelly, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and all the spices (garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper) into a medium saucepan. Stir everything together until smooth and well-mixed.

Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir the sauce occasionally to help the jelly melt and the sugar dissolve into the other ingredients. This should take about 3-5 minutes. You’ll start to notice the sauce becoming smooth and well-combined.

Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently. The sauce will gradually thicken and take on a rich, glossy consistency. If you like your sauce thicker, you can let it simmer a little longer.

Don’t forget to taste your sauce as it cooks! Adjust the flavors to your liking — if you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a bit more brown sugar. Want it tangier? A splash of vinegar will do the trick. For those who like a spicy kick, feel free to increase the cayenne pepper.

Once the sauce is thickened and flavorful, remove it from the heat. Let it cool for a few minutes before using. As it cools, the sauce will continue to thicken, so don’t worry if it seems a little runny at first.