Homemade BBQ Sauce
+3 photos

Homemade BBQ Sauce

2 servings
Homemade BBQ sauce is easier than you might think. With ketchup, vinegar, spices, and brown sugar, you can adjust the flavor of the sauce to match what you like.

Ingredients

  • ketchup
    1 ½ c
  • apple cider vinegar
    ¼ c
  • worcestershire sauce
    ¼ c
  • brown sugar
    ¼ c
  • honey
    2 tbsp.
  • dry mustard
    2 tsp.
  • smoked paprika
    1 tbsp.
  • onion powder
    1 tsp.
  • ground black pepper
    1 tsp.
  • minced garlic
    1 tsp.
  • kosher salt
    ½ tsp.
  • hot sauce

    optional

    2 dashes
  • asfasdf

Directions

  1. 1

    Combine ingredients: Whisk together all ingredients in a saucepan.

    Step 1
  2. 2

    Cook BBQ sauce: Bring to a boil. Immediately lower the heat, and allow to simmer for 30 minutes or until the sauce is thickened, stirring occasionally.

    Step 2
  3. 3

    Let sauce cool: Remove from heat and serve warm or allow it to cool until it reaches room temperature.

    Step 3
Homemade BBQ Sauce
+3

Homemade BBQ Sauce

5.0(4)35 min2 servings

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Ratings & Reviews

0.0/ 5
Exceptional

Based on 4 ratings

southernliving.com
5.0(4 reviews)
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About this Recipe

Tired of store-bought BBQ sauces that just don't hit the spot? Crafting your own homemade BBQ sauce is far simpler than you might imagine, giving you complete control over the flavor profile for that perfect backyard barbecue or weeknight meal.

This recipe works because it brings together common pantry staples like ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and a thoughtful blend of spices. The combination creates a rich, balanced sauce where you, the home cook, have the power to fine-tune its sweet, tangy, and smoky notes to perfection, all coming together in about 35 minutes.

Expect a deeply flavored barbecue sauce with a satisfying balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes. The smoked paprika lends a lovely smoky depth, while the apple cider vinegar provides a pleasant bright tang. You'll find it incredibly versatile, ready to elevate any meal with its robust character. The honey adds a subtle sweetness and body, creating a sauce that clings beautifully to whatever you're serving.

Customization & Variations

One of the best parts about making your own BBQ sauce is the ability to customize it. Want more kick? Increase the hot sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Prefer it sweeter? A touch more brown sugar or honey will do the trick. For an even smokier profile, a little extra smoked paprika goes a long way. You can also experiment with different vinegars for a varied tang.

This versatile sauce is perfect slathered on grilled ribs, chicken, or pork, acting as both a marinade and a finishing glaze. It also makes an excellent dipping sauce for fries, onion rings, or even as a flavorful spread on sandwiches.

Frequently Asked Questions