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Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe

Who knew homemade BBQ sauce was so easy to make?! Plus it tastes amazing with the perfect sweet and spicy flavor. Ditch the store-bought stuff and make this simple recipe at home! 

Bbq sauce in glass jar.
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Sweet BBQ Sauce

When I first made this recipe, it was because I was craving a BBQ chicken pizza and we ran out of the store-bought sauce. Little did I know it was so easy to make my own and I already had all of the ingredients on hand. Win!

If you’ve never made homemade barbecue sauce, you are missing out! It may sound a little intimidating at first, but believe me, it is SO simple to make. Plus this recipe has so much flavor and is the perfect combination of sweet and spicy.

You simply just heat all of the ingredients on the stove and let it simmer until it thickens. Then you’re left with a delicious homemade sauce that has amazing flavor. It tastes great on grilled chicken, baked chicken wings, slow cooker ribs, pulled pork, meatballs…you name it. So many delicious ways to use it up including this turkey meatloaf recipe!

Bbq sauce ingredients in pot.

Ingredients

This recipe is easy to customize. If you like a sweeter BBQ sauce, add a little more sugar. If you like a little spice, add a few dashes of hot sauce. If you like it smokier, add a few dashes of liquid smoke.

  • Ketchup: This is the base of the sauce.
  • Tomato sauce: Just plain tomato sauce, no other spices or ingredients added.
  • Brown sugar: This adds a rich, caramelized sweetness to the sauce.
  • Honey: I prefer the flavor and sweetness that honey adds, but you could use molasses for a richer flavor.
  • Apple cider vinegar: This is my favorite type to use, however red or rice vinegar will also work.
  • Worcestershire: Add in a spoonful to add a hint of umami.
  • Paprika: This adds that classic, smoky taste.
  • Garlic powder: To give the sauce an extra boost of flavor.
Stirring bbq sauce in pot.

How to Make BBQ Sauce

  1. MIX. Combine all ingredients in a medium pan over medium heat.
  2. BOIL. Bring to a light boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer 20 to 30 minutes. Once the sauce has thickened, salt and pepper to taste. Feel free to add in more seasonings, like red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
  3. COOL. Remove from heat and allow to cool.

Storing + Freezing

Once it has cooled, pour into a glass jar and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. You may also freeze if preferred. Pour into a zip lock bag and seal the air out. Then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight or place the bag in a bowl of warm water for quicker alternative.

Close up of bbq sauce with wooden spoon.

Favorite Ways to Use It

Homemade bbq sauce in glass jar.

Love homemade sauces? Make this kung pao sauce recipe, teriyaki sauce or buffalo sauce to stock your fridge, too!

More Homemade Sauces to Try

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bbq sauce recipe

Homemade BBQ Sauce

4.88 from 8 votes
↑ Click stars to rate now!
Author: Jamielyn Nye
Who knew homemade BBQ sauce was so easy to make?! Plus it tastes amazing with the perfect sweet and spicy flavor. Ditch the store-bought stuff and make this simple recipe at home! 
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 32

Ingredients 

  • 2 cups ketchup
  • ½ cup tomato sauce
  • ½ cup light brown sugar , packed
  • ¼ cup honey , can sub with molasses
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar , or red or rice vinegar
  • 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon paprika , more to taste
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder , more to taste

Optional: S&P, red pepper flakes or dash of hot sauce, dash of liquid smoke

    Instructions

    • Combine the ketchup, tomato sauce, brown sugar, honey, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, paprika and garlic powder in medium sauce pan over medium heat. 
    • Bring to a light boil and then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until it has begun to thicken. Salt and pepper to taste. Add more sugar and seasonings if desired. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
    • Store in a glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. 

    Notes

    This recipe is easy to customize. If you like a sweeter BBQ sauce, add a little more sugar. If you like a little spice, add a few dashes of hot sauce. If you like a smoky BBQ sauce, add a few dashes of liquid smoke. 
    Use the sauce on BBQ chicken pizza, to brush on grilled chicken the last ten minutes of grilling or for other recipes where BBQ sauce is used. Enjoy!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 39kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Sodium: 162mg | Potassium: 71mg | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 110IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 0.2mg

    Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

    Course: Condiment
    Cuisine: American

    Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!

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