Skip the store-bought stuff and make this homemade BBQ sauce from scratch! It’s sweet, a little spicy, and made with simple pantry staples like ketchup, brown sugar, and paprika.

Homemade bbq sauce made from scratch in a glass jar.

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Homemade BBQ Sauce from Scratch

I first made this BBQ sauce recipe out of necessity. I was putting together a BBQ chicken pizza and realized I was completely out of the store-bought stuff.

So I grabbed what I had on hand and threw it together on the stove, and honestly? It was better than anything I’d been buying. I’ve never gone back. All you need is ketchup and a few pantry staples to make it happen.

Making BBQ sauce from scratch sounds like a bigger project than it actually is. You combine everything in one pan, bring it to a simmer, and let it thicken. That’s it. No special technique, no hard-to-find ingredients. Just a sweet, slightly smoky, perfectly balanced sauce that works on everything from grilled chicken to slow cooker ribs.

XO - Jamielyn
Homemade bbq sauce made with ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, honey and seasonings in a pot.

Ingredients

  • 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 made from scratch in a pot.

How to Make BBQ Sauce from Scratch

  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.

Tips and Variations

This BBQ sauce recipe is very forgiving and easy to adjust based on what you like.

  • Make it smokier. Add a few dashes of liquid smoke or swap regular paprika for smoked paprika. Either one adds a deeper, almost campfire flavor without any extra steps.
  • Make it sweeter. Add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar or honey. Taste as you go since the sauce will mellow slightly as it cooks down.
  • Make it spicier. A few dashes of your favorite hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne does the trick. Red pepper flakes work too if you want a little heat in every bite.
  • Make it tangier. An extra splash of apple cider vinegar brightens the whole sauce. Add it at the end so you can control the balance.
  • Swap the honey. Molasses works great in its place and adds a richer, darker flavor. It’s especially good if you’re using the sauce on ribs or brisket.
  • Let it rest. The flavor gets even better after a few hours in the fridge. If you have time, make it a day ahead.
Close up of bbq sauce lifted from a pot with a wooden spoon.

Favorite Ways to Use It

Homemade bbq sauce from scratch in a glass jar.

Love homemade condiments? Make this kung pao sauce recipe, basil pesto or honey mustard sauce.

More Homemade Sauces to Try

bbq sauce recipe

Homemade BBQ Sauce

4.89 from 9 votes
Recipe by: Jamielyn Nye
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 32
Skip the store-bought stuff and make this homemade BBQ sauce from scratch! It's sweet, a little spicy, and made with simple pantry staples like ketchup, brown sugar, and paprika.
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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. 

Last step: Please leave a comment and rating after you make the recipe.

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.