Homemade BBQ Sauce

I’m not knocking the jarred stuff, but there’s something extra special about homemade BBQ sauce. This recipe is not only easy to make—it’s great on everything (grilled chicken, pizza, and even nachos). I went with a Kansas City-style recipe here, which means it’s thick, slightly sweeter, and perfectly tangy. It’s my go-to—I never go without a jar in the fridge. Looking to feel like a pitmaster right at home? Keep reading on for how to make a perfect jar:

What People Are Saying:
"This is oh so good! Brings back so many memories of my grandma’s barbecue sauce!" - mad2673

How To Make Homemade BBQ Sauce

Ingredients

• Ketchup: When developing this recipe, I was inspired by the pitmasters of Kansas City who tend to use a sweeter, ketchup-based sauce. If you’re a little shy on ketchup, you can use a bit less.
• Brown Sugar: This is what amplifies the sweetness in our BBQ sauce, and balances out the tang.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: This is my go-to vinegar choice for BBQ sauce. If you prefer a more vinegar-based BBQ sauce, checkout our Carolina-style BBQ sauce.
• Worcestershire Sauce: This really ties all of our flavors together: it’s sweet, tangy, and just salty enough.
• Molasses: This not only adds a rich flavor, but helps with the texture and color as well.
• Spices: I went with a mixture of garlic powder, onion powder, mustard, and paprika, but BBQ sauce can adjust to any spice preference. I love mine with extra mustard and garlic powder. If you love smoky paprika, up the amount. You can also add in oregano or cayenne for a little heat. Use what you have and make it your own!

Step-By-Step Instructions

The best part about making homemade BBQ sauce? It couldn't be easier to create. Simply add all of your ingredients to a saucepan over medium-high heat, whisking everything together until well combined.

Once everything is combined, bring your mixture to a boil. Once it begins to boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer until it has thickened. While it is simmering, make sure to give it the occasional stir.

Once it's thick (this should take around 45 minutes), let it cool until it reaches room temperature, and store it in the fridge in an airtight container. Remember that the sauce will thicken as it cools, so don't feel like you need to keep simmering until it's the perfect consistency.

Storage

Homemade BBQ sauce, when stored properly in the fridge, can keep up to two weeks in the fridge and up to 2 years in the freezer. Transfer the sauce to an airtight container and you should be good to go!

BBQ Sauce Variations

• Carolina-Style BBQ Sauce: If you prefer more of a vinegar-based BBQ sauce without tomato flavor, turn to this style.
• Dr. Pepper BBQ Sauce: Can't get enough of Dr. Pepper's sweet cherry flavor? Add it to BBQ sauce for an unbelievable flavor combination.
• Alabama White Sauce: This mayo-based sauce might not be what you think of when you think of BBQ sauce, but this classic sauce is a great alternative if you're in the mood for a peppery, creamy sauce.