BEST BBQ Sauce Recipe

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Smoky, sweet, zesty and savory, this homemade BBQ sauce recipe is the ultimate!  Ready in 15 minutes with the perfect balance of flavors, you’ll find yourself reaching for this sauce every opportunity you can get!  Rich and bold, it’s just what you need for your backyard barbecue!

Bring this BEST BBQ Sauce to your next backyard BBQ served alongside these show-stopping Baked Beans, Creamy Coleslaw, Classic Potato Salad, and Macaroni Salad, and you’ll be the talk of the neighborhood!

A great BBQ sauce is indispensable for any backyard cookout.  And have I got a terrific sauce for you!  This homemade barbecue sauce recipe combines a variety of ingredients and spices to achieve the perfect balance of flavors:  Sweet, tangy, zesty, spicy, savory, smoky…this sauce has it all!  Rich and bold, it’s always a hit with our friends and family!

BBQ Sauce Recipe Ingredients & Substitutions

This homemade bbq sauce uses a variety of spices and ingredients to create a phenomenal depth of flavor with just the right balance. Here’s what you’ll need to make it:

• Ketchup:  this forms the base. I use and recommend one without high fructose corn syrup.
• Brown Sugar: for sweetness. For a lower calorie version you can substitute a brown sugar alternative.
• Honey: for flavor and added sweetness.
• Molasses: for added flavor complexity and texture.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: for fruity tanginess to balance the sweetness.
• Worcestershire sauce: for that touch of umami to add depth of flavor.
• Yellow Mustard: for earthiness and added acidity.
• Liquid Smoke: for some smokiness (optional but recommended)
• Paprika and Smoked Paprika: for flavor, smokiness, and color.
• Chili Powder: for flavor complexity, earthiness and a touch of heat.
• Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: for earthy flavor, subtle sweetness, and dose of umami.
• Cayenne Pepper: optional for some added heat.
• Salt and Pepper: to tie it all together.

Best BBQ Sauce Recipe

Let’s get started!

Stir all of the ingredients together.

Bring the sauce to a boil in a medium saucepan.  Reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes.

If you prefer the sauce thinner, stir in a little water.  If you prefer it thicker, let it simmer for a few more minutes.

Let the sauce cool completely and then store it in a sealed non-reactive container in the fridge.

You can use it immediately or, for best results, let it chill overnight to give the flavors time to meld.

Storage & Freezing

Stored in a sealed non-reactive container in the fridge, this will keep for 2-3 weeks.  It also freezes well for up to 3 months.

Enjoy!

How to Use BBQ Sauce

Use this Best BBQ Sauce for any recipe calling for barbecue sauce.  It’s versatile and can be used in any number of ways to enhance the flavor of your dishes.  Here are a few ideas:

• Grilling and Barbecuing:  Brush this onto meats (chicken, ribs, pork, beef) during the last 10-15 minutes of grilling to add a delicious glaze.
• Dipping Sauce:  Serve it as a dipping sauce for chicken tenders, mozzarella sticks, French fries, Sweet Potato Fries, Cajun Fries, Baked Potato Wedges, or other finger foods.  For variation you can also mix BBQ sauce with a bit of mayonnaise, as with our Fry Sauce.
• Pizza Topping:  Spread it on the pizza dough and top with ingredients like chicken, red onions, and cilantro for a BBQ chicken pizza.
• Baked Beans:  Add a few tablespoons to your Baked Beans for some added smoky flavor.
• Burgers, Slider, Pulled Pork or Chicken, Hot Dogs, Sandwiches and Wraps:  Slather it on to make to add a sweet-spicy-smoky kick.
• Meatloaf Glaze:  Mix some BBQ sauce with a bit of ketchup and use it as a glaze for meatloaf before baking.
• Stir-Fry Sauce:  Create a unique stir-fry sauce for vegetables and chicken, pork, or tofu by combining BBQ sauce with soy sauce and a touch of honey.
• Salad Dressing:  Combine some BBQ sauce with olive oil, vinegar, and a dash of mustard for a flavorful salad dressing.
• BBQ Chicken Flatbread or Quesadilla:  Spread it on flatbread or tortillas, add shredded cooked chicken, cheese, and any desired toppings before cooking.
• Glaze for Roasted Vegetables:  Toss roasted vegetables in a mixture of BBQ sauce and olive oil for a sweet and savory glaze.

For more delicious homemade sauces be sure to try my:

• Cherry Barbecue Sauce
• Big Mac Sauce
• Tartar Sauce
• Yum Yum Sauce
• Sweet Chili Sauce
• Curry Ketchup
• Sweet and Sour Sauce
• Hoisin Sauce
• Eel Sauce
• Romesco Sauce
• Teriyaki Sauce
• Aji Verde Sauce
• Ponzu Sauce

Originally published on The Daring Gourmet April 30, 2022