Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe

While there are plenty of store-bought options available nothing beats the taste of this homemade BBQ sauce recipe!

Not only can you customize the flavor to your liking, but you also have the satisfaction of knowing that you made it from scratch!!

Barbecue sauce is a staple in any kitchen, especially for those who love to grill or smoke meat. Making homemade BBQ sauce is a fun and delicious way to customize the flavor of your barbecued dishes.

In this blog post, I will be sharing a delicious recipe for homemade BBQ sauce that is sure to impress your family and friends at your next barbecue! Whether you prefer a sweet or tangy sauce, this recipe has got you covered! So fire up the grill and get ready to take your BBQ game to the next level!!!

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Ingredients in Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe

There are simple ingredients in this homemade BBQ sauce recipe that you probably already have in your pantry, fridge and spice cabinet!!

The basic recipe for my homemade BBQ sauce requires a cup of ketchup.

Add sweetness to the sauce by including a little molasses or honey and some brown sugar!

Apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard add a lot of flavor to this easy sauce recipe!

Adding a few simple spices kicks the flavor up a notch!!  Smoked paprika, garlic and onion powders, and salt and pepper are the basic spices added to this flavorful BBQ sauce recipe!

That’s it!

Variations of this Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe

There are numerous ways to customize and vary a homemade BBQ sauce recipe based on your taste preferences. Here are a few variations you can try:

Spicy BBQ Sauce:

If you enjoy heat, add some spice to your BBQ sauce. Include ingredients like cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, chipotle powder, or a few dashes of hot sauce to give it a fiery kick.

Smoky BBQ Sauce:

Enhance the smoky flavor by incorporating smoked ingredients like smoked paprika, liquid smoke, or smoked salt into the sauce.

Honey Mustard BBQ Sauce:

Combine the tanginess of mustard with the sweetness of honey. Reduce the amount of molasses or brown sugar and add Dijon mustard and honey to achieve a balance between sweet and tangy flavors.

Asian-inspired BBQ Sauce:

Add an Asian twist to your BBQ sauce by incorporating ingredients like soy sauce, hoisin sauce, ginger, garlic, and a splash of rice vinegar or sesame oil.

Pineapple BBQ Sauce:

For a tropical touch, blend in some crushed pineapple or pineapple juice to give your sauce a sweet and tangy flavor.

Bourbon BBQ Sauce:

For a rich and complex flavor, add a splash of bourbon to your sauce. Simmer the sauce for a few extra minutes to allow the alcohol to cook off.

Maple BBQ Sauce:

Swap out the molasses or brown sugar with maple syrup for a unique sweet and earthy flavor.

Fruit-infused BBQ Sauce:

Experiment with fruit flavors by incorporating ingredients like apricot preserves, peach puree, or apple cider into your sauce.

Herb-infused BBQ Sauce:

Add freshness and aroma by including herbs like thyme, rosemary, or cilantro. Finely chop the herbs and stir them into the sauce during the cooking process.

Carolina-style BBQ Sauce:

To capture the tangy and vinegar-based flavor of Carolina-style BBQ sauce, increase the amount of vinegar in the recipe and reduce the sweetness. You can also add a touch of mustard for an extra tangy kick.

Feel free to combine these variations or create your own unique twists by experimenting with different spices, herbs, fruits, or even a hint of your favorite condiments.

Enjoy the process of customizing your BBQ sauce to suit your taste preferences!

Instructions for Making This Homemade Barbeque Sauce Recipe

In a medium-sized saucepan, combine all the ingredients listed in the recipe.  Add any variation ingredients as desired.

Whisk the mixture until well combined and smooth.

Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the BBQ sauce cool completely.

Once cooled, taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings according to your preference. You can add more sweetness, tanginess, or spice as desired.

Transfer the homemade BBQ sauce to a jar or airtight container for storage.  See the section below on how to store homemade BBQ sauce!

Refrigerate the sauce for a few hours or overnight before using it to allow the flavors to further develop.

That’s it! Your homemade BBQ sauce is ready to be used on grilled or barbecued meats, sandwiches, or any other dishes you enjoy.

How to Store Homemade BBQ Sauce

To properly store homemade BBQ sauce and ensure its freshness, follow these guidelines.

Before storing the BBQ sauce, make sure it has cooled down to room temperature. Hot sauce can create condensation inside the container, which can lead to spoilage.

Transfer the BBQ sauce to a clean, airtight container such as a glass jar or a plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. Ensure that the container is clean and dry before adding the sauce.

Homemade BBQ sauce should be refrigerated to maintain its quality and extend its shelf life. Place the sealed container in the refrigerator immediately after preparing the sauce. The cool temperature helps inhibit bacterial growth.

The exact storage time can vary depending on the ingredients used. As a general guideline, homemade BBQ sauce can be refrigerated for about 1 to 2 weeks. It’s best to consume it within this timeframe to enjoy the best flavor and quality.

Before using the stored sauce, inspect it for any signs of spoilage, such as mold, unusual color, or off smells. If you notice any of these signs, discard the sauce.

Can You Freeze Homemade BBQ Sauce?

If you wish to store the sauce for a longer period, you can consider freezing it! Here’s how!!

Similar to refrigeration, ensure the BBQ sauce has cooled down to room temperature before freezing.

Divide the sauce into smaller portions based on your usage needs. Freezing in smaller portions allows for easier thawing and minimizes waste.

Use freezer-safe containers or resealable freezer bags for storing the sauce. Squeeze out any excess air from the bags to prevent freezer burn.

Label each container or bag with the contents and date of freezing. This helps you keep track of the storage time and easily identify the sauce later on.

Place the containers or bags in the freezer and ensure they are stored in a flat position until the sauce is frozen. When you want to use the sauce, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or gently heat it on the stovetop.

Remember to use your best judgment when consuming frozen BBQ sauce. While it can be stored for several months in the freezer, the sauce’s quality and flavor might gradually diminish over time.

Ideas for Using Homemade BBQ Sauce

Homemade BBQ sauce is incredibly versatile and can be used on a wide variety of dishes. Here are some popular options!

Grilled or Barbecued Meats:

BBQ sauce is a classic accompaniment to grilled or barbecued meats such as chicken, pork ribs, beef brisket, or burgers. Brush the sauce on the meat during the final minutes of cooking or use it as a marinade beforehand.

I like to use this homemade BBQ sauce recipe in my Barbeque Smoked Porkchops recipe!

Pulled Pork or Chicken:

Shred cooked pork or chicken and mix it with BBQ sauce for a delicious pulled pork or pulled chicken sandwich filling.

Ribs:

Slather BBQ sauce on baby back ribs or spare ribs during the last stage of cooking to create a flavorful glaze.

Sandwiches and Wraps:

Use BBQ sauce as a condiment for sandwiches and wraps. It pairs well with pulled pork, grilled chicken, or even vegetarian options like grilled vegetables or tofu.

Burgers:

Add a smoky and tangy twist to your burgers by spreading BBQ sauce on the bun or mixing it into the ground meat before grilling.

This homemade BBQ sauce recipe would go perfectly with my Hamburger Patty Melt recipe!

Pizza:

BBQ sauce can be used as an alternative to tomato sauce on homemade or store-bought pizza. It goes particularly well with toppings like grilled chicken, red onions, and cilantro. Yum!

Meatballs:

Glaze cooked meatballs with BBQ sauce for a flavorful twist on a classic appetizer or main dish.

Use this homemade BBQ sauce recipe with my Meatball Appetizers!

Baked Beans:

Add a few spoonfuls of BBQ sauce to homemade or canned baked beans for a rich and smoky flavor.

Use it in my Crazy Beans recipe!

Veggie Skewers:

Brush BBQ sauce onto skewered vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or onions, before grilling for a tasty vegetarian option.

Sweet Potato Fries:

Serve sweet potato fries with a side of BBQ sauce for a delicious combination of sweet and smoky flavors.

Serve this homemade BBQ sauce with my Sweet Potato Fries recipe!

These are just a few ideas, but feel free to get creative and experiment with using BBQ sauce on other dishes that you enjoy!! The possibilities are endless!

Enjoy!!