The easiest, BEST Homemade BBQ sauce that’s perfect for marinating, dipping, and grilling. A combination of smokey, tangy, thick and sweet flavors that will have your mouth smiling with every bite.
Homemade BBQ Sauce
It’s officially summer! We’ve have been playing at the pool, or on the slip-n-slide in our yard almost every day this week. It’s so fun to watch and help my kids learn how to swim. Jackson has always loved the water–splashing in it, dumping it on himself and playing in it. But when it comes to “deep water” swimming, he gets really timid.
Then there’s my two-year-old daughter who is the total opposite. She doesn’t want to get “sprayed” at a splash park, or by the slip-n-slide, but she LOVES to go swimming. She is totally fearless in the pool with her little puddle jumper on. (I’m totally obsessed with these puddle jumpers by the way. They are nicer then the ones you can buy at the store because the fabric is softer and wont irritate their skin.)
But I”ll tell you what, a day in the sun or at the pool with three kids under 4 years old is exhausting! We come back in the house and I’m totally wiped out. Luckily my husband takes over dinner duties when he gets home from work, which always means firing up the grill!
I’m convinced that grilling is the best way to cook every meal during the summer. I love that there is no mess of dishes afterwards, and you just cant beat that smokey-grill taste.
This BBQ sauce guys, is unbeatable! The flavor combo is killer. You know how some homemade bbq sauces can taste too sweet, or too vinegar-y or too ketchup-y? This one is PERFECT!
It has a little tang and sweetness, and a little smokey flavor that I can’t get enough of. Liquid smoke helps to add that amazing smokey flavor. I’m convinced that stuff was made by a wizard. It’s magical. How in the world is it possible to bottle-up that smokey flavor? Blows my mind. You can buy liquid smoke at your local grocery store in the BBQ sauce aisle.
I love to make this sauce and keep it in the fridge for several weeks. Depending on your family size you could double the recipe to make a bigger batch. It’s delicious for marinating bbq chicken, spooning on hamburgers or ribs, or dipping as a sauce. It’s my go-to when I don’t have a dinner plan. Simply pour some into a ziplock bag and add some chicken tenders or breasts to marinate for an hour.
Grill the chicken and serve with a fresh fruit bowl and pasta salad. Easy peasy.
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The Best Homemade BBQ Sauce
Video
Ingredients
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2/3 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsulphured molasses
- 2/3 cup red wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons hickory flavored liquid smoke
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika or regular paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/8 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a large saucepan and mix together until smooth.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until mixture comes to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes or up to one hour, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool. The sauce will thicken slightly as it cools.
- Store in an air tight container or jar in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.
Notes
Nutrition
Have you tried this recipe?!
RATE and COMMENT below! I would love to hear your experience.
Amanda S says
Have you ever tired canning it? I see someone commented on freezing theirs.
Lauren Allen says
No. I can’t recommend canning this as canning for shelf storage has it’s own set of rules for ph levels to make it safe.
Dan says
I have made sauce for years and have had no problem putting still hot sauce in boiled canning jars and lids. I date them and put them in the pantry.
Jenn says
I just made this sauce to go with some ribs I am slow cooking. Holy smoke, this is a delicious sauce! I also used fresh onion and garlic, but otherwise stuck to the recipe. Definitely a keeper!
Mike says
I made this and it turned out better than expected. It disappeared sooner than I wanted. I will double up on the recipe this Memorial week end.
Sharon Hebert says
Absolutely the best amazing BBQ sauce. I added just a little worcestershire sauce.
Lauren Allen says
Thanks Sharon! I’m glad you liked it!
Leon says
Five star bar be que sauce. I made extra for the next time i grill/smoke
Rosemarie says
Been making this recipe for about two years, minus the tomato sauce and the liquid smoke. Always different but always better. Thanks.
Diane says
This is fantastic! Have made it over and over again since I found this, thanks very much! Wouldn’t change a thing, perfect as is!
Lauren Allen says
I’m really glad to hear that, thanks for sharing Diane!
Michael Johnson says
Ive been trying to find a barbecue sauce that I liked for years. Thanks to you I have found it. My wife and picky daughters love it also. Thank you for sharing!!
Lauren Allen says
That makes me so happy to hear! Thank you for commenting.