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It's so easy to make our Homemade BBQ Sauce recipe and I bet you have what you need. It has the perfect balance of smokey, tangy, and sweet and we use it for marinating, dipping, and grilling.
Homemade BBQ Sauce is a Game Changer
Homemade BBQ Sauce is a Game ChangerWe'e been doing a “make it, don't buy it” series on Instagram highlighting foods (like this BBQ sauce recipe) that are so much healthier, less expensive and easy to make yourself. Homemade Barbecue sauce tastes better than anything in a bottle and lasts in the fridge for weeks!
Slather it on Ribs, BBQ chicken, Pulled Pork Sandwiches, BBQ Chicken Pizza, and BBQ Chicken Tacos!
I was originally inspired by Mel's Kitchen Cafe's recipe back in 2017; this is any easy recipe to make your own by adjusting the seasonings to your preference! Add sweetness with honey or more brown sugar. Add more “smoky” flavor with smoked paprika, liquid smoke, or even blend fire roasted tomatoes instead of tomato sauce. You could even make BBQ Ranch by adding a couple tablespoons to homemade ranch.
How to make Homemade BBQ Sauce:
Combine: Add all ingredients to a saucepan and mix. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently until it comes to a boil. Reduce heat, simmer for 20 minutes to an hour.
Serve on ribs, hamburger, pulled pork sandwich, as a dipping sauce or marinade for grilled chicken, or just about anything! Store leftover bbq sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.
Easy Homemade BBQ Sauce
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 cup ketchup, (240g)
- 2/3 cup light brown sugar, (147g)
- 1/4 cup molasses, (85g), unsulphured
- 2/3 cup red wine vinegar, (159g)
- 2 teaspoons hickory flavored liquid smoke
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, , or regular paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, , or more to taste
- 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.8 ounces tomato sauce, 1 cup ketchup, 2/3 cup light brown sugar, ¼ cup molasses, 2/3 cup red wine vinegar, 2 teaspoons hickory flavored liquid smoke, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon onion powder, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, ⅛ teaspoon chili powder, ⅛ teaspoon ground mustard, ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 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
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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I originally shared this recipe June 2017. Updated June 2020 and May 2025.
I have to tell you this bbq sauce is my “secret ingredient” in so so many dishes and people absolutely rave about it. One person said “I cant believe you cooked that amazing bbq sauce in a pot on the stove!” I did tell him I followed a recipe it wasn’t just something I threw together on my own lol. Never ever going store bought again!
Well….I will never go store bought again. You ruined me on this recipe! Im in BBQ heaven the whole time making this. The smell, the taste, its absolutely awesome and cant wait to baste my baby back ribs with it tomorrow over hot coals. Thank you for this recipe!
I want to triple your buttermilk pancake recipe, which I love! How much in advance can I make the batter?
It’s best made fresh!
I was a bit skeptical that it would be so good. Incredible. Absolutely amazing!!
I probably never buy sauce again thank you
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!!
That makes me so happy to hear! Thank you for commenting.
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!
I’m really glad to hear that, thanks for sharing Diane!
Been making this recipe for about two years, minus the tomato sauce and the liquid smoke. Always different but always better. Thanks.
Absolutely the best amazing BBQ sauce. I added just a little worcestershire sauce.
Thanks Sharon! I’m glad you liked it!
Five star bar be que sauce. I made extra for the next time i grill/smoke
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.
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!
Have you ever tired canning it? I see someone commented on freezing theirs.
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.
the vinegar should take care of the ph
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.