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.
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Recipe
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
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I originally shared this recipe June 2017. Updated June 2020 and May 2025.
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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’ve tried many bbq recipes in the past and never been a fan but this one was on point! Had to substitute half of the red wine vinegar for balsamic and white wine as I quadrupled the recipe and then realized I was short but it came out so good! My son usually thinks most bbq sauces are too spicy but it had just the right amount of kick! It’s great! Thanks for sharing! Making your Hawaiian Meatballs tomorrow! Super excited! Thanks again!
I want to make homemade ketchup, I dehydrated tomatoes turned into powder can I use the powder for ketchup
Made the BBQ sauce as the Pork shoulder for pulled pork was cooking.
The sauce was perfecto. Just like our fav
restaurant and their BBQ sauce. I was a little concerned about the cayenne so halved it. Big mistake. Will use the full dose next time. This is my first time making pulled pork and BBQ sauce. Both recipes are simple.
Trust the process. Delicious.
The BEST BBQ sauce I’ve ever made from scratch! I did omit the vinegar as per other comments. Its outstanding.
I love this barbecue sauce!! It is exactly how I like my barbecue sauce. It’s too sweet for my husband though, so just be mindful of that. But I love sweet barbecue sauce so for me it was absolutely perfect.
My husband loves this sauce!! I have been making it for pizza with chicken, red onion, and cheese!!
This sauce is fantastic! Just made my second batch. I add a touch of honey. This is a keeper!
Just made this tonight with brisket, it was amazing! The fam thinks I have made my own signature sauce!
This is the second time I made BBQ sauce from scratch. The only modification was omitting the red wine vinegar and cayenne pepper. We liked it very much!
Will try this same recipe in the spring when I try my hand at smoking chicken, beef, and ribs. Now I can’t wait…
Thank you Lauren!
Take care,