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Homemade Barbecue Sauce is one of those easy things that you can do to jazz up a regular barbecue dinner. Not only is it simple to make but this Easy Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe is very cost effective as well.
If you love making homemade sauces as much as I do, then you will love this BBQ Sauce. It taste so much better than store bought and cooking time is simple.
This BBQ is great to top your favorite Grilled Turkey Burger Recipe or make Boneless Chicken Wings with.
Table of Contents
Why We Love This Recipe
Making homemade sauce allows you to adjust the spices to what you prefer. It is budget friendly and it is great to baste chicken with but my kids also love it for dipping. They love Easy BBQ Baked Breaded Chicken Recipe and this is their favorite dipping sauce.
I use these small ramekins to put the sauce in when they are using it for dipping. If you are looking for a healthier option for BBQ Sauce make this recipe.
Ingredients
- Ketchup – Use any brand that you like
- Apple Cider Vinegar – If you are out, check out these The Best Apple Cider Vinegar Substitutes
- Brown Sugar – Make homemade or choose The Best Brown Sugar Substitutes. Feel free to use light brown sugar or dark brown sugar
- Worcestershire – This helps to balance out the flavors. But if you are out, check out The Best Worcestershire Sauce Substitutes.
- Yellow Mustard – Store bought mustard works great.
- Crushed Garlic – If using fresh learn How to Mince Garlic Cloves
- Onion Powder – We love using powder instead of chopped onion
- Smoked Paprika – Feel free to use regular paprika
Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe in the recipe card.
Variations Ideas
- Seasoning – Garlic powder can also be substituted for the crushed garlic in this homemade bbq sauce recipe.
- Sauce Additions – Soy Sauce is also another ingredient that goes well in homemade barbecue sauce.
- Spicy Flavor – Red pepper flakes, chili powder, cayenne pepper or hot sauce can be added for extra heat. This is a good recipe no matter what you add!
How to Make Homemade Barbecue Sauce
- Step 1 – Add all the ingredients to a medium size sauce pan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
- Step 2 – Low heat and simmer uncovered for 20-30 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Step 3 – Let the mixture cool at room temperature and then refrigerate until ready to use. Enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Rest BBQ Sauce – For the best flavor and taste, we recommend making ahead and allow the sauce to marinate with the other ingredients. This helps it to taste less vinegary.
- Cooking Sauce – All the sauce to simmer over low heat to allow it to thicken. This process usually takes about 20 minutes. Cooking time will vary.
- Flavors – Before storing the BBQ Sauce, we recommend giving it a quick taste to make sure you do not need to add more spices.
Serving Suggestions
This BBQ Sauce is great to make these delicious recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions
BBQ Sauce is a must have condiment in my home. We use it for marinating, dipping and basting our favorite meat recipes. This tomato base sauce has a hint of sweetness with tangy flavors.
You can use just regular store bought ketchup to make this BBQ Sauce. We have even used off brand ketchup and it tasted delicious. With the added seasoning, you won’t be able to tell what type of ketchup you used.
Yes, you can double the recipe. We use a lot of BBQ Sauce and it is part of my meal prep for the week.
The top three ingredients that you need to make BBQ Sauce with is Ketchup, vinegar and sugar. Then you will season it how you prefer.
Storing Instructions
- Storing – We store our BBQ sauce in a pint size mason jar and keep it in the fridge. I like this set because it comes with different sizes and labels. This is perfect if you plan to make different types- sweet, vinegar etc. It is also great for gifts. I also like to put some in a squeeze bottle for the kids. It makes it very convenient and mess free.
- Freezing – BBQ Sauce can even be made ahead of time and placed in a freezer safe bag or container to freeze. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months.
- Thawing – When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. If in a hurry, place the freezer bag or container in warm water to thaw.
More Homemade Sauce Recipes
Easy Side Dishes
Homemade Pizza Sauce Recipe
Easy Stove Top
Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Recipe
Homemade Seasoning Blends
Easy Alfredo Sauce Recipe
Easy Dip
Red Lobster Tartar Sauce Recipe
If you make this Homemade Barbecue Sauce, make sure to come back and tell us how your family liked it. We love to hear from you.
Homemade Barbecue Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups Ketchup
- 3 Tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire
- 2 Tablespoons yellow mustard
- 3 cloves crushed garlic
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to a medium size sauce pan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
- Low heat and simmer uncovered for 20-30 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Let the mixture cool at room temperature and then refrigerate until ready to use. Enjoy!
I was going to make barbecue chicken on the grill and saw I was out of bbq sauce and made this recipe. I’ll never buy store bought again. It was perfect!
I have kept it in the refrigerator for up to 3 months and it still tasted great.
The recipe sounds great. How long will it keep stored in the refrigerator? Thank you.
looking forward to making sound delicious
Great to hear. Thanks for sharing!
I canned it and it will work perfectly. Process for30 mins and I made 10x the recipe and then sweetened some and spiced up the other half. I also made mine all 1/2 pints for my Christmas gift baskets. Thanks for the perfect bbq sauce ‘base’ ! 5*’s
I haven’t canned before so I’m not sure. Sorry about that. Thank you.
I haven’t tried but I think that would work.
Can this recipe be hot water bath canned for shelf storage.
Can the BBQ Sauce be canned for storage?
I’m so glad you liked it.
This recipe was perfect, thanks for posting. Pinning! 🙂