Delicious Homemade BBQ Sauce can be made in just a few minutes! Thick, and full of flavor, you’ll want to keep this on hand!
Step-by-step photos and instructions are below!
A good BBQ Sauce is the best accompaniment to pretty much anything, if you ask my family.
I think it’s perfect to slather on ribs, chicken and pork to add some amazing flavor.
Some of us use it as a dipping sauce for chicken tenders, or mixed into their mac and cheese. But I’m not judging.
The best part of making your homemade sauce instead of grabbing store bought BBQ sauce is you can change things up, according to your own personal preference.
You control the ingredients, so you won’t find any high fructose corn syrup here! See below for how to change it up.
Kansas City BBQ Sauce
This sauce is very reminiscent of Kansas City style sauce, as it contains both ketchup and molasses which makes it sweeter and heavier than some other sauces, like Carolina BBQ. Carolina BBQ is usually spicier and uses vinegar as the base.
Changing it up to make the best BBQ sauce possible
If you like a spicy barbecue sauce instead of a classic flavor, you can add a little bit of hot sauce, extra chili powder, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to impart a little kick.
If you like things sweet flavors, add a little honey or extra brown sugar.
If you want a smoky flavor, be sure to use smoked paprika, or add a dash of liquid smoke.
What you’ll find in this post:
Why you’ll love this recipe:
- This easy recipe uses just a handful of ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. If not, everything can be found easily at the grocery store.
- This is a good recipe to make your own. It’s entirely adaptable to your own tastes and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Kansas City and Carolina BBQ Sauce?
Kansas City style uses both ketchup and molasses which makes it sweeter and heavier than Carolina BBQ sauce. Carolina BBQ is a spicy BBQ sauce and uses vinegar as the base.
How to use Homemade BBQ Sauce
Try it on BBQ Ribs, Instant Pot Ribs, Pulled Pork Nachos, Instant Pot Pulled Pork and pretty much anything else you love!
It goes great on pork chops, pork tenderloin, grilled chicken breasts and drumsticks, and can be used as the base for a BBQ Chicken Pizza too!
I have included step-by-step photos and instructions, as well as tips and tricks in the post. If you’d rather skip all that, scoot right on down to the full recipe card located at the bottom of the post.
Key Recipe Ingredients
The full list of ingredients and amounts is found in the printable recipe card below.
- Ketchup. Use your favorite brand.
- Apple Juice. Try to find a pure apple juice, one that doesn’t have added sugar, or ingredients.
- Vinegar. I use apple cider vinegar, but red wine vinegar will work too.
- Brown Sugar. Pack this in the measuring cup so you get the right amount.
- Molasses. Spray your measuring spoon with oil, so this removes super easily.
- Worcestershire sauce. This adds a savory, salty flavor.
- Chili Powder. Grab this in the spice aisle or use my recipe for chili powder.
- Paprika. I use smoked paprika in this recipe. If you have regular, that’s okay too.
- Cumin. Cumin is an earthy flavor that brings balance to the sauce.
- Pepper. I use freshly cracked black pepper. Add to your preferences.
Recommended Equipment/Tools
(affiliate links may be used here, which helps me earn some pennies – with no increased pricing to you)
- Small Saucepan
- Wooden Spoon
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
How to make: Easy homemade BBQ sauce recipe
Scroll for Recipe
This next part is only a photo tutorial of the recipe steps. The full list of ingredients, quantities and instructions can be found in the printable recipe card below.
Add all ingredients to a medium saucepan
Heat over medium heat until bubbling.
Reduce heat to medium low and simmer until thickened.
For best results, stir it regularly so that the bottom doesn’t burn.
Let the sauce cool, the pour into a clean container for storage.
I use a clean mason jar, but a bottle with a lid, or a tupperware container will work just fine.
Kylee’s Notes
Make sure you stir the sauce as it cooks, and keep the heat low so you don’t burn your sauce.
What to do with leftovers
Store in an airtight container (like a mason jar) at room temperature if you prefer. I keep mine in the refrigerator out of habit. This will have a longer shelf life if you refrigerate.
Substitutions/Additions
A tiny bit of liquid smoke is awesome in this if you don’t have smoked paprika on hand.
Garlic powder and onion powder are great additions to this recipe. Add 1/2 teaspoon to begin with and taste before adding more.
Changing it up
If you like a spicy barbecue sauce instead of a classic flavor, you can add a little bit of hot sauce, extra chili powder, a little cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes to impart a little heat.
If you like things sweeter, add a little honey or extra brown sugar.
If you want a smoky flavor, be sure to use smoked paprika, or add a dash of liquid smoke.
More homemade pantry items:
Do you love making your own kitchen basics? Try these great recipes!
- How to make Chicken Stock. Requires very little hands-on attention from you, and results in some delicious, very cost-friendly chicken stock.
- How to make Almond Butter. Skip the store-bought, get out your food processor, and watch the magic! Uses just one ingredient!
- Homemade Applesauce. A simple, no-frills homemade recipe, that is perfect for families of all sizes. Make a big batch for all of you to enjoy!
- Homemade Pancake Mix. Make a delicious, fluffy, vanilla-y batch of pancakes that taste WAY better than boxed. YOU can be the breakfast super-hero!
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Homemade BBQ Sauce
Recommended Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2/3 cup apple juice
- 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar (packed)
- 2 tablespoons unsulfured molasses
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon prepared chili powder (this means a blend, not pure chilies)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon tsp cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cracked pepper
Directions
- Combine all the ingredients into a saucepan and simmer over a medium heat until thickened, stirring occasionally for about 15 minutes.
- Be careful not to burn – don’t leave it unattended.
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Disclaimer
Nutritional information is an estimate and provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.
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