This Homemade Barbecue Sauce is smoky, tangy, and packed with flavor—perfect for slathering on your favorite grilled meats or using as a dipping sauce. With just the right balance of sweetness, smokiness, and spice, this barbecue sauce is versatile and easy to make. Plus, it’s a great recipe for preserving, so you can enjoy it year-round!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This homemade BBQ sauce is the ideal blend of smoky paprika, tangy apple cider vinegar, and the perfect amount of sweetness from brown sugar and honey. It’s so much better than store-bought versions, with no artificial ingredients. The best part? You can make a big batch and preserve it, so it’s always ready to use whenever you’re grilling. It’s perfect for ribs, chicken, burgers, or even as a dipping sauce for fries or roasted veggies!
Ingredients
- 4 cups tomato sauce
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- In a saucepan, combine all the ingredients and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Stir occasionally and let the sauce simmer for 20-25 minutes, until it thickens to your desired consistency.
- Sterilize canning jars by boiling them in water for 10 minutes to ensure they’re clean and bacteria-free.
- Pour the hot barbecue sauce into the sterilized jars, leaving about 1/2-inch of headspace at the top.
- Wipe the rims of the jars clean, place the lids on, and process in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes to seal.
- Let the jars cool completely before storing in a cool, dark place.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4 cups
Variations
- Spicy BBQ Sauce: Add a chopped jalapeño, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to give the sauce some heat.
- Smoky and Sweet: Increase the amount of smoked paprika or add a touch of liquid smoke for a deeper smoky flavor.
- Vinegar-Based BBQ Sauce: For a more vinegar-forward sauce, reduce the sugar and honey by half, and increase the apple cider vinegar.
- Fruit-Infused BBQ Sauce: Blend in fruit like peaches, pineapple, or mango to create a fruity BBQ sauce with extra sweetness.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the sealed jars of BBQ sauce in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year. Once opened, keep the sauce in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
- Reheating: To reheat, simply warm the sauce on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.
FAQs
1. Can I make this BBQ sauce without canning it?
Yes, you can make this BBQ sauce and store it in the refrigerator without the canning process. Just let it cool and transfer it to an airtight container for up to 3 weeks.
2. Can I make this BBQ sauce spicier?
Yes, if you like spicy BBQ sauce, you can add extra chili powder, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the mix. Adjust to your taste preference!
3. How can I make this BBQ sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker BBQ sauce, let it simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to reduce and thicken further. You can also add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water for added thickness.
4. Can I use this sauce for grilling?
Absolutely! This BBQ sauce is perfect for basting on meats while grilling. Just brush it on during the last few minutes of grilling to avoid burning the sugars in the sauce.
5. Can I use a different type of vinegar?
Yes, you can use other vinegars like white vinegar or balsamic vinegar. Apple cider vinegar, however, adds a distinct tang that pairs beautifully with the other flavors in the sauce.
6. Can I make this BBQ sauce without Worcestershire sauce?
If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, you can substitute with soy sauce or a bit of balsamic vinegar, although the flavor will slightly change.
7. How do I preserve this BBQ sauce for longer?
To preserve the sauce for long-term storage, can it in sterilized jars and process them in a water bath to ensure the jars are sealed properly.
8. Can I make a smaller batch of BBQ sauce?
Yes, you can easily halve or quarter the recipe to make a smaller batch. Just adjust the ingredients proportionally.
9. Is this BBQ sauce gluten-free?
Yes, this BBQ sauce is naturally gluten-free, as long as you ensure the Worcestershire sauce and other ingredients are gluten-free.
10. Can I make this BBQ sauce without sugar?
Yes, you can reduce or eliminate the sugar in the recipe, but it will change the sweetness and balance of flavors. Consider using a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit if you need a low-sugar version.
Conclusion
This Homemade Barbecue Sauce is smoky, tangy, and the perfect way to elevate your grilling game. It’s easy to make, can be preserved for later use, and is perfect for adding that homemade touch to any barbecue or summer gathering. Whether you’re grilling up ribs, chicken, or veggies, this BBQ sauce will become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy the rich, complex flavors all year long!
Print
This Homemade Barbecue Sauce is smoky, tangy, and bursting with flavor, making it the perfect complement to your grilled meats, veggies, or even as a dipping sauce. With a balance of sweetness, smokiness, and spice, this easy-to-make BBQ sauce is better than store-bought and can be preserved for year-round enjoyment!
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 cups
Ingredients
- 4 cups tomato sauce
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine all the ingredients and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Stir occasionally and let the sauce simmer for 20-25 minutes, until it thickens to your desired consistency.
- Sterilize canning jars by boiling them in water for 10 minutes to ensure they are clean and bacteria-free.
- Pour the hot barbecue sauce into the sterilized jars, leaving about 1/2-inch of headspace at the top.
- Wipe the rims of the jars clean, place the lids on, and process in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes to seal.
- Let the jars cool completely before storing in a cool, dark place.
Notes
- Spicy BBQ Sauce: Add red pepper flakes, chopped jalapeños, or hot sauce for extra heat.
- Smoky & Sweet: Increase the amount of smoked paprika or add liquid smoke for a deeper smoky flavor.
- Vinegar-Based BBQ Sauce: Reduce sugar and honey and increase apple cider vinegar for a tangier sauce.
- Fruit-Infused BBQ Sauce: Blend in fruits like peaches, pineapple, or mango for added sweetness and a fruity twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Condiments, Sauces, BBQ
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American, Grilling
- Diet: Vegetarian
