on Jun 15, 2018, Updated Oct 29, 2024 352 Comments BBQ sauce is one of those topics that people can become really, really passionate about. There are the regional camps of North Carolina-style BBQ sauce, Kansas City-style BBQ sauce, white Alabama BBQ sauce, and then the Memphis style with no sauce at all (well, maybe just a smidge). Everyone has their personal favorites. And you know, I really love them all. I’ve shared my Mama’s Coca-Cola BBQ Sauce with you, which is the one I grew up with. I’ve also shared our Spicy Mustard BBQ Sauce, which we use from time to time, and my Peach BBQ Sauce, which is the perfect BBQ sauce with a fruity twist. I’ve also included our favorite molasses-based Sweet and Spicy BBQ Sauce in my cookbook, which just takes ribs to a whole new level! But friends, I want to share with you this quick and easy BBQ sauce that requires just a handful of ingredients and comes out perfect every single time. We’ve had friends who call this the best BBQ Sauce they’ve ever tasted and it’s pretty easy to see why!
How to Make Homemade BBQ Sauce
This BBQ Sauce comes together quickly with just a handful of ingredients that I generally have in my refrigerator or my pantry. This recipe is one that I think you all will fall in love with as well. I’ve had friends ask me to please make extra for them to take home and if I’d bottle it, they’d surely buy it. ♥️
Ingredients
Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information. To make this homemade BBQ Sauce, you’ll need:
Ketchup – You’ll use 2 cups of your favorite ketchup as the base in this recipe. I prefer to use one with the fewest ingredients and one that does not include high-fructose corn syrup. Apple Cider Vinegar – the apple cider vinegar gives the sauce a delicious, tangy flavor that helps to balance it perfectly. Brown Sugar – just 1/4 cup of brown sugar not only helps sweeten the sauce but deepens the flavor adding just a hint of molasses flavor. Honey – use a couple of tablespoons of your favorite honey. If you can find a reliable local honey provider, I always recommend it! Worcestershire sauce – this balances the sweetness with savory flavor in the sauce. If you are gluten-free or sensitive to soy (like me!), you can use coconut aminos in place of the Worcestershire sauce. Stone House Seasoning – this is my favorite, go-to blend of seasonings that I have shared previously. It is a blend of kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic that tastes amazing on so many dishes and adds flavor in a snap! We named it Stone House Seasoning since we use it practically on everything except desserts! Lemon Juice – A tablespoon of fresh or bottled lemon juice adds just the perfect amount of acid to this sauce to make it perfect. Hot Sauce – We love to add just a splash of hot sauce to this BBQ Sauce recipe. It is entirely optional if you’d rather not include it.
Instructions
Cook the BBQ Sauce. Whisk together all of the ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Allow the sauce to bubble and then reduce the heat and allow it to simmer for 10 minutes. This helps to deepen the flavors and thicken the sauce. Serve. You can use this sauce immediately or see the Storage Tips below.
Recipe Variations
No Cook Homemade BBQ Sauce – Whisk together all ingredients until well combined. Pour into an airtight container and serve immediately or store as directed.
Storage Tips
To Store. Allow the sauce to cool and then pour it into a quart-size mason jar. Seal it with a tight-fitting lid and store it in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. To Freeze. Transfer the cooled sauce to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving. Here’s my best Homemade BBQ Sauce recipe. I hope you love it as much as we do! Enjoy!Robyn xo
