Flavorful and delicious Homemade Barbecue Sauce is so easy to make with ingredients you likely have on-hand. It comes together quickly and is easily customizable to your personal taste!
This ketchup-based sauce is the best of everything – a delicious blend of sweet, tangy, spicy and smoky. You’ll never want bottled again after you see just how easy this is to prepare (and it smells so good while it’s simmering!).
Use it for BBQ chicken tacos, barbecue pork ribs, pulled pork, baked BBQ chicken thighs, and so much more!
Ingredients Notes
- You’ll need a little liquid smoke for the smoky flavor. I use one teaspoon, but feel free to use more if you prefer a stronger smoke flavor.
- Use light or dark molasses, not blackstrap (I use light).
- Feel free to use light or dark brown sugar.
- Spices and seasonings – a bay leaf along with a blend of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper and ground mustard.
Easily Customizable
I have been testing this recipe for a while now in my pursuit to make the most delicious and flavorful BBQ sauce and I finally have it. However, I understand everyone’s taste buds are different, so feel free to experiment with the spices and seasonings for your perfect sauce.
How to Make BBQ Sauce
This sauce couldn’t be easier! Simply stir together the ingredients in a medium saucepan and simmer (stirring occasionally) for 8 to 10 minutes. I would recommend using a splatter screen if you have one, or partially cover with a lid (because it does tend to splatter a little when simmering).
How Much BBQ Sauce Does this Make?
This recipe yields about 2 ¾ cups. Store leftovers in an airtight container or jar in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Enjoy!
More Easy DIY Sauces
Homemade Barbecue Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 cups ketchup
- â…“ cup molasses light or dark – NOT blackstrap
- â…“ cup packed brown sugar light or dark
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground mustard
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Stir together all ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium low to low (enough to maintain a gentle simmer).
- Simmer for 8 to 10 minutes (stirring occasionally), or until slightly thickened. Use a splatter screen or partially cover with lid while simmering to prevent splattering.
- Remove bay leaf and discard.
- Allow to cool and store in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Notes
- This recipe yields approximately 2 ¾ cups.
- Feel free to adjust the spices and seasonings to your personal preference, or consider adding a little cayenne pepper and/or a dash or 2 of hot sauce if you prefer heat!
Nutrition
If provided, nutritional info is a courtesy, is not guaranteed and should only be considered as a guideline.
Made this bbq sauce last night for ribs. Honestly I could drink this stuff! So good! I did add a bit more vinegar.
Thank you so much, Debbie – so glad you enjoyed it!
You forgot the ketchup Amy. Ted
Hi Ted, it’s the first ingredient listed on the recipe card (2 cups ketchup). I hope you enjoy it if you make it! 🙂