Homemade Barbecue Sauce Recipe (2024)

This recipe for Homemade Barbecue Sauce is sure to become a staple in the kitchen!

Finally, you can create your signature barbecue sauce that goes with everything from ribs to wings and everything in between! This tangy sweet sauce tastes just like mom used to make. It’s excellent on beef, pork, or poultry. Add it to all kinds of meats ten to twenty minutes before finishing it on the grill, and it will create the best glaze and that fantastic sweet and savory BBQ flavor. Make a double batch to keep on hand for a quick and tasty dip for chicken nuggets or sweet potato fries.

Quick & Easy Homemade BBQ Sauce

• This recipe is so quick and simple, that you’ll wonder why you ever bought the store brand!
• Make it from scratch with staples found in the fridge and pantry!
• Make this homemade base recipe and easily adjust the ingredients for sweet, spicy, or savory dishes like pulled pork, beef ribs, chicken nuggets, or even baked beans!

Ingredients & Variations

BASE: Every BBQ sauce has a base of ketchup, brown sugar, and vinegar. The remaining seasonings are adjustable to your tastes.

Brown sugar can be replaced with honey or maple syrup, or use an alternative sugar like Swerve for a sugar-free version.

SEASONINGS: Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, and hot sauce are all interchangeable. Soy sauce or coconut aminos can be switched out for the Worcestershire sauce. Hot sauce can be omitted entirely or bumped up for a spicy kick. Red pepper flakes, cayenne, and diced jalapenos also bring the heat so use accordingly.

Liquid smoke gives homemade bbq sauce a rich, robust flavor for heartier recipes like ribs and roasts! Experiment with the taste that works for your recipe!

How to Make Homemade Barbecue Sauce

This easy recipe is ready in just two simple steps!

1. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.
2. Simmer (per the recipe below) or until desired consistency is achieved.

Best Ways to Use Barbecue Sauce

Anything goes with scratch bbq sauce! Use it as a dip for homemade meatballsor pour it over a meatloafbefore baking. Brush onto ribs before grilling, over these delish pineapple and sausage kabobs, or air fryer bacon.

Use homemade barbecue sauce as a spread for burgers or hot dogs, or add a few tablespoons to a pot of Crockpot chili to spice it up. Mix homemade barbecue sauce into sour cream for a quick and easy dip for chips and veggies.

My Favorite Tips & Tricks

Keep homemade bbq sauce in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Freeze bbq sauce in ice cube trays and transfer to a zippered bag. Pop out a cube or two and add to a stir fry, a soup, stew, or chili for a kick of flavor!

Other Tasty Sauces!

• Simple Sweet and Sour Sauce – so versatile.
• Cranberry Orange Sauce – festive and delish.
• Instant Pot Rhubarb Applesauce – ready in just 45 minutes.
• Spicy Chocolate Sauce – an excellent dipping sauce.
• Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce – zesty and delicious.

REPIN this Homemade Barbecue Sauce recipe!

Adapted by my mom, from an earlier version of this book!“Barbecue Sauce.” New Cook Book. Ed. Jennifer Dorland Darling. Des Moines: Better Homes and Gardens Books, 1996. 452. Print.