This easy homemade BBQ sauce is a perfect blend of smoky flavor and sweetness, made with simple ingredients like brown sugar, tomato base, and apple cider vinegar.
It’s a versatile sauce that works wonderfully with chicken tenders, BBQ ribs, and even as a dipping sauce for your favorite snacks.
With this simple BBQ sauce recipe, you can create your own homemade BBQ sauce that rivals any store-bought option. Using pantry staples such as Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, onion powder, and a touch of hot sauce, you can customize the heat level to your liking. The best part? It can be stored in glass mason jars in an airtight container for future use.
And below the main recipe, which is Kansas City-style BBQ sauce, I also have Texas-style and South Caroline Mustard style BBQ sauce options!
Canning instructions are at the bottom.
Homemade BBQ Sauce: A Flavorful Companion
Creating your own BBQ sauce can be a rewarding experience, especially when it comes to achieving that perfect balance of smoky flavor and sweetness. With simple ingredients like brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and tomato sauce, you can whip up an easy homemade BBQ sauce that rivals any store-bought option.
This savory homemade BBQ sauce recipe is not just for grilling; it pairs wonderfully with chicken tenders, BBQ ribs, and even serves as a delightful dipping sauce for your favorite snacks.
The best part? You can customize the heat level by adjusting the amount of hot sauce or chili powder to suit your taste.
Ingredients That Shine
The beauty of this easy BBQ sauce recipe lies in its use of pantry staples. A combination of Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and a teaspoon of liquid smoke brings depth to the sauce, while brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness.
Each ingredient plays a vital role in crafting a sauce that is both rich and flavorful. The tomato base provides a hearty foundation, while the spices like black pepper and chili powder elevate the overall taste. This is a classic Kansas City-style BBQ sauce that the whole family will enjoy.
Preparation Made Simple
Preparing this BBQ sauce is straightforward and quick.
Start by combining the ingredients in a medium saucepan, then heat the mixture over medium-high heat until it begins to simmer. Reducing the heat to medium-low allows the sauce to thicken beautifully over about 20 minutes.
If you find the sauce too thick, simply add chicken stock gradually until you reach your desired consistency. This flexibility makes it easy to adjust based on your preferences.
Storage Tips for Freshness
Once your homemade BBQ sauce has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to glass mason jars for storage. Keeping it in an airtight container ensures that it remains fresh for up to a week in the refrigerator.
For longer storage, consider freezing the sauce. This way, you can enjoy your own BBQ sauce whenever the craving strikes, without the need to rely on store-bought options.
Perfect Pairings
This BBQ sauce is a versatile companion for many dishes. Whether you’re grilling chicken thighs, preparing BBQ ribs, or making sloppy joes, this sauce enhances the flavors of your meals.
Its rich, deep red color and savory taste make it a standout addition to any barbecue spread. Serve it alongside grilled meats for a delightful experience that will impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds.
Why Make Your Own BBQ Sauce?
Making your own BBQ sauce allows you to control the ingredients, avoiding artificial flavors and excess air found in many store-bought varieties. With this easy recipe, you can create a sauce that is tailored to your liking, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor.
Plus, there’s something special about enjoying a dish made from scratch. The satisfaction of knowing you crafted the perfect BBQ sauce adds to the overall enjoyment of your meal.
Classic Kansas City Style BBQ Sauce
This savory homemade BBQ sauce recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and yields a delicious sauce that can be used for BBQ chicken, sloppy joes, or even as a marinade.
The recipe is designed for the whole family to enjoy, providing the perfect balance of flavors without any artificial flavors or excess air. Store it in the refrigerator at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze it for longer storage.
Ingredients
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
- 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup chicken stock (optional for thinning)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, mix together the tomato sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, onion powder, black pepper, white vinegar, and liquid smoke.
- Cook the Sauce: Heat the mixture over medium-high heat until it begins to simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens.
- Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add chicken stock a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Cool and Store: Allow the sauce to cool to room temperature before transferring it to glass mason jars. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 2 cups
- Calories: 50kcal per tablespoon
- Fat: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
Texas-Style BBQ Sauce
This bold and smoky Texas-style BBQ sauce brings deep flavor with a bit of heat and spice. It’s perfect for brisket, ribs, or grilled chicken. Unlike sweeter Kansas City sauces, this version leans on tomato, pepper, and smoke for its classic Texas kick.
Ingredients
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
- 1/2 cup beef broth (for thinning, optional)
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine tomato sauce, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, molasses, mustard, and all the seasonings.
- Simmer: Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to low. Let it simmer for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens.
- Adjust Thickness: Add beef broth if you prefer a thinner, more mop-style sauce.
- Cool and Store: Cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 2 cups
- Calories: 45kcal per tablespoon
- Fat: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
South Carolina Mustard-Based BBQ Sauce
This tangy South Carolina-style BBQ sauce is all about mustard, vinegar, and spice. It pairs beautifully with pulled pork, grilled chicken, or smoked sausage. The flavor is sharp, sweet, and slightly peppery — classic Carolina gold!
Ingredients
- 1 cup yellow mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra spice)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the yellow mustard, honey, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings.
- Heat Gently: Bring to a light simmer over medium heat. Cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring often until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Taste and Adjust: Add more honey for sweetness or vinegar for tang, depending on your preference.
- Cool and Store: Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring to a mason jar. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 2 cups
- Calories: 60kcal per tablespoon
- Fat: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
How to Can Homemade BBQ Sauce in Mason Jars
Canning your BBQ sauce helps preserve it safely for months. Follow these simple steps using basic kitchen tools.
- Prepare Jars: Wash Mason jars, lids, and bands in hot, soapy water. Rinse well. Keep jars hot in simmering water until ready to fill.
- Heat Sauce: Bring your BBQ sauce to a gentle boil for 5 minutes to ensure it’s hot and safe for canning.
- Fill Jars: Ladle the hot sauce into jars or pour through a clean funnel, leaving about ½ inch of space at the top. Wipe the rims clean with a damp cloth.
- Seal: Place lids on jars and screw bands until fingertip tight — snug but not overly tight.
- Process: Place jars in a boiling water bath canner (like this one from Amazon), ensuring they’re covered by at least 1 inch of water. Process for 20 minutes.
- Cool: Turn off heat and let jars sit in the hot water for 5 minutes. Carefully remove and place on a towel to cool for 12–24 hours.
- Check Seals: Once cool, press the center of each lid. It should not pop. Any unsealed jars should be refrigerated and used within a week.
- Store: Label sealed jars with the date and store them in a cool, dark place for up to 12 months.
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