Homemade BBQ Sauce

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This homemade BBQ Sauce comes together in about 15-20 minutes using ingredients you probably already have on hand. Once they taste this amazing BBQ Sauce, your friends and family will be BEGGING for the recipe. Pair it with Pork, Beef or Chicken.

Homemade BBQ Sauce in jar

Why Should I Make My Own Homemade BBQ Sauce

You may have gone in search of a homemade BBQ Sauce recipe because you ran out of store bought and are now on a mad scramble to save dinner. Prepared to have your socks knocked off! And prepare to never be able to settle for store bought sauce again. I recently made this for a neighborhood party (along with pulled pork) and I had so many compliments…and I think a new stalker or two! People were absolutely RAVING.

Homemade BBQ Sauce ingredients in bowls

How To Make Easy Homemade BBQ Sauce

All you need to make homemade BBQ Sauce is 15-20 minutes of time and just a handful of ingredients that you most likely already have on hand.

I used 9 ingredients to make my BBQ Sauce and they are all here for a reason. Some add sweet, some add heat, some are used for a great base flavor, while other add a bit of acid to balance everything out. This sauce is a bit on the spicy side so feel free to omit the cayenne and/or hot sauce if that’s not your thing. If you’re leery of too much spice but still want that contrast of a little heat, perhaps start with just HALF the amounts I have listed.

Mince and Sauté Garlic

Some recipes will have you just throw raw garlic in with the other ingredients but I find that to be a bit harsh. Sauteeing the garlic mellows it out and creates a whole new flavor profile that compliments this sauce nicely. Mince garlic finely, heat oil or butter in a small saucepan and sauté on medium heat until it just begins to brown. Be careful not to burn it or even brown it too much as it will become bitter and you’ll need to start all over. This should only take a minute or two.

Incorporate the Remaining Ingredients

Once the garlic is ready to go, the rest of the sauce comes together in a jiffy! Simply add the rest of the ingredients (found in the recipe card below) to the saucepan. Simmer on medium low heat, stirring occasionally for 10-15 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

Using the BBQ Sauce

This BBQ Sauce is very versatile and can be served with your favorite pork, chicken, beef or on a pizza. It could even be used as a wing sauce if you thin it a bit with a little water.

Try it on these dishes:

Smoked Chicken Wings

Smoked Pork Butt (Pulled Pork)

Crockpot Pulled Pork with Pulled Pork Rub

Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sliders

Oven Baked BBQ Chicken

BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe

BBQ Chicken Nachos Recipe

BBQ Turkey Bacon Wrapped Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms

How Long Will Homemade BBQ Sauce Last?

This sauce is best when consumed within 1 week, but can last up to 2 weeks in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you find yourself not being able to use it that quickly, you can freeze homemade BBQ Sauce for up to 3 months in an airtight freezer safe container. Defrost by placing in the refrigerator overnight before using.

Homemade BBQ Sauce dripping out of jar with spoon

And there you have it, the BEST and EASIEST Homemade Barbecue Sauce Recipe you’ll ever need. I hope you make a big ol’ batch this summer and share it with your friends and family. Printable recipe card below.

Homemade BBQ Sauce in jar
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Homemade BBQ Sauce

This homemade BBQ Sauce comes together in about 15-20 minutes using ingredients you probably already have on hand. Once they taste this amazing BBQ Sauce, your friends and family will be BEGGING for the recipe. Makes about 1 ½ pints of sauce.
servings 8
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp oil or butter for sautéing garlic
  • 2 cups ketchup
  • ¼ cup molasses
  • 1 tbsp worcestershire sauce
  • ½ tsp hot sauce
  • 1 tbsp black pepper fresh, coarsely ground
  • ½ cup dark brown sugar loosely packed
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed, about ½ lemon
  • ½ tsp cayenne (optional)

Instructions

  • Heat oil or butter in a small saucepan on medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until it just begins to brown, careful not to burn it.
  • Add the remaining ingredients to pan and simmer on medium low heat, stirring occasionally for 10-15 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Serve warm with your favorite chicken, pork or beef.

Nutrition

Calories: 150kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.03g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.02g | Sodium: 587mg | Potassium: 380mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 34g | Vitamin A: 366IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 51mg | Iron: 1mg
Course: Sauce
Cuisine: BBQ
Keyword: BBQ Sauce

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2 Responses
  1. Katrina

    Your recipes similar to mine but I add minced ginger I buy in a jar and teaspoon of liquid smoke ,I use 2 table spoons ginger minces gives your barbecue the best flavor you ever tryed

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