Homemade BBQ Sauce

Homemade BBQ Sauce is tangy, sweet, and so easy to make you’ll never buy store-bought sauce again! This Southern BBQ sauce recipe makes the best sauce using pantry staples you probably already have, and it’s ready in about half an hour.

And the best part? This homemade sauce is much cheaper than any grocery store version. In addition, there’s no high-fructose corn syrup and no preservatives, and you have total control over the sodium level. 

If you like to make your own sauces, please be sure and try our Comeback Sauce and our Spicy BBQ Sauce – both are made with just a handful of ingredients and are great sauces to keep in your fridge. 

Making this barbecue sauce couldn’t be easier. Measure a few seasonings, some ketchup, and vinegar, add a bit of stirring, and you’ll have a versatile sauce that’s ready to bring the wow factor to your meal.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out in the kitchen, this amazing homemade BBQ sauce recipe is a winner you’ll find yourself reaching for again and again.

The sweet flavors and a little heat make this the best bbq sauce recipe we’ve ever made. The first time you try this easy recipe, you’ll be ready to toss all your old store-bought barbecue sauce! 

Ingredients and tools needed

Scroll down for a printable recipe card with full ingredient amounts and detailed instructions.

• Ketchup – you can use any brand, but I only use Heinz for everything. 
• Apple cider vinegar – just enough to add some complexity to the sauce
• Granulated sugar – a little white sugar 
• Brown sugar – adds the perfect balance to the spiciness
• Butter – helps to blend the sauce and give it a little richness
• Yellow mustard – use regular prepared mustard
• Onion powder – flavor boost
• Garlic powder – easy to add even more flavor
• Smoked paprika – use good quality smoked paprika, not regular
• Hot sauce – you can adjust this to suit your tastes
• Fresh lemon juice – fresh is always best
• Cayenne pepper – just a touch for some heat
• Molasses or honey – adds sweetness and helps to thicken the sauce a bit
• Worcestershire sauce – my favorite is this one
• Soy sauce – use low sodium
• Salt and pepper
• Basting brush
• Medium saucepan

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Substitutions

• You can use two scant teaspoons of dry mustard powder instead of the prepared yellow mustard. 
• Substitute honey or maple syrup for the molasses to bring a different sweetness.
• If you prefer a spicier sauce, add more cayenne pepper and/or hot sauce. You could also add some red pepper flakes.
• For a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of brown sugar.
• Some people like to add liquid smoke. (I think it tastes artificial, so I don’t.)

How to make homemade bbq sauce

I love that this easy homemade BBQ sauce doesn’t require any chopping–no onions or garlic! 

1. Measure out all the ingredients and combine them in a saucepan. 
2. Bring the sauce to a boil over medium heat and then simmer on medium-low heat for 20-30 minutes.
3. Allow sauce to cool and then pour into container. 

FAQs for homemade bbq sauce

Serving suggestions

Homemade BBQ sauce is perfect on any meat, from chicken and beef to pork and even hearty fish like salmon. We love to serve it with our pulled pork or shredded chicken. It’s also the perfect sauce for chicken wings. And this recipe makes an excellent basting sauce while you’re grilling meat to help keep the meat moist.