Homemade BBQ Sauce (Perfect for Grilling)
Learn how to make homemade BBQ sauce with simple pantry staples. This easy, flavorful sauce is perfect for grilling, dipping, and adding smoky-sweet goodness to all your favorite dishes.
Print Recipe
Equipment
- Small Saucepan
- Airtight Storage Container jar or bottle
Ingredients
- 1 cup Ketchup or tomato sauce
- ¼ cup Brown Sugar lightly packed or honey
- ¼ cup Apple Cider Vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Yellow Mustard or Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves Garlic finely minced
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- ½ teaspoon Onion Powder
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
- Optional: ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce for heat
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, whisk together all ingredients until fully combined.
- Place the pan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Let the sauce simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring now and then, until it thickens slightly and the flavors deepen.
- Taste your sauce and tweak it as needed—more sugar for sweetness, more vinegar for tang, more cayenne for heat.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool. Transfer to a jar or airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- Double the batch and freeze extras for later—you’ll be glad you did when grilling season is in full swing.
- Simmer low and slow to avoid burning and create a deeper flavor.
- Customize it! This is your BBQ sauce. Add honey, chipotle powder, or even a splash of bourbon to make it your own.
Nutrition
Calories: 64kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 0.5g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.02g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 569mg | Potassium: 146mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 295IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 0.5mg
Servings: 1.5 cups
Calories: 64kcal
Cost: $2.85