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Homemade BBQ Sauce

5 from 4 votes
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By: the Evinks7 Comments
Posted: 07/09/19

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Homemade BBQ Sauce collage. Top image of sauce in a white bowl, bottom image of sauce on a brush
homemade bbq sauce in a white bowl with a brush
BBQ Sauce collage. Top image of sauce in a white bowl, bottom image of sauce on a basting brush
BBQ Sauce in a white bowl with a brush
BBQ Sauce in a white bowl with a brush
BBQ sauce collage. Top image of bbq sauce in a white bowl, bottom image of sauce on a brush

Homemade BBQ Sauce is ready in 15 minutes and it’s the best! A slightly tangy and perfectly sweet combination make this the best BBQ Sauce recipe ever. There are so many different variations of BBQ Sauce recipes that include different regional recipes. This BBQ Sauce is a quick and easy basic recipe that everyone will enjoy.

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We have shared with you our Sassy and Sweet BBQ Sauce and our Root Beer BBQ Sauce, but today it’s time for a basic version of these that everyone needs to have in their recipe box for grilling! We love to use it on our delicious BBQ Chicken Kabobs, and Pulled Chicken Sandwiches.

PIN IT HERE FOR LATER!

Easy BBQ Sauce recipe in bowl

The BEST Homemade BBQ Sauce!

You’re going to love the taste and flavor of this delicious BBQ sauce! It’s one of those tastes that can be paired up with a wide variety of meats and dishes! Plus, it’s really simple and easy to create. 

I love doubling this and making a big batch so I have it on hand whenever I need to dunk something BBQ sauce, which happens at almost every meal for me!

This is a great base recipe and you can add different flavors to it to mix it up.

BBQ Sauce in white bowl

Homemade BBQ Sauce Ingredients

This is a quick overview of the recipe’s ingredients and instructions. Please scroll to the bottom of the post for full recipe with detailed instructions!

  • Ketchup
  • Brown sugar
  • Red wine vinegar
  • Water
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Dry Mustard
  • Smoked Paprika
  • Garlic Powder
  • Kosher Salt
  • Black Pepper
  • Yellow Onion
 

How to Make BBQ Sauce

Saute – Saute the onion in a little olive oil

Mix Ingredients – Add the rest of the ingredients together

Simmer – Bring the mixture to a boil and reduce heat and simmer for 8-10 minutes

Chicken Kabobs being brushed with BBQ Sauce

BBQ Sauce FAQs!

Here are some quick tips and tricks along with frequently asked questions about homemade bbq sauce. If you have additional questions please comment below and we will do our best to answer them!

How should I store homemade BBQ sauce?

Once this BBQ sauce is cooked, you can store in an air tight container in your refrigerator for up to one week or add it to a freezer-safe container in your freezer for up to 3 months. 

How long does homemade BBQ sauce last?

If storing it in your fridge, it’s going to last for up to one week. Although, it may not last through the meal with how delicious it is! 

How can I thicken my BBQ sauce?

If you’re wanting to make your BBQ sauce a little bit thicker, add in a tiny bit of flour or cornstarch and stir thoroughly. Mix equal amounts of water with the cornstarch or flour, whisk until smooth and then mix into your BBQ sauce.

How do I thin out BBQ sauce?

Add in a little olive oil if you’re wanting to think it down. Just do it in small doses as you don’t want to make it too greasy while doing this. 

Homemade BBQ Sauce Variations – Think Spicy, Smoky, Maple, Coca Cola!

If you’re wanting to change the overall flavor of this BBQ sauce, you can!

Make it hot by adding in some chili pepper flakes or hot sauce. Or you can add in a few drops of liquid smoke to give it that smoky flavor as well. I’ve even heard of people adding in Coca-Cola or other variations of soda to give it a sweetness and distinct flavor. 

Once you’ve created this base, you can truly alter it however you want to. 

Easy Smoked Ribs being brushed with BBQ sauce

More BBQ Sauce Recipes

  • Sassy and Sweet BBQ Sauce
  • Root Beer BBQ Sauce
  • Bourbon Peach BBQ Sauce
  • Apple Jalapeno BBQ Sauce
  • Tangy Carolina BBQ Sauce

What to use homemade BBQ Sauce on?

  • BBQ Chicken Kabobs
  • Pulled Chicken Sandwiches
  • Smoked Ribs
  • Oven Baked Chicken Tenders
  • Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Be sure and take a moment below to comment and tell me what you’re going to put this homemade bbq sauce on! And if you make this, leave me that five-star rating below – tag me with #julieseatsandtreats too!

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Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @gimmesomegrilling or #gimmesomegrilling so I can see your grilling masterpieces!

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Homemade BBQ Sauce on brush
5 from 4 votes

Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe

Quick and easy homemade bbq sauce recipe that is sweet and tangy!
Prep:5 mins
Cook:10 mins
Total:15 mins
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Ingredients

  • 1 c. brown sugar packed
  • 1 1/2 c ketchup
  • 1/4 c. red wine vinegar
  • 1/2 c. water
  • 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 Tbsp dry mustard
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 c. yellow onion finely minced, optional
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Instructions

  • In a saucepan combine all of the ingredients and heat over medium low heat. Stir to combine.
  • Bring the ingredients to a simmer, reduce reat and simmer on low for 8-10 minutes or until thickened.
  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week or freeze for up to three months.

Tips

If you decide to use the finely minced onion saute in 1 Tbsp olive oil until softened and cooked. Add in rest of ingredients and follow recipe.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 178kcal (9%), Carbohydrates: 42g (14%), Protein: 1g (2%), Fat: 1g (2%), Saturated Fat: 1g (6%), Sodium: 1021mg (44%), Potassium: 227mg (6%), Fiber: 1g (4%), Sugar: 39g (43%), Vitamin A: 475IU (10%), Vitamin C: 2.2mg (3%), Calcium: 40mg (4%), Iron: 0.8mg (4%)
© Gimme Some Grilling ®

We are not dietitians and recommend you seek a nutritionist for exact nutritional information. The information in the nutrition box is calculated through a program and there is room for error. If you need an accurate count, I recommend running the ingredients through your favorite nutrition calculator.

Did you make this?

Be sure to upload a photo & tag me at @gimmesomegrilling. I love seeing what you made!

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Meet the Evinks

Hi! We are Jason & Julie! We focus on easy, simple recipes that everyone can tackle on their smoker and grills that the entire family will enjoy!

Read more...

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Reader Interactions

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Recipe Rating




  1. Malinda Linnebur says

    Posted on 9/17/19 at 5:31 pm

    5 stars
    We loved the sweet and tangy flavor of this BBQ Sauce! It went perfectly with our grilled chicken!

    Reply
    • Megan Mitzel says

      Posted on 9/18/19 at 3:55 am

      Awesome! So happy you liked it!

      Reply
  2. Shadi Hasanzadenemati says

    Posted on 7/19/19 at 4:03 pm

    5 stars
    Nothing beats homemade bbq sauce! This one looks so tasty and easy!

    Reply
    • Julie Evink says

      Posted on 7/22/19 at 2:00 pm

      We agree!

      Reply
  3. Beth says

    Posted on 7/19/19 at 3:16 pm

    5 stars
    I love how quick and tasty this recipe is! I’ve just discovered smoked paprika and love it in everything!!

    Reply
    • Julie Evink says

      Posted on 7/22/19 at 2:00 pm

      I do too!

      Reply
  4. Danielle Green says

    Posted on 7/13/19 at 12:18 pm

    5 stars
    All the variations to plain ol’ BBQ sauce are awesome!

    Reply

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Hi! We are Jason & Julie! We focus on easy, simple recipes that everyone can tackle on their smoker and grills that the entire family will enjoy!

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