Description
This homemade BBQ sauce is rich, tangy, and incredibly easy to make!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup ketchup (or see notes for homemade bbq sauce recipe no ketchup version)
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (or honey for a homemade honey bbq sauce recipe)
- 2 tbsp molasses (homemade bbq sauce recipe with molasses)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for a spicy kick)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine all ingredients. (Start with ketchup if using, or tomato paste for no-ketchup version.)
- Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth.
- Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low.
- Cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened slightly. (Don’t overcook, or it may become too thick.)
- Taste and adjust seasoning—add more cayenne for spice or honey for sweetness.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use maple syrup or agave instead of brown sugar for a healthier twist.
- For a gluten-free homemade bbq sauce recipe, ensure Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Sauces
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg