This simple, tangy homemade barbecue sauce comes together in just minutes with pantry staples you likely already have on hand.
Combining the rich sweetness of brown sugar and molasses with the bright acidity of ketchup and vinegar, this sauce strikes a perfect balance. A splash of Worcestershire adds depth, while a bit of smoked paprika and garlic brings a subtle smoky kick—customizable to your taste.
It’s ideal for slathering on beef ribs, brushing onto grilled chicken, or even dipping fries. This no-fuss recipe delivers bold, finger-licking flavor without the store-bought bottle of questionable ingredients.
I have been making this barbecue sauce for countless years. Any time we have company over for cookouts/barbecues and I make this sauce, I am always asked what brand it is. People are generally shocked when I tell them it is homemade.
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To make this recipe you will need:
- ketchup
- brown sugar
- molasses
- apple cider vinegar (the natural kind, like Bragg’s)
- Worcestershire sauce
- dry mustard
- smoked paprika
- paprika
- sea salt
- ground black pepper
- granulated onion
- granulated garlic
- chili powder
- cayenne or red pepper flakes
- sauce pan
- mason jar with lid
To make this recipe, you’ll simply combine all of the ingredients in a sauce pan.
Simmer on low heat until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Transfer the barbecue sauce to a mason jar and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to come together.
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Best Barbecue Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ c ketchup
- 1 c brown sugar
- ½ c molasses
- ¼ c apple cider vinegar, the natural kind, like Bragg's
- 1 Tb Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, see note
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon granulated onion , or onion powder
- ½ teaspoon granulated garlic , or garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes, to taste
Instructions
- To begin, simply combine all of the ingredients in a saucepan.
- Heat over low heat, and gently simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the sugar is dissolved.
- Transfer the sauce to a pint mason jar with a lid and store in your refrigerator.
- Use as desired.
- Enjoy!
Notes
- For a thinner sauce, you can add a little water.
- If you don’t have or can’t find smoked paprika, you can add a few dashes of liquid smoke.
- This sauce can be used right away, but is best if you make it the day before and let the flavor develop.
Nutrition
If nutritional values are provided for this recipe, they are an estimate and will vary depending on the brands of ingredients you use. The values do not include optional ingredients or when ingredients are added to taste or for serving. If nutritional values are very important to you, I suggest using your favorite nutritional calculating tool with the brands you use.
Unit Conversions:
Unit Conversion for measurements (if displayed), going from US to Metric is an auto-generated conversion. If you are using the metric measurements, please double-check to confirm that these are accurate with your favorite preferred conversion tool.
This was so good. It really is better than what you can you get at the store!
Thank you!