How To Make Barbecue Sauce At Home

I love a good barbecue sauce, and had I known for all these years that making your own was THIS easy, I would've saved a lot of money on all of the bottled sauces that I had to throw away because I didn't like them. For the most part, there are way more terrible store-bought BBQ sauces than there are good ones.

This method is nothing ground-breaking, just simple, common ingredients that you can combine and customize in your own way to make a BBQ sauce that's perfect for you and your family.

The method begins with a slow bubble that allows the brown sugar to deepen and the spices to mellow. A little soy sauce and/or Worcestershire sauce add some savory notes, while mustard and pepper add subtle heat. Because everything cooks together, there is no fussy sauté step, just an occasional stir while you mind the grill.

White Alabama-style barbecue sauce has its place, too. Mayo, cider vinegar, and horseradish whip up in minutes, perfect for smoked chicken or turkey. Thin it with buttermilk for a quick marinade, or add smoked paprika for color and a touch of smoke.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Quick Pantry Project - One pot and about 40 minutes with minimal prep make this easy enough for any day of the week.
• Flexible Flavor - Stir in any mix-in and taste as you go. Don't have something on the list? Switch it out for something else. We have a lot of options below!
• Easy To Scale - Double the batch and keep any leftovers in a mason jar in the fridge.
• Budget-Friendly - Basic staples beat specialty bottles in this sauce recipe!
• Make-Ahead - The flavor deepens after a night in the fridge, and this sauce lasts for at least a week.

Recipe Shopping List

Wondering if you have to hit the store? Here's the list of items you'll need to make this recipe. For specific amounts, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.

• Ketchup (or tomato base): For body, sweetness, and texture.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Bright acidity to balance the sweetness.
• Brown Sugar: Gentle caramel notes are perfect in this sauce!
• Soy sauce: Adds umami.
• Worcestershire: More layered umami that complements the other flavors.
• Yellow Mustard and Dry Mustard: Adds a mild kick to the sauce.
• Minced Onion and Garlic: You can use powdered version of these if you prefer a smooth sauce, or blend the sauce after cooking and after the onion and garlic is fully softened.
• Black Pepper and Red-Pepper Flake: More great flavor and kick! Let's you control the heat level, too. You can even skip the red pepper flakes entirely if you prefer!

Mix-In Shortcuts

Add ½ to 1 cup of any prepared sauce below, then simmer for five minutes:

• Vinegar BBQ Sauce - Perfect for pulled pork!
• Honey BBQ Sauce - Silky sweetness for wings, ribs, or whatever else you want to throw at it!
• Guinness BBQ Sauce - Malty depth for chops and pork loins.
• Whiskey Coke BBQ Sauce - Cola-caramel with oak. A little whisky goes a long way!
• Cherry Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce - Fruity and slightly spicy for ribs, pulled pork, baked beans, or whatever else you want to throw it on!

Ketchup-Free Swaps

Don't want to use ketchup? Here are some great alternatives you can try.

• Tomato Passata (simmered ten minutes)
• Tomato Paste (plus water at a 1:2 ratio)
• Tomato Sauce
• Roasted Red-Pepper Purée

Add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar with the tomato options to replace the ketchup's sweetness.

How To Make This Recipe

This is just the overview so you can see what you're actually getting into here. When you are cooking, you'll want to use the full recipe at the bottom of the page.

1. Combine the base ingredients in a medium saucepan.
2. Bring to a gentle bubble over medium-low heat.
3. Stir in any mix-in ingredients you want to experiment with.
4. Reduce heat; simmer 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until glossy.
5. Taste and adjust salt, sugar, or spice.
6. Cool, jar, and refrigerate up to two weeks (freeze for three months).

Want To Make White BBQ Sauce?

White barbecue sauce is delicious and perfect for anyone who wants a tasty sauce to slather on their grilled and smoked meats but doesn't love tomatoey flavors.

Alabama-Style White BBQ Sauce

Whisk together 1 cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish, 1 tablespoon brown mustard, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Chill one hour before serving. Swap half the mayo for Greek yogurt for a lighter version, stir in smoked paprika for color, or thin with buttermilk to use as a marinade.

Recipe FAQ

Serve This With…

• Pulled Pork Sliders
• Grilled Chicken Leg Quarters
• Grilled Pork Chops with Guinness Barbecue Sauce
• Smoked BBQ Pickled Eggs
• BBQ Smoked Sausage Bites

Homemade sauce puts you in control of sweetness, heat, and tang, keeps your grocery bill lean, and gives every cookout a signature finishing touch.