Homemade Barbecue Sauce (from Scratch)

Sharing is caring!

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve ever wished your favorite store-bought bbq sauce tasted just a little less artificial (or a little more tangy, smoky, or sweet), this homemade barbecue sauce is for you. It’s made completely from scratch using simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry—and it’s so much better than the store-bought stuff.

This sauce has that perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and smoky with just the right amount of kick. Whether you’re brushing it on bbq ribs, drizzling it over grilled chicken, or using it as a dipping sauce for chicken fingers, it’s one of those recipes you’ll find yourself making again and again.

**This post contains affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn a small commission by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated websites.

What Makes This Sauce So Good

The base of this homemade bbq sauce recipe starts with ketchup, which gives it that classic tomato base you’d expect. From there, apple cider vinegar adds a bright tang, and a touch of molasses and dark brown sugar bring out that deeper, richer molasses flavor.

The worcestershire sauce adds a savory depth that ties everything together, while a bit of cayenne and sweet paprika give it just enough spice. You can even stir in a hint of liquid smoke or a dash of soy sauce if you want to play up that smoky flavor.

This sauce has a little something for everyone—fans of Kansas City BBQ will love the sweet and smoky notes, while those who prefer the vinegary sauce styles of the eastern Carolinas will appreciate the tang.

Ingredients for Homemade Barbecue Sauce

• 1 ½ cups ketchup
• ½ cup apple cider vinegar
• ¼ cup brown sugar (or dark brown sugar for a deeper flavor)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 tablespoons worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika (sweet paprika works great here)
• ½ teaspoon cayenne (or a bit of cayenne pepper for more heat)
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• 2 teaspoons molasses
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)

How to Make Homemade Barbecue Sauce

Combine the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, honey, worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, cumin, molasses, and hot sauce (if using). Whisk until everything is fully blended and smooth. The sauce should look glossy and pourable.

Simmer (Optional, but Recommended)

For a thicker sauce with a deeper, more complex flavor, pour the mixture into a medium saucepan and place it over medium heat. Let it come to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally so it doesn’t stick to the bottom.

Once it starts bubbling slightly, reduce to medium-low heat and cook for about 10 to 15 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes. The sauce will thicken and darken slightly as the sugar caramelizes and the spices bloom.

If you like a more pronounced smoky flavor, add a small hint of liquid smoke or a splash of soy sauce during this step.

Adjust to Taste

Once the sauce has simmered and thickened, give it a taste. If you want it sweeter, stir in a little extra honey or brown sugar. For more tang, add a splash more apple cider vinegar or a touch of yellow mustard. You can also sprinkle in a little black pepper or chili powder for extra spice.

Cool and Store

Remove the pan from the heat and let the sauce cool to room temperature. Pour it into a mason jar or any airtight container, leaving as little excess air as possible before sealing. Store it in the refrigerator for up to a couple of weeks. The flavors continue to meld as it sits, so it’s often even better the next day.

Tips and Variations

Make it Thicker

Add a spoonful of tomato paste while simmering.

Make it Thinner

Add a splash of water or tomato sauce until it reaches your desired consistency.

Want it Tangier?

Mix in a little yellow mustard or an extra squeeze of lemon juice.

Love Smoky Sauces?

Stir in a few drops of liquid smoke for that backyard-grill flavor.

Like Heat?

A few dashes of hot sauce or a pinch of chili powder give it a nice kick.

**There are endless regional variations of barbecue sauce, and this recipe is a great base to experiment with. Whether you prefer a sweeter style, a vinegary sauce, or a bold spicy bbq sauce, you can easily make it your own.

How to Use Homemade Barbecue Sauce

This sauce is great brushed on bbq chicken, ribs, or even grilled veggies. It also makes an incredible dipping sauce for fries or chicken wings. Try drizzling a little over burgers or mixing it into shredded chicken sandwiches for an easy weeknight meal.

It’s a quick, foolproof recipe that delivers every time—simple ingredients, bold flavor, and a touch of sweetness that’ll make you rethink ever buying barbecue sauce again.

Final Thoughts

Making your own barbecue sauce from scratch is one of those simple kitchen wins that instantly upgrades your cooking. With just a few pantry staples and a little simmer time, you’ll have a sauce that’s sweet, tangy, smoky, and better than anything you can buy in a bottle.

It’s versatile, family-approved, and the perfect finishing touch for everything from weeknight dinners to backyard cookouts. Once you’ve tasted this homemade version, you’ll never look at store-bought bbq sauce the same way again.

Sharing is caring!