Barbecue Sauce Best Homemade Bbq Sauce Wellplated Com

Head to the grocery store or scan recipes for homemade barbecue sauce online; you’ll see ketchup, high-fructose corn syrup, and refined sugars everywhere you look. Determined that none of these ingredients are necessary to make an award-winning bbq sauce recipe (fit for this Instant Pot Pulled Pork), I set out to make the BEST homemade barbecue sauce (that’s also healthy). SPOILER ALERT: I did it. Thick and rich with smoky-sweet undertones from molasses, this versatile, finger-licking-good BBQ sauce recipe is perfect for chicken, Crockpot Ribs, a Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwich, Air Fryer Chicken Wings, and brisket.

How to Make Homemade Barbecue Sauce

Not only is making your own homemade barbecue sauce from scratch infinitely more delicious than anything you’ll find at the store, but it is also EASY. I’ve had the pleasure of munching barbecue from many different regions of the United States. While I respect and enjoy the different flavors and characteristics of each, I’m a Kansas girl who grew up on Kansas City barbecue. Therefore, it should be no surprise that a Kansas City style bbq sauce recipe is my forever favorite. This homemade bbq sauce recipe is my interpretation of some of the BEST sauces from the region. While this may not be one of those 3 ingredient BBQ sauce recipes (most of those include ketchup, FYI), it is still super simple and a dead ringer for the best barbecue sauces I’ve tried at legit BBQ joints. Try it the next time you fire up the grill to make a Grilled Chicken Breast—you won’t be disappointed.

The Ingredients

Tomato Sauce + Paste. For the tomato flavor, I used tomato paste and tomato sauce instead of ketchup. Apple Cider Vinegar. The vinegar adds much-needed acidity to our sweet and tangy barbecue sauce recipe. Maple Syrup + Molasses. To sweeten things up, I used a little maple syrup and molasses. I love the way the maple plays against the strong flavors in the spices (like in my Easy Baked Beans), and both of these ingredients make the sauce rich and thick too.

Worcestershire Sauce. Another key component in my quest to find the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy. Worcestershire sauce is intensely savory and instantly adds a long-simmered flavor to the sauce.Seasonings. Smoked paprika, dry mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper results in a classic, balanced combination of flavors.

The Directions

Storage Tips

To Store. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 7 days. Since it is not loaded with preservatives, homemade barbecue sauce will go bad faster than store-bought barbecue sauce.To Freeze. Yes, you can freeze barbecue sauce! Place the sauce in an airtight freezer-safe storage container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.

Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe

Mason Jar. Both the smaller size and larger size are ideal for storing BBQ sauce. And this option is great for big batches.Saucepan. Ideal for preparing this homemade sauce.Measuring Spoons. These are double-sided, so there is fewer dishes wash.

Time to clear out the aging condiment stash in your fridge because you’re going to want to make room for this easy and healthy barbecue sauce.

Ribs. You can use this homemade BBQ sauce for these Crockpot Ribs and Instant Pot Ribs. Salad. I love using this sauce to make my favorite BBQ Chicken Salad.Chicken. This is a delicious BBQ sauce recipe for chicken recipes like these Maple Bourbon Crock Pot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches. Or this Crock Pot BBQ Chicken (just add the sauce, plus chicken breasts or thighs to your slow cooker, and dinner cooks itself!). It would also be a yummy base for BBQ chicken pizza.Meatballs. Brush it over these Baked Turkey Meatballs for a different flavor spin.Salmon. Try brushing it over a side of salmon and then cooking the salmon according to the directions for this Baked Salmon in Foil.Burgers. Use this tangy sauce to make a cowboy-style burger slathered in homemade bbq sauce, melty cheddar cheese, and fried onions.