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Home Recipe Index Condiments

Killer Homemade BBQ Sauce

★★★★★ 4.8 /5 Updated: 1/9/22
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This post may contain affiliate or sponsored links. Please read our disclosure policy.

A little tangy, a little sweet, and a little heat. This Homemade BBQ Sauce has it all and only requires a few ingredients.

A few years ago, I remember we put drumsticks on the grill and realized we were out of BBQ sauce. Luckily one of our neighbors had a little left that they graciously let us finish off. BUT, growing up in a pre-packaged food world, I had been shaped to think I needed to go to the store to buy condiments rather than make it on my own.

Since then, we’ve developed and now use this Killer Homemade BBQ Sauce and not have had to mooch off my neighbors since!

This sauce is the bomb. It’s a combination of sweet-smokey-tangy flavors that are brought out even better on the grill. In fact one of our readers told us…

“Seriously guys, you should be trumpeting your BBQ sauce recipe from the rooftops. Since I first used this back in testing your last book, I haven’t purchased a bottle of BBQ sauce because they all SUCK in comparison to your recipe!”

JoAnn S.
Mom, Recipe Testing Team Member, and Thriving Home Reader

What Ingredients Do I Need to Make Homemade BBQ Sauce?

  • Apple cider vinegar – Gives great tang and flavor, but white vinegar will work in a pinch.
  • Ketchup – We suggest buying all-natural or organic to avoid additives and HFCS.
  • Dark brown sugar – Light brown sugar will work, if you don’t have dark.
  • Molasses – This is the ingredient you may not have on hand. I store it in the refrigerator and it keeps a long time.
  • Salt and pepper
  • Onion powder
  • Mustard powder – I’ve subbed a squirt of yellow or dijon mustard before with success.
  • Crushed red pepper – Add more if you like hotter sauce.
  • Garlic powder

How to Make Homemade BBQ Sauce

Simply dump all the ingredients in a mixing bowl (or measuring cup like I did).

Easy homemade BBQ Sauce. With just a few pantry ingredients you can make your own sweet-smokey-tangy bar-b-que sauce in minutes!

Stir stir stir. Probably should have used a mixing bowl and whisk at this point. #hindsight

Next, bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat. Then let it simmer on the stove for about 20 minutes over medium-low heat until it thickens.

Ah, done. Let it cool and then ladle it into a mason jar. Refrigerate or freeze it (see how to below), and you are good to go! No more bugging your neighbors. Oh wait, am I the only one who does that?

Can You Freeze BBQ Sauce?

Yes! Just let the sauce cool completely. Then, pour it into a small freezer bag, mason jar, or freezer container with lid. Seal and freeze. (If using a mason jar, be sure to leave at least 1 inch of headspace at the top.)

Recipes That Use Homemade BBQ Sauce

You’ll love using your amazing homemade bbq sauce in some of these recipes from our site.

BBQ Shredded Beef Sandwiches

With just a few ingredients, you’ll have fall apart, tender beef ready to go for sandwiches. Make these in the Instant Pot or the Slow Cooker.

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Is fall apart tender pork more your speed? Give these amazing pulled pork sandwiches a try in the Slow Cooker.

BBQ Chicken Sliders

With 3 simple steps, you’ll have finger-licking good BBQ Chicken Sliders.

Did you make this? Snap a photo and tag us on Instagram at @thrivinghome so we can see your creations and cheer you on!

★★★★★ 4.8 from 4 reviews

Killer Homemade BBQ Sauce

Homemade BBQ Sauce is the best way to zest up your meal. YUM! Includes freezing instructions.

Yield: 1.5 cups 1x
Prep: 5 minutesCook: 20 minutesTotal: 25 minutes
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Scale:

Ingredients

  • ½ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup all-natural ketchup
  • 3 tablespoons packed dark brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons molasses
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon dried mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.

Instructions

Make It Now:

  1. In a small mixing bowl, place all ingredients together. Stir with a whisk until well combined.
  2. In a medium sauce pan, bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes until it thickens.

Freeze For Later: Let the sauce cool completely. Then, pour it into a small freezer bag, mason jar, or freezer container with lid. Seal and freeze. (If using a mason jar, be sure to leave at least 1 inch of headspace at the top.)

Prepare From Frozen: Thaw using one of these safe methods and use according to your recipe.

© Author: Thriving Home
Cuisine: American Method: Stove Top

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Polly Conner

Polly Conner

As co-founder of Thriving Home, Polly’s passionate about helping busy parents get dinner on the table. With a house full of kids, dogs, and (usually) a DIY project in the works, she knows firsthand how every minute (and every dollar) counts. As a business owner, she enjoys wearing multiple hats and serves best as a project manager for Thriving Home.

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  1. AvatarCrystal Rose says

    Posted on 12/24/22 at 1:30 am

    This BBQ sauce is UH-MAZE-EEENG!!! SOOOO GOOD!!! I’m making a big batch to jar up for Christmas presents tomorrow. My family is gonna love this so much! THANK YOU for this incredible recipe!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Carla from Thriving HomeCarla from Thriving Home says

      Posted on 12/24/22 at 12:40 pm

      Thank you Crystal! You know it’s good if you’re willing to make it as gifts!

      Reply
      • AvatarCrystal R says

        Posted on 12/25/22 at 12:47 am

        I live with and take care of my elderly aunt and uncle. We had our family Christmas gathering here earlier tonight. To say my uncle loved this sauce is a huge understatement. I made the Slow Cooker BBQ Beef for Sandwiches recipe using this sauce and he went absolutely nuts over it. He said it was the absolute BEST BBQ he has EVER eaten in his 81 years of life from ANYWHERE. We are in Texas where you can get the best BBQ on the planet so for him to say that is a huge testament to how GOOD this stuff is!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS SAUCE!!! I’m so HAPPY to have found this recipe and will NEVER buy a bottle of BBQ sauce at the store again <3 Best Christmas gift EVER!! Thanks, Carla!! Merry Christmas!

        ★★★★★

        Reply
        • Carla from Thriving HomeCarla from Thriving Home says

          Posted on 12/26/22 at 11:55 am

          Oh my goodness Crystal, that is high praise indeed! Thank you for sharing. I hope you had a very Merry Christmas!

          Reply
  2. AvatarIP says

    Posted on 7/16/22 at 8:35 am

    Had to cut the sweeteners (brown sugar and molasses) had to keep sugars around 5 and also minimize salt. It works

    ★★★★

    Reply
    • Rachel TiemeyerRachel Tiemeyer says

      Posted on 7/17/22 at 2:35 pm

      Yep, always feel free to tweak for your dietary needs or preferences.

      Reply
  3. AvatarTrish says

    Posted on 5/1/22 at 7:09 am

    This looks great! How long does it last in the refridgerator?

    Reply
    • Rachel TiemeyerRachel Tiemeyer says

      Posted on 5/1/22 at 9:27 am

      I’d say easily 3-4 weeks, probably longer.

      Reply
  4. AvatarLuAnn Szabo says

    Posted on 2/26/21 at 10:25 pm

    This is our favorite go to recipe for homemade BBQ sauce! It’s simple, easy and tastes delicious!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Rachel TiemeyerRachel Tiemeyer says

      Posted on 2/27/21 at 9:16 am

      Awesome! Thanks for taking the time to leave a review, LuAnn.

      Reply
  5. AvatarVanessa says

    Posted on 1/31/19 at 4:56 pm

    Sounds so good! Can’t wait to make it! Question: About how long will it keep in the refrigerator?
    Thanks!

    Reply

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