Prep: 5 Common Questions
Is this a spicy BBQ sauce?
No, it’s very mild! While the black pepper in the recipe gives it a slight kick and lots of flavor, it isn’t spicy.
How can I make this sauce spicier?
To make this BBQ sauce spicy, mix in about 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper and/or 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha (or more to taste)!
This has been my go-to Homemade BBQ Sauce recipe for years and it’s so good! I love adding it to everything and it’s so much better than store-bought. It’s perfect for grilling or baking meats, cooking on the stovetop, or adding to sandwiches. And as a busy mom, I love that it can be made in just 20 minutes flat! If you’ve been looking for the best homemade barbecue sauce that’s easy to make, this recipe is truly perfect.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe
After testing this recipe for years, I can honestly say it’s been perfected! While I’ve tried many store-bought sauces in a pinch, nothing compares to this homemade BBQ sauce. And I love how quick and easy it is to make this recipe and store it in the fridge for weeks! Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Easy – You won’t believe how easy it is to make your Homemade BBQ Sauce. One pot, a few steps, and you’re done!
- Quick – Gather your ingredients, throw them in the pot, and cook for 20 minutes. That’s it! Seriously!
- Unique and Tasty – The spices, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and tomato sauce combine making a homemade barbecue sauce that is so savory and so good!
If you loved my BBQ Seasoning Recipe, then you’re going to LOVE this BBQ sauce!
Homemade Barbecue Sauce Recipe Ingredients
Simple and easy-to-find ingredients are all you need to make this delicious sauce! Here’s what you’ll need:
Tomato Sauce (opens in a new tab) – Inexpensive and much easier than cooking down fresh tomatoes, canned tomato sauce, or sometimes called tomato puree, is the base of the homemade barbeque sauce.
Maple Syrup – Sweet, rich, and the perfect flavor balance, maple syrup is SO GOOD in this recipe. Substitute with brown sugar or honey. You can substitute with molasses for a less sweet and deeper flavor if you prefer as well.
Apple Cider Vinegar – Tangy and fruity, apple cider vinegar adds just the right tartness to the BBQ sauce. You can substitute with red wine vinegar or champagne vinegar. (opens in a new tab) For another flavor you can use mustard instead!
Smoked Paprika (opens in a new tab) – Smokey, slightly sweet, and full of flavor, you will love how this seasoning makes the sauce delicious. Add a dash of cayenne pepper for a little spice!
Dried Minced Onion – I love the texture and flavor of dried minced onion, but you can substitute with 1/2 the amount of onion powder if that’s what you have on hand.
Garlic Powder – Add more garlic for a stronger flavor or use a roasted garlic powder (opens in a new tab) for a deeper garlic taste.
Salt/Pepper – The recipe calls for specific amounts that work well in this BBQ Sauce, but you can adjust the amounts to your tastes.
How to Make Homemade Barbecue Sauce Recipe
Once all of the ingredients are in the saucepan (opens in a new tab), you’re basically done! 20 minutes later, you’ll have a delicious Homemade Barbecue Sauce. Here’s how to make it:
- Add all of the ingredients to a medium saucepan.
- Whisk the ingredients together until they are smooth and well combined.
- Simmer over medium heat, and stir occasionally, for 20 minutes.
- Remove from heat and use immediately or allow it to cool and transfer to an airtight container.
How to Serve Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe
There are endless possibilities and ways to use this amazing homemade barbeque sauce! Here are some ideas:
Grilled Meat – Baste chicken breasts, pork chops, or even ribs with the sauce throughout the grilling process to give it a sticky, sweet coating that’s over-the-top good!
Barbecue Ranch Pasta Salad – This pasta salad is SO GOOD! Replace the sauce in the recipe with this homemade BBQ sauce.
Stuffed Baked Potatoes – Mix some of the sauce with shredded rotisserie chicken and top a baked potato with it. Add a little shredded cheese and chopped green onions for a quick, tasty lunch or dinner!
BBQ Meatballs – Use the meatball recipe from these The BEST Easy Vegan Meatballs or Paleo Turkey Meatballs Meal Prep Bowls and either use it as a dipping sauce or coat them in the sauce!
Barbeque Pizza – Use this easy Vegan Pizza Dough (No Yeast) recipe, top with the sauce as your pizza sauce, then add red onion, shredded chicken, and mozzarella for a restaurant worthy meal at home!
Jackfruit Pulled Pork Tacos – Replace the sauce in this recipe with the homemade barbeque sauce. So easy!
Deviled Eggs – Add a Tablespoon or 2 to the yolk mixture for a summer BBQ spin on traditional deviled eggs. Perfect for your next warm-weather gathering!
BBQ Chicken Rice Bowls – These power bowls are AMAZING and the flavors are made even better with this homemade sauce! Healthy, quick, and packed with flavor, you have to try them!
Storing Best Homemade BBQ sauce
Homemade BBQ Sauce needs to be stored in an airtight container. I suggest a jar like this (opens in a new tab). Label the sauce with the date you made it, store it in the refrigerator, and use within 2 weeks.
Freeze the sauce in an airtight container for up to 6 months! Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature, and stir well before using.
More BBQ Recipes
- Mediterranean Salad Bowls w/ Lebanese BBQ Meatballs
- Maple Barbecue Salmon Recipe
- Barbecue Ranch Pasta Salad
- BBQ Chicken Rice Bowls
Perfect Summer Recipes You’ll Love
- Spicy Radish Summer Quinoa Salad
- 15 Healthy Grilling Recipes
- Cherry Plum & Goat Cheese Summer Salad
- Creamy Vegan Pasta Salad
- 15 Easy Pasta Recipes To Make This Summer
Best Homemade BBQ Sauce FAQs
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Homemade Barbecue Sauce Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 15-ounce cans tomato sauce
- 3/4 cup maple syrup
- 6 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 3 Tablespoons smoked paprika (opens in a new tab)
- 3 Tablespoons dried minced onion
- 3 Tablespoons garlic powder
- 3 teaspoons salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Combine all of the ingredients in a medium saucepan.
- Whisk gently until everything is mixed well. Turn heat to medium.
- Simmer, stirring occasionally for 20 minutes.
- When the sauce has reduced and has cooked for 20 minutes, remove from the heat and allow it to cool before pouring it into a jar for storing.
- Serve and Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Did you make this? I’d love to see!
Tag me on socials at @JarOfLemons (opens in a new tab) or #JarOfLemons (opens in a new tab)
This BBQ sauce is really very good. I also love how easy it was to make. I’ve so far used it on ribs and chicken. Delicious with both!
I’ve been looking for a barbecue sauce recipe that isn’t ketchup based, so this one is much appreciated! The flavors were perfect for our barbecued chicken last night.
We love using this bbq sauce for all the things! I keep it waiting in the fridge for almost daily use!