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Homemade Barbecue Sauce is one of those easy things that you can do to jazz up a regular barbecue dinner. Not only is it simple to make but this Easy Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe is very cost effective as well.

Mason jar of BBQ Sauce with a grilled chicken in the background
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If you love making homemade sauces as much as I do, then you will love this BBQ Sauce. It taste so much better than store bought and cooking time is simple.

This BBQ is great to top your favorite Grilled Turkey Burger Recipe or make Boneless Chicken Wings with.

Table of Contents

Why We Love This Recipe

Making homemade sauce allows you to adjust the spices to what you prefer. It is budget friendly and it is great to baste chicken with but my kids also love it for dipping.  They love Easy BBQ Baked Breaded Chicken Recipe and this is their favorite dipping sauce.

I use these small ramekins to put the sauce in when they are using it for dipping. If you are looking for a healthier option for BBQ Sauce make this recipe.

Ingredients

BBQ sauce Ingredients - ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, worcestershire, mustard, garlic, onion powder, paprika, cumin, water

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe in the recipe card.

Variations Ideas

  • Seasoning – Garlic powder can also be substituted for the crushed garlic in this homemade bbq sauce recipe. 
  • Sauce Additions – Soy Sauce is also another ingredient that goes well in homemade barbecue sauce.
  • Spicy Flavor – Red pepper flakes, chili powder, cayenne pepper or hot sauce can be added for extra heat.  This is a good recipe no matter what you add!

How to Make Homemade Barbecue Sauce

  • Step 1 – Add all the ingredients to a medium size sauce pan.  Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. 
Putting the BBQ Sauce ingredients in a large sauce pan
  • Step 2 – Low heat and simmer uncovered for 20-30 minutes until the sauce thickens. 
BBQ Sauce in a large sauce pan
  • Step 3 – Let the mixture cool at room temperature and then refrigerate until ready to use. Enjoy! 

Recipe Tips

  • Rest BBQ Sauce – For the best flavor and taste, we recommend making ahead and allow the sauce to marinate with the other ingredients. This helps it to taste less vinegary.
  • Cooking Sauce – All the sauce to simmer over low heat to allow it to thicken. This process usually takes about 20 minutes. Cooking time will vary.
  • Flavors – Before storing the BBQ Sauce, we recommend giving it a quick taste to make sure you do not need to add more spices.
BBQ Sauce in a mason jar

Serving Suggestions

This BBQ Sauce is great to make these delicious recipes.

Basting grilled chicken with BBQ Sauce on a platter

Frequently Asked Questions

What is BBQ Sauce?

BBQ Sauce is a must have condiment in my home. We use it for marinating, dipping and basting our favorite meat recipes. This tomato base sauce has a hint of sweetness with tangy flavors.

What is the Best Ketchup to Use?

You can use just regular store bought ketchup to make this BBQ Sauce. We have even used off brand ketchup and it tasted delicious. With the added seasoning, you won’t be able to tell what type of ketchup you used.

Can I Double the Recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe. We use a lot of BBQ Sauce and it is part of my meal prep for the week.

What are the Common Ingredients in BBQ Sauce?

The top three ingredients that you need to make BBQ Sauce with is Ketchup, vinegar and sugar. Then you will season it how you prefer.

Storing Instructions

  • Storing – We store our BBQ sauce in a pint size mason jar and keep it in the fridge. I like this set because it comes with different sizes and labels. This is perfect if you plan to make different types- sweet, vinegar etc. It is also great for gifts. I also like to put some in a squeeze bottle for the kids. It makes it very convenient and mess free.
  • Freezing – BBQ Sauce can even be made ahead of time and placed in a freezer safe bag or container to freeze. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months.
  • Thawing – When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. If in a hurry, place the freezer bag or container in warm water to thaw.

More Homemade Sauce Recipes

If you make this Homemade Barbecue Sauce, make sure to come back and tell us how your family liked it. We love to hear from you.

Review Pin Print

Homemade Barbecue Sauce

4.92 from 23 votes
This easy Homemade BBQ Sauce recipe only takes minutes to make. You already have all the ingredients on hand for Homemade bbq sauce. It is so easy.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 10
Cuisine American
Course Sauces
Calories 74
Author Carrie Barnard

Ingredients

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Instructions

  • Add all the ingredients to a medium size sauce pan.  Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. 
  • Low heat and simmer uncovered for 20-30 minutes until the sauce thickens. 
  • Let the mixture cool at room temperature and then refrigerate until ready to use. Enjoy! 

Recipe Notes

The leftovers will keep an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.  

Nutrition Facts

Calories 74kcal, Carbohydrates 19g, Protein 1g, Fat 0.2g, Saturated Fat 0.02g, Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g, Monounsaturated Fat 0.1g, Sodium 407mg, Potassium 162mg, Fiber 0.4g, Sugar 15g, Vitamin A 291IU, Vitamin C 2mg, Calcium 23mg, Iron 1mg

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Eating on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you cook delicious meals without busting your budget. Together we are going to cook real food… for real families!

About Carrie Page
4.92 from 23 votes (20 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. Carrie Barnard says:

    I haven’t tested it yet but I think this homemade barbecue could be canned. I hope you enjoy this recipe!

  2. Leah king says:

    Hi ..can you can this barbecue sauce ..it is delicious but just wondering if you could can it

  3. Carrie Barnard says:

    This recipe makes approximately 1 1/2 cups of barbecue sauce.

  4. Jess says:

    Hi
    How many cups of sauce does this make?

  5. Dianne says:

    5 stars
    I was going to make barbecue chicken on the grill and saw I was out of bbq sauce and made this recipe. I’ll never buy store bought again. It was perfect!

  6. Carrie says:

    I have kept it in the refrigerator for up to 3 months and it still tasted great.

  7. Joan L. says:

    The recipe sounds great. How long will it keep stored in the refrigerator? Thank you.

  8. Linda Thompson says:

    looking forward to making sound delicious

  9. Carrie says:

    Great to hear. Thanks for sharing!

  10. Rustie says:

    5 stars
    I canned it and it will work perfectly. Process for30 mins and I made 10x the recipe and then sweetened some and spiced up the other half. I also made mine all 1/2 pints for my Christmas gift baskets. Thanks for the perfect bbq sauce ‘base’ ! 5*’s

  11. Carrie says:

    I haven’t canned before so I’m not sure. Sorry about that. Thank you.

  12. Carrie says:

    I haven’t tried but I think that would work.

  13. Monique says:

    Can this recipe be hot water bath canned for shelf storage.

  14. wes Jones says:

    5 stars
    Can the BBQ Sauce be canned for storage?

  15. Carrie says:

    I’m so glad you liked it.

  16. Regina says:

    This recipe was perfect, thanks for posting. Pinning! 🙂