Looking for a smokin’ good barbecue sauce recipe? Once you try this quick and easy Homemade BBQ Sauce, you’ll never go back to store bought bottles again! The kick-in-the-pants flavor will knock your socks right off!
I know you’ll also love rubbing this irresistible Smoked BBQ Rub on your favorite cut of meat, too!
Homemade BBQ Sauce
Making your own sweet and sticky barbecue sauce is a snap when you use this Easy Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe!
Lynn writes: “YUMMY! I made this today & my husband went on & on about it. I’m already looking forward to more!!”
This easy homemade barbecue sauce serves up tantalizing tangy bbq flavor the best way possible… almost effortlessly!
Trust me… this Thick ‘n Sweet sauce is just BEGGING to be slathered on your Country Style Pork Ribs, Chicken, Ribs, and Burgers this week!
You can serve this masterpiece warm right off the stove, or store it in a mason jar in the fridge for later!
YUM!
I’ll even show you an easy way to make a spicy version or a sweeter version to change up the flavors. Trust me, you won’t believe how easy it is to customize this versatile, crowd pleasing dinner condiment!
Homemade Sauce Recipes are such a simple way to take your dinner to the next level… and they’re easier to make than you think!
Seriously, you won’t even be tempted by buy store bought sauce once you know how simple it is to make this fabulous bbq sauce at home instead!
This Sweet Hickory BBQ Sauce requires only 8 pantry ingredients and 15 minutes to prepare.
So easy!
I mean… who knew making your very own Homemade BBQ Sauce could be so simple?
Here’s what you’ll need to make this intensely satisfying, savory Hickory BBQ Sauce Recipe…
Related: 31 Easy Make At Home Sauce Recipes
What Does Homemade BBQ Sauce Taste Like?
In one word… AMAZING!!! This Hickory Homemade Barbecue Sauce has a deliciously complex flavor.
With a strong smoky flavor paired with hints of onion, garlic, chili powder, and tomato tanginess… what’s not to love?!?
Is This BBQ Sauce Sweet?
Yep… thanks to the brown sugar, this savory sauce has just the perfect amount of sweetness to it, too!
Homemade Barbecue Sauce Ingredients
Making your own hickory barbecue sauce is such a cinch!
You’ll just need the following ingredients to make an INCREDIBLE savory sauce…
- Light Brown Sugar
- Heinz Ketchup
- Water
- White Vinegar
- Heinz 57 Sauce
- Chili Powder
- Garlic Salt
- Liquid Smoke
- Onion Powder
That’s it. You’ll just need 8 simple ingredients to make your own fabulous homemade barbecue sauce!
How To Make Homemade BBQ Sauce
You won’t believe how easy it is to make your own homemade barbecue sauce!
Here’s what you’ll do…
1. Add all ingredients to a sauce pan.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and allow to simmer as specified.
3. Serve warm… or store in a mason jar in the refrigerator for later.
That’s it. It really is that easy!
Scroll down for the printable recipe card with detailed, step-by-step instructions.
How Do You Spice Up BBQ Sauce?
When it comes to spicing up your barbecue sauce, there’s just 1 simple ingredient that will do the trick: Cayenne Pepper!
This is optional, and depending on how spicy you like your sauce, you can even alter the amount you use to make it more spicy or less spicy.
The choice is yours!
Homemade BBQ Sauce Variations
Want to change up the flavor a bit? Go for it!
Try these tips for either make your sauce sweeter… or to add a little extra heat!
Homemade Sweet BBQ Sauce
Sweeten things up with this sweeter variation.
To sweeten this sauce, simply use the recipe below, but leave out the Liquid Smoke & Onion Powder.
Homemade Spicy BBQ Sauce
If you like a little extra heat in your bbq sauce, try this easy Homemade Spicy BBQ Sauce Recipe variation.
To add the perfect touch of heat to your BBQ Sauce, start by using the recipe below, but leave out the Liquid Smoke & Onion Powder, and ADD 3/4 tsp. Cayenne Pepper.
Easy peasy!
How To Use This Homemade BBQ Sauce
Put your new favorite bbq sauce to good use when you infuse it into these tantalizing dinner temptations…
- Country Style BBQ Pork Ribs
- Crockpot Pulled Pork Sandwich
- Dutch Oven Baked Beans with Bacon
- Easy Crock Pot BBQ Coca-Cola Ribs
- Easy Crock Pot BBQ Whole Chicken
Homemade BBQ Sauce Reviews
What Your Frugal Friends Are Saying About this Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe…
One reader writes: “Such a delicious BBQ sauce recipe. Loved it”
Becca writes: “I love this for Father’s day gifts! Thanks for the recipe.”
Donna writes: “Made this bbq sauce, tastes great! Thank you.”
Christie writes: “Easy recipe for some homemade bbq sauce! I love how thick and tangy it is! Thanks for sharing this one!”
Rebecca writes: “I’ve made this a few times and it is great!”
Lynn writes: “YUMMY! I made this today & my husband went on & on about it. I’m already looking forward to more!!”
Did You Enjoy This Recipe? ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a comment & review below!
Homemade BBQ Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups light Brown Sugar
- 1 cup Heinz Ketchup
- ¼ cup Water
- 2 tbsp White Vinegar
- 1 1/2 tsp Heinz 57 Sauce
- 3/4 tsp Hickory Liquid Smoke
- 2 tsp Chili Powder
- 3/4 tsp Garlic Salt
- 1/4 tsp Onion Powder
Instructions
- Combine all sauce ingredients in a pan and bring to boil
- Stir until sugar is completely dissolved
- Turn to low and simmer for 5 minutes
- Serve warm, or store in mason jar in fridge for later. Enjoy!!
Notes
- For answers to Frequently Asked Questions or tips for common substitutions and variations, please refer to the detailed information above this recipe card.
- Follow The Frugal Girls on Pinterest for more Easy Recipes!
Like this recipe? Rate & comment below!A big thanks to my sweet Aunt Shirley for sharing this recipe!
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So have you tried this easy Homemade Hickory BBQ Sauce Recipe yet?
Leave a comment & share!
Do I have to use Heinz ketchup? Thanx for your response
Hi Ginny,
You don’t have to use Heinz ketchup, but this ketchup does work well for this recipe. Using a different ketchup will change the flavor of the sauce. If you do try give this recipe a try using a different brand of ketchup, let me know how it goes. I’d love to hear.
~ Heidi
How much does the barbeque sauce recipe make?
Hi Bonnie,
This should make just about 2 1/2 cups. Hope this helps ~ Heidi
How long can it be stored in refrigerator? and can it be frozen.
I would recommend using the BBQ sauce fairly quickly. It only takes a few minutes to make and serving warm is the absolute best. It’s truly amazing served fresh!
Hope this helps ~ Heidi
I have never made BBQ sauce before but this sounds awesome. I have ribs in the oven right now and am going to try this. Can the sauce be frozen? Thanks.
I would definitely recommend using it fairly quickly for best results. It is pretty thick, so freezing will not work well.
Hope this helps ~ Heidi
I made this last night for country style bone-in pork ribs, and they turned out awesome. The sauce has just the right amount of smoke and sweet. I will never buy bottled sauce again, period!
So glad the sauce turned out awesome, Mike! I love how easy it is to make your own sauce, and I agree… even better than store bought! 🙂