Looking for a smokin’ good barbecue sauce recipe? Once you try this quick and easy homemade bbq sauce recipe, you’ll never go back to store bought bottles again! The kick-in-the-pants flavor will knock your socks right off! I agree… it’s a saucy move to make your own bbq sauce, but it must be done!
This thick ‘n sweet sauce is just BEGGING to be slathered on your Country Style Pork Ribs, chicken, ribs, and burgers!
Lynn writes: “YUMMY! I made this today & my husband went on & on about it. I’m already looking forward to more!!”
With this sauce you’ll be rewarded with savory, tangy, bbq flavors made the best way possible. Almost effortlessly!
Just 8 simple ingredients and 15 minutes… and you’re done. Talk about easy!
Then, you can serve it warm right off the stove, or store it in a mason jar in the fridge for later!
Plus, you won’t believe how simple it is to customize.
You can either make a spicy version for more tongue tingling flavor, or a sweeter version that serves up a sweet kiss with each bite.
And trust me, once you know how simple it is to make this fabulous bbq sauce, you won’t even be tempted to buy those store bought bottles of sauce!
Seriously, Homemade Sauces are such a simple way to take your dinner to the next level! Just like when you use Homemade Spice Mixes like this irresistible BBQ Spice Rub to upgrade your favorite cut of meat!
So do yourself a massive flavor favor and start making your own hickory smoke bbq sauce.
Your taste buds will thank you and so will everyone else…
What Does Homemade BBQ Sauce Taste Like?
In one word… AMAZING!!! This homemade bbq sauce for pulled pork and chicken 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 Texas bbq sauce recipe has just the perfect amount of sweetness to it, too!
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!
Ingredients
You’ll just need the following ingredients to make this INCREDIBLE homemade bbq sauce for chicken and pulled pork…
- Light Brown Sugar – To add the perfect kiss of sweetness.
- Heinz Ketchup – The easy base for your homemade barbecue sauce.
- White Vinegar – To add a bright, zesty balance to the sauce.
- Heinz 57 Sauce – To add a little kick in the pants zest.
- Chili Powder – To add depth of flavor, and a little mild heat.
- Garlic Salt – A 2-in-1 ingredient to add flavor, while bringing out the other flavors!
- Liquid Smoke – To add that authentic, award-winning, hickory smoky flavor.
- Onion Powder – To add a boost of savory flavor.
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Pin ItHow To Make Homemade BBQ Sauce
You are going to love how simple it is to prepare this wildly easy homemade bbq sauce from ketchup!
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. Just a few simple steps and you’ve got one of the Best Burger Sauces ever!
Scroll down for the printable bbq sauce recipe card with detailed, step-by-step instructions.
Variations
Want to change up the flavor a bit? Go for it!
Try these tips for either make your bbq sauce sweeter… or to add a little extra heat!
Sweet BBQ Sauce Recipe
Sweeten things up with this sweeter variation.
To sweeten this sauce, simply use the recipe below, but leave out the Liquid Smoke & Onion Powder.
Spicy BBQ Sauce Recipe
If you like a little extra heat in your bbq sauce, try this easy spicy bbq sauce 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.
Storage Tips
Your hickory bbq sauce can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container (like a mason jar with lid) for up to 1 – 2 weeks.
How To Use This Hickory BBQ Sauce
Put your new favorite hickory bbq sauce to good use when you use it to top any of your favorite Summer Grilling Recipes.
You’ll also love using it to upgrade this tender BBQ Ribs Recipe, flavor packed BBQ Baked Beans, or tantalizing BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich!
Reviews
Here’s what your frugal friends are saying about this easy homemade bbq sauce recipe…
One reader writes: “Such a delicious BBQ sauce recipe. Loved it”
B. writes: “So much better homemade!”
Donna writes: “Made this bbq sauce, tastes great! Thank you.”
Sarah writes: “Love it!”
Art writes: “So much better than store bought”
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!!”
Becca writes: “I love this for Father’s day gifts! Thanks for the recipe.”
More Simple Sauces
Did You Enjoy This Recipe? ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a comment & review below!
BBQ Sauce Recipe
Doubling Recipe Tip
If doubling or tripling recipe with buttons below, ingredient notes found after comma will not adjust. Increase ingredients as needed.
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
- Gather your bbq sauce recipe ingredients.
- Combine all bbq sauce ingredients in a pan and bring to boil
- Stir until sugar is completely dissolved
- Turn to low and simmer for 5 minutes
- You can serve warm, or store in mason jar in fridge for later. Enjoy!!
Notes
- Storage Tips: This easy homemade bbq sauce recipe can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container (like a mason jar with lid) for up to 1 – 2 weeks.
- FAQ’s: For answers to Frequently Asked Questions or tips for common substitutions and variations, please refer to the detailed information above this recipe card.
Like this recipe? Rate & comment below!A big thanks to my sweet Aunt Shirley for sharing this barbecue sauce recipe!
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 give this recipe a try using a different brand of ketchup, let me know how it goes. I’d love to hear your thoughts.
~ 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! 🙂