Homemade BBQ Sauce

This homemade BBQ sauce recipe is sweet, tangy, and comes together quickly and easily. It’s made with simple ingredients like ketchup, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, and yellow mustard, plus a blend of warm spices. Once you make barbecue sauce from scratch, you may never go back to the bottle.

I use it all over the place, but it’s especially good brushed onto baked BBQ chicken breasts or spooned over barbecue pulled pork. The flavor is sweet up front with a little tang and some heat from the paprika and cayenne.

Keep a jar in the fridge and you’ll have barbecue sauce ready whenever you need it. This homemade barbecue sauce recipe beats most store-bought brands and lets you control the sweetness and heat.

Ingredients

This section includes ingredient notes and substitution options. Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.

• Ketchup – The base of the sauce. Any brand works, but Heinz Simply is my ride-or-die.
• Apple cider vinegar – Adds a bit of tangy flavor. White vinegar also works.
• Maple syrup – For a little sweetness. Light brown sugar works as a swap.
• Yellow mustard – Classic yellow gives the best flavor. Grainy or Dijon will change the taste.
• Worcestershire sauce – Adds depth.
• Paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne, and chili powder – The spice blend that gives the sauce its warmth. Adjust the cayenne for more or less heat.
• Salt and pepper – To round everything out.

How to Make Homemade BBQ Sauce

This section shows you how to make the recipe with step-by-step photos and instructions. For the full printable recipe, see the recipe card below. 

Step 1: Add all of the ingredients to a small saucepan.

Step 2: Stir everything together and bring to a boil.

Step 3: Reduce to a simmer and allow to simmer for 20 minutes, stirring now and then, until it thickens.

Step 4: Use the sauce right away, or let it cool and store it in the fridge.

What to Use It On

This sauce works anywhere you’d reach for a bottle. Brush it onto baked BBQ chicken breasts, spoon it over slow cooker BBQ beef or barbecue pulled pork, or toss it with honey BBQ meatballs. It’s also great on burgers, ribs, and hot dogs.

Storage

Store homemade BBQ sauce in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Give it a stir before using.

I don’t recommend freezing, since the texture can change. It comes together quickly enough to make a fresh batch when you need it.

Additions and Variations

• Smoky – Add 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke for a grilled flavor.
• Spicy – Stir in more cayenne or a spoonful of hot sauce.
• Deeper sweetness – Swap some of the maple syrup for molasses or brown sugar.
• Thinner sauce – Add a splash of water if you like it looser for basting.

Homemade BBQ Sauce FAQ

How long does homemade BBQ sauce last?

Up to 2 weeks in an airtight container in the fridge.

How much sauce does this make?

About 2 cups. Cut the ingredients in half if you want less.

What can I use instead of maple syrup?

Light brown sugar works well and gives a similar sweetness.

Can I make it less spicy?

Yes. Cut back or leave out the cayenne. The sauce still has plenty of flavor from the paprika and chili powder.

More BBQ Favorites

• Slow Cooker BBQ Brisket
• Slow Cooker Root Beer Pulled Pork
• Grape Jelly Crockpot Meatballs
• Slow Cooker BBQ Beef