Sweet BBQ Sauce Recipe (Easy Homemade BBQ Sauce)
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This Sweet BBQ Sauce is one of those easy homemade sauces I like to keep in the fridge because it works with so many dinners. It is sweet, tangy, smoky, and made with simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
You can brush it over grilled chicken, spoon it onto burgers, toss it with meatballs, stir it into baked beans, or use it as a dipping sauce for fries, chicken tenders, and roasted potatoes. It takes about 15 minutes from start to finish and tastes so much better than most bottled barbecue sauces.
The BBQ Sauce I Always Keep in the Fridge
I started making this sweet BBQ sauce when I realized how many store-bought sauces tasted either way too smoky, way too sweet, or full of ingredients I couldn’t even pronounce. This one is simple, rich, smoky, a little tangy, and honestly works on just about everything.
We use it on pulled pork, burgers, grilled chicken, baked beans, meatballs, and even as a dipping sauce when we’re throwing together quick dinners during the week. It’s one of those recipes that takes barely any effort but makes dinner taste so much better.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade BBQ Sauce
- This homemade BBQ sauce comes together in one small pot with just a handful of pantry ingredients. It has that classic sweet barbecue flavor, but the apple cider vinegar and Worcestershire sauce keep it from tasting too sugary.
- It is also easy to adjust. You can make it smokier, tangier, sweeter, or spicier depending on how you like your sauce. Use it right away or keep it in the fridge for easy dinners all week.
Ingredients Needed To Make This Sweet BBQ Sauce Recipe
- Ketchup: Ketchup creates the sweet and tangy base for the sauce while also helping give it that classic rich BBQ flavor.
- Packed brown sugar: Brown sugar adds sweetness and helps balance the vinegar and smoky flavors.
- Liquid smoke: A little liquid smoke gives the sauce slow-cooked BBQ flavor without needing a smoker or grill.
- Worcestershire sauce: Worcestershire adds depth, savory flavor, and richness to the sauce.
- Apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar balances the sweetness and helps give the sauce that classic tangy BBQ flavor.
- Salt
- Pepper
How To Make This Sweet BBQ Sauce Recipe
- Start by adding the ketchup, brown sugar, liquid smoke, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper to a small saucepan.
- Whisk everything together until the sauce is smooth and the brown sugar starts to dissolve. Place the saucepan over low heat and let the sauce come to a gentle simmer.
- Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally so the sugar does not stick to the bottom of the pan. The sauce will thicken slightly as it simmers and will continue to thicken a little more as it cools.
- Let the sauce cool before serving or transfer it to a jar and store it in the refrigerator.
Tips For The Best BBQ Sauce
- Use low heat so the sauce can simmer gently without burning.
- Stir occasionally while the sauce cooks, especially near the bottom of the pot where the sugar can settle.
- If you like a thicker BBQ sauce, simmer it for a few extra minutes until it reaches your preferred consistency.
- If you want it sweeter, add a little more brown sugar.
- If you want more tang, add an extra splash of apple cider vinegar.
- If you want it spicier, add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or crushed red pepper flakes.
Ways To Use Sweet BBQ Sauce
- BBQ Meatballs
- BBQ Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza
- BBQ Chicken Burgers
- BBQ Baked Beans
- Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Storage
- Store homemade BBQ sauce in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Let the sauce cool completely before storing. Stir before using, especially if it has been sitting in the fridge for a few days
Freezing
- You can freeze homemade BBQ sauce for up to 3 months. Store it in a freezer-safe container, leaving a little room at the top for expansion.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then stir well before using.
Reheating
- Reheat the sauce in a small pot over low heat, stirring occasionally until warm.
- You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring between each one.
Sweet BBQ Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- Measuring cups/spoons
- Mixing spoon
- Jar or airtight container for storing
Ingredients
- 2 cups ketchup
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ½ tsp liquid smoke
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
- Pinch of salt and pepper
Instructions
- Add the ketchup, brown sugar, liquid smoke, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper to a small saucepan.
- Whisk everything together until the sauce is smooth and the brown sugar starts to dissolve.
- Place the saucepan over low heat and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally so the sugar does not stick to the bottom of the pan.
- Once the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened, remove the pan from the heat.
- Let the BBQ sauce cool for a few minutes before serving. The sauce will continue to thicken slightly as it cools.
- Use right away or transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator.
Notes
- If you like a thicker BBQ sauce, simmer it for a few extra minutes.
- For a spicier sauce, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or crushed red pepper flakes.
- For a smokier sauce, add a little extra liquid smoke or a pinch of smoked paprika.
- Let the sauce cool before storing it in the refrigerator.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- This recipe makes about 2 cups of BBQ sauce.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
This sauce is perfect for making ahead. Store it in the refrigerator and use it throughout the week for grilling, dipping, or adding to easy dinners.
Homemade BBQ sauce will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, chili powder, or crushed red pepper flakes if you want a spicy sweet BBQ sauce.
Liquid smoke gives the sauce its smoky flavor, but you can leave it out if you prefer. Smoked paprika is another good option if you want a softer smoky flavor.
White vinegar can work, but apple cider vinegar gives the sauce a slightly smoother, sweeter tang that works really well with the brown sugar.
This sauce is great for chicken. Brush it over grilled chicken, baked chicken, chicken tenders, or shredded chicken.
You can easily double this recipe. Use a larger saucepan and simmer the sauce the same way, stirring occasionally until smooth and slightly thickened.
