Classic BBQ Sauce
Equipment
- medium saucepan
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 1½ cups ketchup
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to a medium saucepan.
- Whisk until smooth.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Reduce the heat to low.
- Cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat.
- Allow the sauce to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes & Wine Advice
Recipe Notes
Simmer the sauce gently to allow the flavors to blend without scorching. Store the cooled sauce in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Brush the sauce onto meat during the final minutes of grilling to prevent burning. This sauce also works well as a dipping sauce for fries, chicken, or roasted vegetables.Wine Advice
A fruity Zinfandel complements the sweet and smoky flavors beautifully. A light-bodied red wine is another excellent match for grilled dishes with this sauce.Nutrition values
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About This Recipe
Classic BBQ Sauce is a homemade American barbecue sauce with the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, smoky, and savory flavors. Ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and spices slowly simmer together to create a smooth sauce that’s ideal for grilling, dipping, glazing, or marinating. Whether you’re firing up the barbecue or looking for a versatile homemade sauce, this easy recipe delivers bold flavor every time.
Why You’ll Love Homemade BBQ Sauce
This homemade barbecue sauce comes together with simple pantry ingredients and takes very little effort to prepare. Simmering the sauce slowly allows every ingredient to blend into a rich, well-balanced flavor. Make a batch ahead of time and keep it in the refrigerator so it’s always ready for your next barbecue. If you enjoy outdoor cooking, browse our Barbecue Recipes, Sauce Recipes, Grill Recipes, American Recipes, and Outdoor Cooking Recipes.
Making Homemade Barbecue Sauce
Add all the ingredients to a saucepan and whisk until smooth before bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir regularly while the sauce thickens and the flavors develop. Allow the sauce to cool completely before storing it in a sealed jar. Classic BBQ Sauce becomes even more flavorful after resting overnight in the refrigerator.
Serving Classic BBQ Sauce
Classic BBQ Sauce is perfect for ribs, burgers, pulled pork, grilled chicken, steak, sausages, roasted vegetables, and crispy fries. Brush it onto food during the final minutes of grilling for a glossy finish, or serve it as a flavorful dipping sauce alongside your favorite barbecue dishes.
Storage Tips
Store homemade barbecue sauce in a clean airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Stir before each use and always use a clean spoon to keep the sauce fresh. For additional food storage recommendations, visit the FDA Food Safety website.
With its balanced flavor and simple preparation, Classic BBQ Sauce deserves a place in every home kitchen. It’s an easy recipe you’ll reach for throughout the grilling season and whenever homemade barbecue flavor is on the menu.