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The Best All-Purpose Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe

Close-up of thick, glossy, dark red homemade bbq sauce served in a small white dipping bowl.
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Create your own versatile, balanced BBQ sauce from scratch. This recipe delivers the perfect mix of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors, making it ideal for ribs, chicken, or dipping.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups ketchup
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons molasses
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan.
  2. Stir well to dissolve the brown sugar.
  3. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
  4. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 15 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking.
  5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the sauce cool slightly. The sauce will thicken as it cools.
  6. Transfer the homemade BBQ sauce to an airtight container.
  7. Store in the refrigerator. This sauce is ready to use immediately or can be made ahead of time.

Notes

  • For a thicker sauce, simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
  • If you want a copycat flavor similar to Sweet Baby Ray’s, increase the brown sugar slightly.
  • For a Southern Style BBQ Sauce tang, increase the apple cider vinegar by 1 tablespoon.
  • This versatile BBQ sauce works as a glaze during the last 10 minutes of grilling.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://mistyplate.com/best-homemade-bbq-sauce-recipe/