Butter Barbecue Sauce
Turn up the flavor at your next cookout with this rich and velvety Butter Barbecue Sauce! Infused with the creamy goodness of melted unsalted butter, tangy apple cider vinegar, and a sweet kick of brown sugar, this homemade sauce elevates classic BBQ to gourmet status. The smoky depth of paprika, balanced with savory garlic and onion powders, creates a perfect harmony of bold flavors, while a hint of cayenne pepper adds an optional touch of heat for spice lovers. Ready in just 20 minutes, this versatile sauce is perfect for basting ribs, glazing chicken, or serving as a dipping sauce. Quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, this easy BBQ sauce is a must-have for summer grilling sessions or cozy indoor barbecues.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 cup water
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat until fully melted and bubbling slightly.
Add the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and water to the saucepan. Stir well to combine.
Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir until all the spices are evenly incorporated.
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning. Allow it to cook for 10–12 minutes to let the flavors meld and the sauce thicken slightly.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning or sweetness as needed.
Remove the sauce from heat and let it cool slightly. Use immediately as a basting sauce or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
727 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 48.5 g | 62% | |
| Saturated Fat | 28.1 g | 140% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 124 mg | 41% | |
| Sodium | 2397 mg | 104% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 81.8 g | 30% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.9 g | 7% | |
| Total Sugars | 61.7 g | ||
| Protein | 1.2 g | 2% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 70 mg | 5% | |
| Iron | 2.0 mg | 11% | |
| Potassium | 293 mg | 6% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
