Easy Barbecue Sauce
Transform your backyard barbecue with this irresistibly easy barbecue sauce recipe! Made with pantry staples like ketchup, brown sugar, honey, and a splash of apple cider vinegar, this homemade sauce strikes the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors. With just 5 minutes of prep and a short simmer on the stove, it’s ideal for quick weeknight grilling or weekend cookouts. A hint of smoked paprika, garlic powder, and optional cayenne pepper adds depth and a customizable kick, making this sauce as versatile as it is delicious. Slather it on ribs, brush it over chicken, or use it as a dip—this recipe is your go-to for adding bold, homemade flavor to any dish. Plus, it stores well, so you can always have this crowd-pleaser on hand for your next barbecue feast!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- 0.25 cup apple cider vinegar
- 0.33 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon ground mustard
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.125 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 0.25 cup water
Instructions
In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and water. Stir well to mix.
Add the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper. Stir until all the dry ingredients are fully incorporated into the wet mixture.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or burning.
Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and let the sauce cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld together.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—add more brown sugar for sweetness, or a dash more vinegar for extra tang.
Remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool slightly. Transfer it to a clean jar or container for storage.
Use immediately, or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Warm gently before serving if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
574 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 0.4 g | 1% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.1 g | 0% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1222 mg | 53% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 147.5 g | 54% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.7 g | 6% | |
| Total Sugars | 125.2 g | ||
| Protein | 1.4 g | 3% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 89 mg | 7% | |
| Iron | 2.4 mg | 13% | |
| Potassium | 370 mg | 8% | |
*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.
