Kansas City Style Barbecue Sauce
Get ready to elevate your grilling game with this rich and tangy Kansas City Style Barbecue Sauce! Known for its perfect balance of sweetness, smokiness, and tang, this homemade BBQ sauce combines pantry staples like ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar with molasses, honey, and a medley of bold spices, including paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. A touch of Worcestershire sauce and optional liquid smoke adds depth and authentic smoky flavor. Ready in just 30 minutes, this versatile sauce is ideal as a glaze, marinade, or dip for ribs, chicken, or pulled pork. Make it ahead of time to let the flavors deepen, and savor the essence of classic Kansas City barbecue!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups ketchup
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 0.25 cup molasses
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, molasses, and honey. Stir well to combine over medium heat.
Add the Worcestershire sauce and liquid smoke (if using) to the mixture and stir until smooth.
Stir in the paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, ground mustard, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to distribute the spices evenly.
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low.
Cook the sauce for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld together.
Remove the saucepan from heat and let the sauce cool to room temperature.
Transfer the barbecue sauce to an airtight container or jar and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to develop further.
Use liberally as a glaze, dip, or marinade for your favorite barbecue dishes. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
112 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 0.1 g | 0% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 279 mg | 12% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 28.8 g | 10% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.2 g | 1% | |
| Total Sugars | 26.3 g | ||
| Protein | 0.1 g | 0% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 32 mg | 2% | |
| Iron | 0.9 mg | 5% | |
| Potassium | 159 mg | 3% | |
*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.
