Smoky homemade BBQ sauce made with tomato sauce, ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, and spices. Perfect for grilling ribs, chicken, pulled pork, or as a dipping sauce.

Table of Contents

Ingredients

8 ounces tomato sauce
1 cup ketchup (240 g)
⅔ cup light brown sugar (147 g)
¼ cup unsulphured molasses (85 g)
⅔ cup red wine vinegar (159 g)
2 teaspoons hickory-flavored liquid smoke
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
½ teaspoon kosher salt (more to taste)
¼ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
⅛ teaspoon chili powder
⅛ teaspoon ground mustard
⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

Combine ingredients: Add tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, vinegar, liquid smoke, and all seasonings to a large saucepan. Stir until smooth.
Cook the sauce: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring often.
Simmer: Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer gently for 20 minutes, up to 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavorful.
Cool and store: Remove from heat and let the sauce cool to room temperature. It will thicken further as it cools. Transfer to an airtight jar or container and refrigerate for up to 3 weeks.

Tips

For a thicker sauce, simmer longer over low heat.
Adjust sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar.
Stir frequently while cooking to prevent burning at the bottom of the pan.
Let the sauce cool completely before storing for the best consistency.

Variations and Substitutions

Spicy BBQ sauce: Add extra cayenne or a dash of hot sauce.
Sweeter sauce: Stir in a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup.
Vinegar-based option: Replace red wine vinegar with apple cider vinegar for tangier flavor.
Smokier taste: Increase the liquid smoke or use chipotle powder.

FAQs

Can I freeze BBQ sauce?
Yes. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Can I make this without liquid smoke?
Yes, but the smoky flavor will be milder. Try smoked paprika or chipotle powder instead.

How long does homemade BBQ sauce last?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to 3 weeks.

Serving Suggestions

Brush onto grilled chicken, ribs, or burgers.
Use as a dipping sauce for fries, onion rings, or chicken tenders.
Mix into pulled pork or shredded chicken sandwiches.
Spread on pizza as a base for BBQ chicken pizza.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Made with simple pantry ingredients in just one pot.
Perfect balance of smoky, tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy flavors.
Customizable to suit your taste—sweet, spicy, or tangy.
Versatile for grilling, dipping, or slow-cooked meats.