This traditional Homemade BBQ Sauce is brown sugar sweet and made with only 5 simple ingredients. Which makes this the perfect barbecue sauce for smothering onto pork ribs, chicken pieces, and brisket.
With a simple list of ingredients, it’s quick to prepare and can be made in about 30 minutes. This simple BBQ sauce recipe is not just for grilled or smoked meats.
Serve with chicken wings or nuggets, deep fried onion rings, as a French fry dipping sauce, or a meatloaf topping. Homemade BBQ sauce is also good for keeping in the fridge.
This is my older brother Joel’s recipe. He has perfected his barbecue sauce recipe over the years, and it just keeps getting better and better every time he makes it. My great nephew, Parker, calls it “Uncle Joel’s Famous BBQ Sauce!”
Home-made barbecue sauce is tasty, extremely versatile & so easy to make with my step-by-step instructions. You will never want store-bought BBQ sauce ever again!!
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Homemade BBQ Sauce with Ketchup
There are so many different types of homemade BBQ sauce recipes with ketchup out there like North Carolina BBQ sauce, Kansas City BBQ Sauce, Memphis BBQ sauce, just to name a few. Or the store-bought versions like Sweet Baby Ray’s, Open Pit, Kraft BBQ sauce, and Heinz Barbecue sauce.
All of us have our favorite BBQ sauce. The only thing that I can say is to try a few different recipes that peek you’re interest and discover what you really like.
This recipe is extremely easy to make, and it has that peppery spice and mild sweet combination that we all like to enjoy in western Michigan. A ketchup base sauce paired with brown sugar and an assortment of (secret) spices.
What is your favorite BBQ sauce? This recipe is so easy to follow, simply mix all the ingredients into a pan and simmer for a several minutes.
When done, baste grilled chicken paired with easy coleslaw, hasselback potato, and corn in the cob for the ultimate summer meal! It’s easy to make homemade BBQ sauce with a few ingredients by mixing it all together until smooth.
Brown Sugar Classic barbecue sauce is made with light brown sugar, Heinz ketchup, spices, and a little bit of heat. BBQ sauce is an easy summer staple.
You will never want to buy it again. All you simply need are some measurements, a pot, and some simmering and you will have the most delicious DIY sauce.
Homemade BBQ Sauce Ingredients
The ingredients to make easy BBQ sauce are as follows:
How to Make BBQ Sauce from Scratch?
Gather all the ingredients to make your sauce. In a large sauce pan over medium heat combine all your ingredients.
Stir constantly and bring to a low boil. Continue boiling for several minutes. As you are stirring, the best homemade BBQ sauce recipe will change color. It will become darker in color.
Do not rush this process as it will take about 30 minutes from start to finish. Adjust any seasonings at the end of the cook time.
If desired, add more brown sugar if you would like a little more caramelization when you are grilling or smoking your meat.
How to Store Barbecue Sauce?
If you have made this best BBQ sauce ahead to serve during meals, you can let it cool completely, then put it into quart-sized mason jars or an airtight container.
Secure with a tight lid and store in the fridge. Store homemade BBQ sauce in the refrigerator for several months.
Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe Variations
This homemade barbecue sauce is very versatile and can be made to suit your needs. Try adding one or more of the following ingredients:
- Onion Powder or Garlic Powder
- Smoked Paprika
- Maple Syrup
- Cayenne Pepper
- Hot Sauce such as Sriracha
- Apple Cider Vinegar or Red Wine Vinegar
- Worcestershire Sauce
- Liquid Smoke
Smoker Recipes
This best BBQ sauce also makes the best smoker BBQ sauce. I like to make smoked chicken thighs, smoked chicken legs, smoked BBQ ribs, smoked BBQ chicken pizza, barbecue smoked chicken kabobs, and many more pellet smoker recipes!!
This smoker BBQ sauce recipe will become your favorite recipe to add to just about any smoked meats.
What to Make with Homemade Barbecue Sauce
This barbecue sauce is perfect for so many recipes. Make my smoked BBQ chicken thighs, BBQ ribs, barbecue chicken legs, New Orleans BBQ shrimp, or barbecue smoked chicken kabobs.
Homemade BBQ Sauce – FAQ
How do I use barbecue sauce? Slap it all over your ribs, throw it into pulled pork, spread it on sandwiches, or make it into a dipping sauce. Try this barbecue sauce recipe and you will have a delicious tasting dish.
Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe
Get the full recipe and nutritional information below.
Homemade Barbecue Sauce
This traditional Homemade BBQ Sauce is brown sugar sweet and made with only 5 simple ingredients. Which makes this the perfect barbecue sauce for smothering onto pork ribs, chicken pieces, and brisket. With a simple list of ingredients, it’s quick to prepare and can be made in about 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- Ketchup, Heinz 50.5 ounces
- Brown Sugar, Light, Packed 2 1/2 cups
- Granulated Garlic 2 tablespoons
- Lawry's, Seasoned Salt 1 1/2 tablespoons
- Pepper, Ground, Black 1 tablespoon
Instructions
- Place all ingredients into a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly and bring to a boil. As the barbecue sauce cooks, it will change a darker color. Just make sure to continue to stir as the sauce cooks so that it does not burn on the bottom.
- When done cooking, remove from the heat and cool the sauce. Store in an air tight container and place in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Notes
- Use as a BBQ dipping sauce.
- Spread on your favorite cooked smoked, griddle, baked, or grilled meats.
- Make BBQ Baked Beans or top your favorite burger with a little of this sauce.
- This easy barbecue sauce recipe with ketchup can be halved, doubled or tripled, etc.
For exact measurements use a scale and weight out the ingredients.
Ketchup, Heinz 50.5 ounces
Brown Sugar, Light, Packed 1 pound 3.6 ounces
Granulated Garlic 0.8 ounce
Lawry's, Seasoned Salt 0.8 ounce
Pepper, Ground, Black 0.25 ounce
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This page contains affiliate links. Click on the highlighted text in a post to explore a product. If you purchase through one of them, I will receive a commission (at no additional cost to you). I ONLY EVER ENDORSE PRODUCTS THAT I TRULY LOVE. Thank you for your support!
Nutrition Information
Yield
64Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 51Total Fat 0gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 0gCholesterol 0mgSodium 312mgCarbohydrates 13gFiber 0gSugar 12gProtein 0g
Note: For exact nutritional information, consult your dietitian. All nutritional information is simply a guideline.
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I tried making my own years ago and it was such a flop but gave this one a go out of sheer simplicity and the family loved it!
Yum! This turned out so much better than the bottled stuff, which I always find to be too sweet. Made this in advance for my husband’s and my 40th birthday bash next weekend. Can’t wait to pair it with grilled chicken. Thanks for a great recipe.