Homemade BBQ Sauce

Skip the store-bought stuff! Homemade barbecue sauce is delicious, incredibly versatile, and oh-so easy to make with pantry staples. Trust us — you're going to want to bookmark this top-rated recipe for classic barbecue sauce.

What Is Barbecue Sauce Made Of?

Here's what you'll need to make the homemade BBQ sauce of your dreams:

KetchupEvery red barbecue sauce starts with a tomato base. In this recipe, ketchup makes a fantastic foundation.

Brown SugarClassic barbecue sauce gets its signature sweetness from brown sugar.

VinegarAcidic red wine vinegar balances out the sweet brown sugar.

WaterThis recipe calls for a ½ cup of water, but you can use more or less to reach the consistency you desire.

Spices and SeasoningsCreate the perfect flavor with Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Hot SauceTurn up the heat with a few dashes of hot pepper sauce, such as Frank's or Crystal.

How to Make Barbecue Sauce

Making homemade barbecue sauce is as simple as blending all the ingredients until smooth. You don’t have to cook this barbecue sauce. However, if the uncooked sauce is runnier than you’d like, recipe creator JRNEUMILLER suggests bringing it to a boil and cooking for about a minute. This will thicken the sauce and create a more intense flavor.

Find the full recipe with step-by-step directions below.

What Can You Do With Barbecue Sauce?

The better question: What can't you do with barbecue sauce? Slather it on ribs, toss it with pulled pork, spread it on your sandwich or burger, or use it as a dipping sauce for fries or chicken fingers.

If you're in need of some mouthwatering inspiration, try one of these recipes that put barbecue sauce to good use:

Slow Cooker BarbecueBBQ MeatballsBaby Back RibsBusy Day Barbecue BrisketCreamy Pulled Pork Soup

Get more recipes: 15 Ways to Use BBQ Sauce

How to Store Barbecue Sauce

Store (completely cooled) barbecue sauce in an airtight container, such as a Mason jar, in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Can You Freeze Barbecue Sauce?

Yes! You can definitely freeze barbecue sauce — and you should if you're not going to use it within two weeks. To freeze homemade barbecue sauce, transfer it to a freezer bag labeled with the date. Squeeze out all the excess air, secure the bag, and lay flat in the freezer. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight.

Cookdap Community Tips and Praise

“My family’s go-to BBQ sauce,” according to Janet West. “I took a couple of previous reviewers’ suggestions and added a teaspoon of liquid smoke per 12 servings, and also brought it to a boil when I used it as a dipping sauce (gives it an even deeper color and thickens it a bit more). Other than that, I follow the recipe to a T. Wonderful!”

“Whole family loved it and, best of all, it was QUICK to make,” says Karla. “And I had all the ingredients in my pantry already!!”

“Wow,” raves Grady Sullivan. “I will never purchase BBQ sauce again. I added a Tablespoon of Molasses and brought to a slow boil. Continued to boil for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Thick, rich and delicious. Perfection!”