Handmade BBQ Sauce from Scratch
This handmade BBQ sauce is bold, rich, and ready to take your backyard barbecues to the next level. Made with simple pantry ingredients and simmered to perfection in just 10 minutes, it delivers that sticky, finger-licking goodness that all great BBQ sauces are known for — the kind your friends and family won’t stop talking about.
Want more bold sauces? Try Teriyaki Marinade, or Stone Ground Mustard Sauce.
Introduction
I created this BBQ sauce because I wanted something with more character than what you find on store shelves. Most sauces taste the same — overly sweet or smoky without much depth. I was after something bold, balanced, and a little unexpected. The white wine vinegar in this recipe gives it just the right amount of tang, and I truly believe it’s what sets it apart. It’s been a favorite in my kitchen ever since.
Whether I’m brushing it onto grilled chicken or serving it on the side of crispy tenders coated in my Louisiana chicken fry mix, this rich, tangy blend brings big flavor to every bite. If you love saucy ribs, glazed wings, or BBQ chicken pizza, you’ll want to keep this one close at hand.
Why This Recipe Works
- Make it in just 10 minutes, to have a homemade BBQ sauce ready for quick dinners, last-minute grilling, or busy weeknights.
- Use everyday pantry staples, so there’s no need to run to the store — just grab what you already have on hand.
- Marinate, dip, or glaze, to bring bold, tangy flavor to everything from grilled meats to roasted vegetables.
- Store it in the fridge for days, and enjoy the convenience of having it prepped and ready whenever you need it.
- Customize it to suit your taste, with a quick sweetener swap or by adjusting the spice level to make it your own.
Ingredients For Handmade BBQ Sauce
These ingredients combine to create a well-balanced BBQ sauce with just the right amount of tang, sweetness, and spice.
- White wine vinegar brings a clean, bright tang that cuts through the richness and enhances the overall balance of the sauce.
- Molasses creates that signature sticky texture and deep sweetness that sets a good BBQ sauce apart from the rest.
- Mustard powder adds a subtle sharpness and layers in earthy depth without overpowering the other flavors.
See recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.
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Variations or Substitutions
- Make it vegan, by swapping the Worcestershire sauce for a plant-based version that delivers the same depth of flavor without using any animal-derived ingredients.
- Grind mustard seeds fresh, for a deeper, richer flavor than pre-ground mustard powder can offer.
- Use maple syrup or honey, instead of brown sugar when you want a more nuanced, natural sweetness.
- Add heat with cayenne or hot sauce, if you like it spicy — or stir in a little of my original buffalo sauce if you’ve made a batch recently.
- Include liquid smoke, for a bold, smoky BBQ kick that adds backyard-grill flavor without needing a flame.
How To Make Handmade BBQ Sauce
This recipe couldn’t be easier — just combine, simmer, and enjoy.
Step 1: Add all ingredients to a medium saucepan and stir well to combine. Set the pan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for 10 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Use the BBQ sauce right away, or let it cool completely before transferring it to a jar or other airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Recipe FAQs
Yes! Let it cool, then pour over meat or vegetables. Marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.
Yes. Cool completely, transfer to freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months.
No additives, no preservatives, and you control the flavor entirely.
Yes! It actually tastes better after sitting in the fridge overnight.
Serve
There are so many ways to use this BBQ sauce once you’ve got a jar in the fridge. Brush it over chicken or pork during the last few minutes of grilling for a glossy, flavorful finish. Stir it into baked beans to level up a classic side dish.
Drizzle it over pulled pork sandwiches, grain bowls, or even roasted vegetables. You can also blend it with a spoonful of my healthy homemade mayonnaise to make a smoky dipping sauce that’s perfect for fries, tenders, or veggies.
Expert Tips
- Vegan option: To make this recipe vegan, swap out traditional Worcestershire sauce for a vegan version. Alternatively, use vegetable broth or liquid aminos for a flavorful substitute.
- Enhance flavor: If you have access to whole mustard seeds, grind them fresh instead of using pre-ground mustard powder for a richer, more vibrant flavor.
- Adjust sweetness: For a less sweet sauce, reduce the brown sugar slightly or substitute with honey or maple syrup for a different depth of flavor.
- Add a smoky kick: For a smokier taste, add a few drops of liquid smoke.
- Let it rest: This sauce is even better after 24 hours in the fridge.
Handmade BBQ Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar packed
- 3/4 cup white wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 2 tbls worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbls ground mustard powder
- 2 tsp ground black pepper
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add all ingredients to a medium saucepan and stir to combine.
- Heat and Simmer: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Stir Frequently: Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring consistently to prevent sticking.
- Cool or Serve: Use immediately, or allow the sauce to cool before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to one week.
Video
Notes
- Vegan Option: To make this recipe vegan, swap out traditional Worcestershire sauce for a vegan version. Alternatively, use vegetable broth or liquid aminos for a flavorful substitute.
- Enhance Flavor: If you have access to whole mustard seeds, grind them fresh instead of using pre-ground mustard for a richer, more vibrant flavor.
- Adjust Sweetness: For a less sweet sauce, reduce the brown sugar slightly or substitute with honey or maple syrup for a different depth of flavor.
- Add a Smoky Kick: For a smokier taste, add a few drops of liquid smoke.
Looks and sound good Diane, thinking we might make it today and put it on some ribs or chicken. I’ll let you know how we make out.
Yes. Please do let me know what you think. Charlie was waving the jar at me last night asking for more, LOL! Hope you feel the same way about it that he does!
Looks delicious! I always buy my BBQ sauce but this time I’m going to make it. Thank you for the recipe!
You’re quite welcome! It’s so easy to make I find it silly to buy it anymore. Hope you think so too!
What a perfect recipe for summer! I definitely need this recipe!
I hope you enjoy it Michelle! It does make summer bbq’ing just a bit better!
This looks amazing!! Thank you!
Absolutely! I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
Looks and sounds delicious. Very easy to make and I appreciate tips for how to make it vegan and/or mustard seed alternatives. Going to share this recipe with my mom!
Thanks Julie! Hope both you and your mom love it as much as I do!
This is literally exactly what I have been looking for! I have some family members with sensitivities so I wanted to learn to make my own… great info!
Oh! So glad this helped you out! It really is delicious too. Sooooo much better than store bought.
I’ll have to try making this BBQ sauce recipe this week. Luckily we have all of the ingredients. Looks so yummy!
Hope you enjoy it! One of the nice things about it is that the ingredients are usually in most kitchens. Makes it easy to throw together last minute.
This handmade BBQ sauce is a game-changer. It’s packed with rich, smoky flavor and the perfect balance of sweet and tangy — so much better than store-bought. I’d love to hear what you think after you try it. If you make this recipe, be sure to leave a review and let me know how it turned out. Have any questions? Drop them in the comments—I’m happy to help. Enjoy!