Published on 01/13/22

Homemade BBQ Sauce is a smokey, sweet and delicious homemade bbq sauce recipe that is perfect for ribs, chicken and so many other recipes! Made with simple, real ingredients you probably already have on hand!

Jar of Homemade BBQ Sauce in a mason jar with a spoon sticking out of it.

Best Ever Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe

You all know I am a HUGE fan of grilling, smoking, etc. so this easy bbq recipe comes in so handy! I love that is sweet (but not too sweet) and perfectly smokey. Love using this on my favorite oven baked ribs, smoked baby back ribs and crockpot bbq chicken (and so many other recipes!). And it pairs perfectly with this Dry Rub for Ribs!

Enjoy this homemade sauce on some tender Country Style Ribs!

Why This Recipe Works

Smokey: I gotta have some smoke in my bbq sauce – we get this smokiness from using liquid smoke!
Sweet: a good bbq sauce is also nice and sweet (but not crazy sweet) – we get our sweetness here from the coconut sugar and honey. If you want it extra sweet you can do two things 1) use a more traditional ketchup instead of the Primal Kitchen brand I recommended 2) add in the molasses that is optional until you have reached your desired sweetness level.
Real Ingredients: I love making my own homemade bbq sauce because I know exactly what is going in it – simple ingredients! And it tastes SO good!

What You Will Need

ketchup: I used the Primal Kitchen brand because I love how clean their ingredients are. That being said, you can use a different brand the result will just a bit a bit sweeter of a bbq sauce.
tomato paste: this helps keep the consistency nice and thick.
apple cider vinegar + lemon juice: this adds in some nice acidity.
coconut sugar + honey: this is where the sweetness mainly comes from (unless you opt to add in the molasses).
worcestershire sauce: this adds in almost an umami flavor that helps bring about a great depth to the overall flavor.
kosher salt + ground black pepper: because you always gotta season!
garlic powder + onion powder + paprika: these seasonings round out the flavor nicely!
liquid smoke: here is our smokiness! I love using liquid smoke in my recipes – it’s also really good in chili!
(optional) molasses: this is optional and helps make the sauce more of that traditional darker color.

How Long Does Homemade BBQ Sauce Last

If you are making a homemade bbq sauce like this one it will last for up to 2 weeks when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 6 months (don’t forget to leave room at the top for expansion during the freezing process).

How to Make Homemade BBQ Sauce

Gather your ingredients.

All the ingredients out in separate bowls.

Add to a saucepan.

All the ingredients added to a small saucepan but not mixed together yet.

Stir to combine.

All ingredients mixed together in a saucepan with a spoon sticking out.

Place on the stove top and bring to a light simmer – let simmer (uncovered) for about 10-15 minutes – this will help it thicken more and really help those flavors all meld together.

Let cool and then use in your favorite recipe!

A spoon full of homemade bbq sauce hovering over a mason jar which is also full of bbq sauce.

We love using this homemade BBQ sauce for ribs like this Oven Bake Ribs recipe!

A wooden cutting board with two racks of ribs on top of it cut up and a wooden knife next to them.

Or these Smoked Baby Back Ribs!

A plate of smoked baby back ribs with coleslaw, beans and cornbread.

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Made this recipe and loved it?! We would love it if you would take a minute and leave a star rating and review – it is also helpful if you made any substitutions or changes to the recipe to share that as well. THANK YOU!