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Classic Homemade Barbecue Sauce

Kansas City BBQ · Sauce

A rich, smoky, and perfectly balanced American BBQ sauce that hits all the right notes of sweet, tangy, and savory. Ideal for ribs, chicken, or as a dipping sauce.

Ready in 30 minutesVegetarianGluten free
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Classic Homemade Barbecue Sauce — recipe cover
25 minA little patience, a lot of flavor
Prep time10 min
Cook time15 min
Servings16 people
DifficultyEasy
Let's make something good

How to make it

5 steps. Take it one step at a time.

  1. Combine the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, honey

    In a medium saucepan, combine the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, honey, and Worcestershire sauce.

  2. Whisk in the smoked paprika, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and black pepper

    Whisk in the smoked paprika, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth.

  3. Place the saucepan

    Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.

  4. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce cook uncovered

    Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce cook uncovered for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened to your desired consistency.

    15 min
  5. Remove from heat and allow

    Remove from heat and allow to cool completely before transferring to a glass jar or using immediately.

A little kitchen wisdom

For a spicier kick, add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. This sauce thickens as it cools. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the sauce after it has simmered, especially if using fresh onions and garlic.

What you'll need

Medium saucepanWhiskGlass jar
Keep the good going

For now. And for later.

Make it ahead

The flavors develop more if made 24 hours in advance.

Store & enjoy

Store in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator. Can be served cold or gently reheated on the stove over low heat.

Allergens

Contains fish.

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An AI-created recipe from the EZdish collection. Ingredient quantities and techniques have not been independently kitchen-tested. Published on this website . Updated . First published in the EZdish collection .

Classic Homemade Barbecue Sauce
Step 1 of 5

Combine the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, honey

In a medium saucepan, combine the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, honey, and Worcestershire sauce.