In just minutes, you can make rich, tangy homemade BBQ Sauce with just the right amount of sweetness and heat! This made-from-scratch sauce is great slathered on chicken, pork, or beef, plus it’s great as a dip for fries, onion rings, and veggies.
In This Post
My recipe for Homemade BBQ Sauce is, without a doubt, a next-level creation. I know that’s a bold statement, but it’s true.
This sauce has a sweet richness from brown sugar and honey and a tangy punch from fresh lemon juice and Dijon mustard. I blend those flavor-packed ingredients with ketchup, hot sauce, and black pepper, then simmer until thick.
After that, it’s time to slather the sauce on whatever you want. Grilled BBQ Chicken is one of my family’s favorites. It is also great served with smoked pulled pork, burgers, chicken wings, and pork nachos. It’s a must alongside ribs, and we love it as a dip for air fryer potato wedges.
Is Homemade BBQ Sauce Better Than Store Bought?
Heck yes! There is absolutely NO comparison between this homemade BBQ sauce and store-bought. The flavor is bright and fresh, with no after-taste that you get from premade sauce in a jar or plastic bottle. And, if that’s not enough, it’s easy to make with pantry staples and ingredients you will likely already have in your fridge.
Ingredients For This Recipe
- Ketchup
- Lemon Juice
- Brown Sugar
- Worcestershire Sauce
- Dijon Mustard
- Honey
- Hot Sauce
- Black Pepper
How Do You Make BBQ Sauce From Scratch?
Easy and simple wins the day with this recipe! Here’s how it comes together:
- To a small saucepan, add all the ingredients and stir until combined.
- Simmer on medium-low heat for approximately 15 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more pepper or hot sauce for spice, or brown sugar or honey for additional sweetness.
How Long Does Homemade BBQ Sauce Last?
Homemade BBQ sauce will last in a sealed container stored in the fridge for up to 3 weeks. You don’t need any special container. I use a recycled mayonnaise or mason jar, which works great.
When Do I Apply BBQ Sauce?
When it comes to applying BBQ sauce, you have some flexibility based on your personal preferences and the cooking method you’re using. Here are some friendly guidelines to consider:
- Grilling: If you’re grilling meat like chicken, ribs, or steak, it’s common to brush on BBQ sauce during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking. This allows the sauce to create a delicious glaze without burning. Just give it a nice coating and let it work its magic while the meat finishes cooking.
- Smoking: When you’re using a smoker to slow-cook meats, it’s best to wait until the meat is nearly done before applying BBQ sauce. This typically happens during the final hour of smoking. Applying the sauce too early might result in it burning or becoming overly smoky.
- Baking: If you’re baking meat in the oven, you can apply BBQ sauce towards the end of the cooking time, usually during the last 10-15 minutes. This lets the sauce set and infuse the meat with its flavor without drying out or getting too dark.
- Serving: Alternatively, you can serve BBQ sauce on the side. This way, everyone can add their preferred amount of sauce to their plates, giving them control over the flavor.
What To Serve With This Homemade Sauce
It’s worth repeating that you can serve this sauce in so many ways. Here are a few of my favorites:
- Air Fryer Hot Dogs
- Grilled Chicken
- Crock Pot Pulled Pork
- Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
- Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
- Meatloaf Muffins
When To Apply BBQ Sauce When Grilling
As a rule of thumb, BBQ sauce is best used at the end of the cooking process. After the meat has cooked with a good sear to hold in the juices, slather on the sauce during the last 5 minutes it’s on the grill. I turn down the heat, then coat the meat with the sauce so that it will caramelize into a sticky coating.
More Homemade Sauces You’ll Love!
- Alabama White BBQ Sauce
- Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce
- Dr. Pepper BBQ Sauce
- Honey Mustard Sauce
- Grilled Peach BBQ Sauce
Ingredients
- 8 – 10 chicken legs
BBQ Sauce
- 2 cups ketchup
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 3 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon Texas Pete
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Chicken Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon House Seasoning or your favorite barbecue rub
Instructions
BBQ Sauce
- Add all ingredients to a sauce pan and bring up to a boil.
- Reduce heat to medium low and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Let cool slightly then transfer to a clean jar. Will keep in the fridge for about 3 weeks.
Notes
Nutrition
Donya's Top Ten Summer Recipes!
Steal my favorites for a done-for-you menu that packs in the flavor
I make the same BBQ sauce except use apple cider vinegar for the lemon juice. I’ll try using lemon juice as know it will be tasty as well!
Apple cider vinegar is always a great option too! Enjoy. ~Donya
This may be a dumb question, but what is Texas Pete??
Amazing hot sauce.