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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.
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,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
Scroll down for the ingredient measurements and full instructions.
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.
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.
Comfort Food With A Twist
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