There’s nothing like a homemade BBQ sauce to take your grilling to the next level. Whether you’re slathering it on ribs, chicken, or veggies, this homemade BBQ sauce brings the perfect balance of sweetness, tang, and spice. Made with simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, it’s easy to whip up and will make your next BBQ unforgettable.

Ingredients:

1 ½ cups brown sugar
1 ½ cups ketchup
½ cup red wine vinegar
½ cup water
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 ½ tablespoons dry mustard
2 teaspoons paprika
2 teaspoons salt
1 ½ teaspoons black pepper
2 dashes hot pepper sauce (adjust to taste)

Instructions:

1. Combine Ingredients in a Blender: In a blender, add brown sugar, ketchup, red wine vinegar, water, and Worcestershire sauce. These ingredients form the base of your BBQ sauce, offering sweetness, tanginess, and umami.

2. Add Seasonings: Sprinkle in dry mustard, paprika, salt, black pepper, and a couple of dashes of hot pepper sauce. The mustard and paprika provide depth of flavor, while the hot sauce adds a subtle kick. Adjust the amount of hot sauce to match your preferred spice level.

3. Blend Until Smooth: Blend everything until the sauce is smooth and well-combined. This is the easiest step—just hit the button and let the blender work its magic.

4. Optional: Heat for Enhanced Flavor: For an even more intense flavor and a thicker texture, transfer the sauce into a small pot. Bring it to a boil over medium heat, then simmer for 1 minute. The heat will concentrate the flavors and give the sauce a richer texture.

5. Cool and Store: Let the sauce cool completely before transferring it to a resealable container. A 32-ounce ketchup bottle is the perfect size to store it in. Keep it in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade BBQ Sauce:

Sweet & Tangy: The balance of brown sugar and vinegar gives the sauce its signature flavor, making it perfect for grilled meats and vegetables.
Customizable Spice: Adjust the hot pepper sauce to your liking—add more for a fiery kick or less for a mild sweetness.
Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients and a blender, this BBQ sauce comes together in minutes. No complicated steps, just delicious results!

Tips for Using Your Homemade BBQ Sauce:

Grilled Meats: Use this sauce as a glaze for grilled chicken, ribs, or steak. Brush it on during the last few minutes of grilling to create a caramelized, flavorful coating.
Dipping Sauce: Serve it as a dipping sauce for fries, onion rings, or grilled veggies.
Marinade: Use this BBQ sauce as a marinade for your meats before cooking. The tangy vinegar and sweet sugar help tenderize and flavor your proteins.

Final Thoughts:

There’s something incredibly satisfying about making your own BBQ sauce from scratch. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a sauce that’s bursting with flavor, perfect for any cookout or casual dinner. Whether you’re a grilling pro or a BBQ beginner, this homemade BBQ sauce will quickly become your go-to recipe for all things smoky, sweet, and savory.

Enjoy and happy grilling! 🍖🔥