Barbecue Sauce From Scratch
A rich, smoky homemade barbecue sauce with fresh tomato flavor, perfect for grilling or dipping, suited for BBQ lovers seeking a bold, tangy condiment.
Ingredients
- 24 large ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped ⓘ
- 2 large onions, chopped
- 2 cups celery, chopped ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped red pepper ⓘ
- 2 hot peppers, cut up ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon peppercorns ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups onions ⓘ
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed ⓘ
- 1 cup vinegar ⓘ
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon salt ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon dry mustard ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon paprika ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon Tabasco sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Chop all vegetables and cook in a large pot until soft, about 30 minutes.
- Press the cooked vegetables through a sieve or food mill.
- Return the sieved mixture to the stove and cook until reduced by half, about 45 minutes.
- Add remaining ingredients to the mixture and let cook.
- Tie peppercorns in a cheesecloth and drop into the mixture to cook.
- Cook all ingredients together for about 1 1/2 hours, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
- When the sauce reaches the desired thickness, pour hot into sterilized jars and seal.
- Process pints in boiling water bath for 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, you can roast the tomatoes and peppers before chopping. If you want a sweeter sauce, consider adding more brown sugar or even a touch of honey. For a vegetarian version, substitute the vinegar with apple cider vinegar and omit any animal-based ingredients. Adjust the heat level by varying the number of hot peppers used.
Serving Suggestions
This barbecue sauce pairs beautifully with grilled meats, such as ribs or chicken, and can also enhance roasted vegetables for a flavorful vegan option. Serve it alongside coleslaw and cornbread for a classic barbecue meal. Try it as a dipping sauce for appetizers like chicken tenders or veggie skewers.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover barbecue sauce in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, consider freezing it in ice cube trays, then transferring the cubes to a freezer bag. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight or gently reheat in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Barbecue Sauce From Scratch contains roughly 1114 calories, with 22g protein, 203g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (263% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (124% of the Daily Value), and iron (114% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1537mg per serving (67% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use canned tomatoes, which can save time. Choose whole or diced tomatoes without added ingredients. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as canned tomatoes are already cooked. Aim for about 2-3 cans for this recipe.
How can I make this sauce less spicy?
To reduce the spice level, simply omit the hot peppers or replace them with a milder pepper, like bell pepper. You can also add more brown sugar to balance the heat. Taste as you cook to achieve your desired level of spice.
Can I can this barbecue sauce for later use?
Yes, this barbecue sauce can be canned. Ensure you follow safe canning practices, including using sterilized jars and processing them in a boiling water bath for the recommended time. Always check seals and refrigerate any jars that do not seal properly.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).