Country Barbecue Sauce
A smoky, sweet, and tangy barbecue sauce with rich tomato flavor, perfect for grilling or as a dipping sauce, appealing to both casual and serious barbecue lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook chopped onion in oil until tender.
- Stir in tomato sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, salt, and dry mustard.
- Bring to a boil; reduce heat.
- Simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes, stirring frequently.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a smoked paprika or even a splash of liquid smoke. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, increase the brown sugar or substitute with honey. For a spicier kick, add more chili powder or a dash of cayenne pepper. If you're out of Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce can be a suitable substitute.
Serving Suggestions
This Country Barbecue Sauce is perfect for slathering on grilled meats like chicken, ribs, or burgers. It pairs beautifully with Cristy'S Festive Baked Beans for a classic barbecue spread. Serve it alongside coleslaw and cornbread for a full meal, or use it as a dipping sauce for appetizers like chicken tenders.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover barbecue sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. It can also be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Avoid boiling to maintain the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Country Barbecue Sauce contains roughly 297 calories, with 2g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (16% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (13% of the Daily Value), and iron (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1300mg per serving (57% 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 make this barbecue sauce ahead of time?
Yes, this sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Making it in advance allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, enhancing the overall taste. Just remember to reheat it gently before serving.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the ingredients in this Country Barbecue Sauce are vegetarian-friendly. If you want to ensure it remains vegan, check that the Worcestershire sauce you use does not contain anchovies, as many brands offer vegan versions.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?
To adjust the sweetness, you can either increase the amount of brown sugar or add a bit of honey or maple syrup. If you want a less sweet sauce, reduce the brown sugar, and balance with a bit more vinegar to maintain the tangy flavor.
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).