Debbie'S Famous Barbecue Sauce

Prep: 5 min Cuisine: American

Debbie's Famous Barbecue Sauce offers a rich, tangy flavor with hints of smokiness and sweetness, perfect for basting grilled meats or as a table condiment. Its bold taste complements a variety of dishes and is ideal for summer barbecues or casual cookouts with family and friends.

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Ingredients

  • 28 oz. bottle Heinz ketchup
  • 4 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 tsp. onion powder
  • dash of cayenne pepper
  • 1 tsp. hickory smoke flavoring
  • 3 Tbsp. cider vinegar
  • heaping 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
  2. Adjust seasoning to taste, especially vinegar and spices.
  3. Warm the sauce in a microwave or saucepan before serving.
  4. Use as a basting sauce on all meats or as a table condiment.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding smoked paprika or adjusting the cayenne pepper to your spice preference. If you don't have hickory smoke flavoring, liquid smoke can be a great substitute. Feel free to replace cider vinegar with apple cider for a sweeter note or use white vinegar for more tang. This sauce can also be modified for a vegan version by ensuring all ingredients are plant-based.

Serving Suggestions

Debbie's Famous Barbecue Sauce is perfect for basting on grilled meats like chicken, ribs, or pork. It also serves wonderfully as a condiment for burgers or hot dogs. Pair it with My Grandmother'S Slaw(No Fat - Low Calorie) for a refreshing contrast or serve alongside Onion-Roasted Potatoes(1993 Taster'S Luncheon) to complete your meal. This versatile sauce is sure to please at any barbecue gathering.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover barbecue sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze it in small portions. To reheat, simply microwave in short intervals or warm gently in a saucepan until heated through, stirring occasionally to maintain an even temperature.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Debbie'S Famous Barbecue Sauce contains roughly 105 calories, with 1g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 521mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).

105 kcal 5% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1g 2% DV
Total Fat 0.9g 1% DV
Carbs 25g 9% DV
Fiber 1.7g 6% DV
Sugar 20.5g 41% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 521.4mg 23% DV
Potassium 176.4mg 4% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 104.4mcg 12% DV
Vitamin C 4.3mg 5% DV
Calcium 32.4mg 2% DV
Iron 0.8mg 4% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat

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 in advance?

Absolutely! This sauce actually tastes better after it sits for a day or two, allowing the flavors to meld together. Just prepare it ahead of time, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to use it.

How can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?

If you prefer a sweeter sauce, simply add more brown sugar to taste. Conversely, if you want to decrease the sweetness, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar or add a splash more vinegar to balance the flavors.

Is this sauce suitable for vegetarians or vegans?

Yes, this sauce can easily be made vegetarian or vegan by ensuring that all ingredients, especially the Worcestershire sauce, are plant-based. Many brands offer vegan Worcestershire sauce, so just check the label before using.

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).

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