Hickory B~B~Q Sauce

Prep: 5 min Cook: 30 min Cuisine: American

A smoky, tangy barbecue sauce with rich tomato and vinegar flavors, perfect for grilling and dipping, appealing to lovers of bold, homemade BBQ sauces.

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Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cups tomato ketchup
  • 1/2 cup cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoke flavoring
  • 2 tablespoons worcestershire sauce
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon liquid hot pepper sauce

Instructions

  1. Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat.
  2. Add chopped onion and cook until tender.
  3. Add tomato ketchup, cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoke flavoring, worcestershire sauce, chili powder, and hot pepper sauce.
  4. Cook on low for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Tips & Substitutions

For a deeper flavor, consider adding a dash of liquid smoke or smoked paprika. If you don't have cider vinegar, white vinegar or apple cider can work as substitutes. You can adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing the liquid hot pepper sauce. This Hickory B~B~Q Sauce is versatile, perfect for marinades or as a condiment for recipes like Easy To Make Rolls or grilled meats.

Serving Suggestions

This Hickory B~B~Q Sauce is fantastic slathered on grilled chicken or ribs. Serve it alongside dishes like Sliced Baked Potato for a complete meal. It also enhances the flavor of burgers and sandwiches, making it a great addition to summer cookouts. Pair it with coleslaw or corn on the cob for a classic BBQ experience.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover BBQ sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. It can also be frozen for longer storage; just pour it into a freezer-safe bag and lay flat. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently, until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Hickory B~B~Q Sauce contains roughly 564 calories, with 3g protein, 130g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (25% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 528mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).

564 kcal 28% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.8g 6% DV
Total Fat 6.8g 9% DV
Carbs 130.4g 47% DV
Fiber 5.6g 20% DV
Sugar 118.4g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 527.7mg 23% DV
Potassium 481mg 10% DV
Cholesterol 7.5mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 222.5mcg 25% DV
Vitamin C 0.4mg
Calcium 154.9mg 12% DV
Iron 3.7mg 20% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Milk

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 BBQ sauce ahead of time?

Yes, this sauce can be made in advance. In fact, making it a day or two ahead allows the flavors to meld, resulting in a richer taste. Store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to use it.

How can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?

You can modify the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar. For a healthier alternative, consider using honey or maple syrup. Taste as you go to achieve your desired sweetness.

Is this sauce suitable for vegetarian diets?

Yes, this Hickory B~B~Q Sauce is vegetarian-friendly since it contains no meat products. Just ensure that the Worcestershire sauce you use is vegetarian, as some brands may contain anchovies.

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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