Homemade B~B~Q Sauce

Cook: 5 min Cuisine: American

A rich homemade barbecue sauce with a smoky, sweet, and spiced flavor profile, perfect for grilling, dipping, or topping meats and vegetables. Suitable for casual gatherings and family meals.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 1 teaspoon garlic salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients together in a pan.
  2. Cook for 5 minutes.
  3. Pour into a container and refrigerate.
  4. Use as barbecue sauce or steak sauce.

Tips & Substitutions

For an extra kick, consider adding a tablespoon of hot sauce or smoked paprika to the mix. If you don't have liquid smoke, you can achieve a similar flavor by using smoked paprika or omitting it entirely. Brown sugar can be substituted with honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile. Chopped garlic can also replace garlic salt for more fresh flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This homemade BBQ sauce is perfect for grilling meats like chicken, ribs, or burgers. It can also be drizzled over roasted vegetables, such as those found in Oven Pepper Roast, or used as a dipping sauce for appetizers. For a refreshing side, consider pairing it with Congealed Tomato Salad for a delightful contrast.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover BBQ sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. To reheat, simply warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, to avoid overheating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Homemade B~B~Q Sauce contains roughly 369 calories, with 1g protein, 74g carbohydrates, and 8g fat.

369 kcal 18% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.5g 3% DV
Total Fat 8.2g 10% DV
Carbs 74.4g 27% DV
Fiber 0.4g 1% DV
Sugar 66.4g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 140.5mg 6% DV
Potassium 125.5mg 3% DV
Cholesterol 1.5mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0.4mcg
Vitamin C 0.3mg
Calcium 106.6mg 8% DV
Iron 0.9mg 5% 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 use this BBQ sauce for marinating?

Absolutely! This sauce works wonderfully as a marinade for meats. Simply coat your choice of protein and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least an hour, or overnight for deeper flavor. Just remember to reserve some sauce for glazing while cooking.

Is it possible to make this BBQ sauce vegan?

Yes, you can easily make this BBQ sauce vegan by ensuring that the Worcestershire sauce you use is vegan-friendly, as some brands contain anchovies. The other ingredients are naturally vegan, making it a great option for those following vegan recipes.

How can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?

If you find the sauce too sweet, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar or add a splash of vinegar to balance the flavors. Apple cider vinegar or even a bit of lemon juice can add acidity, which helps cut through the sweetness and enhance the overall taste.

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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