One-Half Gallon Barbecue Sauce

Cook: 5 min Cuisine: American

A tangy and sweet barbecue sauce with vinegar, A.1. sauce, and rich butter, perfect for grilling, dipping, or glazing meats and vegetables for a bold flavor.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1/2 gal. vinegar
  • 3/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 stick butter
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 2 Tbsp. A.1. Sauce
  • 1 Tbsp. lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup salt
  • 1/4 cup pepper
  • 1/4 cup ketchup

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients together in a saucepan.
  2. Bring to a boil and cook for 5 minutes before using.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using apple cider vinegar instead of regular vinegar. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can increase the sugar or add a touch of molasses. For a spicy kick, incorporate cayenne pepper or hot sauce. This barbecue sauce pairs perfectly with grilled meats or as a dipping sauce for Friendship Pretzels.

Serving Suggestions

This barbecue sauce is fantastic on grilled chicken, ribs, or burgers. Serve it alongside classic sides like coleslaw or My 'Sweet' Cornbread for a complete meal. You can also use it as a marinade for meats before grilling. For a unique twist, drizzle it over roasted vegetables for added flavor.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover barbecue sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, freeze the sauce in ice cube trays and transfer the cubes to a freezer bag. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of One-Half Gallon Barbecue Sauce contains roughly 674 calories, with 5g protein, 99g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (44% of the Daily Value) and iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2131mg per serving (93% of the Daily Value).

674 kcal 34% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5.1g 10% DV
Total Fat 20g 26% DV
Carbs 99.1g 36% DV
Fiber 3.1g 11% DV
Sugar 73.3g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2130.6mg 93% DV
Potassium 796.1mg 17% DV
Cholesterol 51.2mg 17% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 40.7mcg 5% DV
Vitamin C 39.9mg 44% DV
Calcium 183.1mg 14% DV
Iron 3.9mg 22% DV
Diet fit 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 adjust the sweetness of the barbecue sauce?

Absolutely! You can reduce the sugar to make it less sweet or add more if you prefer a sweeter taste. Adjusting the sugar content will also alter the thickness, so keep that in mind as you mix.

Is this sauce suitable for vegetarian diets?

Yes, this barbecue sauce is vegetarian-friendly. However, if you want to make it vegan, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter.

How do I make this sauce spicier?

To add some heat, consider mixing in cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or your favorite hot sauce. Start with a small amount and adjust to your heat preference to achieve the perfect balance.

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).

American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →