Ronnie'S Barbecue Sauce

Cook: 20 min Cuisine: American

Rich, smoky barbecue sauce with a tangy-sweet flavor profile, perfect for grilling, dipping, or topping meats, appealing to family gatherings and outdoor cookouts.

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Ingredients

  • 26 oz bottle catsup (Heinz)
  • 2 Tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 stick margarine
  • 1 small onion
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • 4 tsp A-1 sauce (optional)
  • 3 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 to 2 Tbsp liquid smoke
  • 2 tsp vinegar
  • 2 Tbsp sugar
  • 2 Tbsp Karo syrup

Instructions

  1. In a saucepan, mix catsup and mustard before heating to prevent mustard from curdling.
  2. Place over low to medium heat.
  3. Add margarine and let it melt.
  4. Add chopped onion, salt, pepper, A-1 sauce (optional), Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke.
  5. Vary the quantity of liquid smoke and Worcestershire sauce as desired for flavor.
  6. Mix in vinegar, sugar, and Karo syrup.
  7. Let simmer over low heat for at least 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using homemade catsup or a specialty brand. If you want a healthier option, substitute margarine with olive oil or coconut oil. Adjust the sugar and Karo syrup according to your sweetness preference, or use honey as a natural alternative. Adding a pinch of smoked paprika can enhance the smoky flavor without extra liquid smoke.

Serving Suggestions

This barbecue sauce is perfect for slathering on grilled meats like chicken, ribs, or burgers. It also pairs beautifully with Reba'S Lazy Dump Cake for dessert, providing a sweet ending to a savory meal. Serve it alongside classic sides like coleslaw or baked beans for a complete barbecue experience.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover barbecue sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Ronnie'S Barbecue Sauce contains roughly 345 calories, with 4g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2426mg per serving (105% of the Daily Value).

345 kcal 17% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.9g 8% DV
Total Fat 6.9g 9% DV
Carbs 61.2g 22% DV
Fiber 2.2g 8% DV
Sugar 49g 98% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2426.1mg 100% DV
Potassium 440.8mg 9% DV
Cholesterol 6.3mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 13.3mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 27.3mg 30% DV
Calcium 131.1mg 10% DV
Iron 3.2mg 18% 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 ahead of time?

Absolutely! This sauce actually tastes better after sitting for a day as the flavors meld together. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to use.

Is it possible to make this sauce vegan?

Yes, you can easily make a vegan version by substituting margarine with a plant-based butter and ensuring that your Worcestershire sauce is vegan-friendly. Many brands offer vegan options.

How can I adjust the heat level of this sauce?

To add heat, incorporate some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to taste. Start with a small amount and gradually increase until you reach your desired spiciness.

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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