Snappy Barbecue Sauce
A tangy, smoky barbecue sauce with a hint of heat, perfect for grilled meats or as a dipping sauce, appealing to those who enjoy bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine catsup, water, vinegar, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, celery seed, and bottled hot pepper sauce.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker sauce, reduce the water slightly or simmer longer. You can substitute apple cider vinegar for a sweeter flavor, or use agave instead of sugar for a vegan alternative. Adjust the hot pepper sauce to your heat preference. This sauce is versatile and can be used in dishes like Georgia Barbecue for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This snappy barbecue sauce is perfect for grilling meats like chicken, ribs, or burgers. It pairs beautifully with Hot Light Potato Salad and can be used as a dipping sauce for fries or veggies. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a refreshing Fruit Juice Medley.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover barbecue sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, simply warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. The sauce can also be reheated in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Snappy Barbecue Sauce contains roughly 123 calories, with 2g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 741mg per serving (32% of the Daily Value).
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 can be made a few days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld and improve over time, making it even tastier when you’re ready to use it.
Is this barbecue sauce spicy?
The spiciness of the sauce depends on the amount of hot pepper sauce you add. Start with just a dash and taste before adding more, so you can adjust it to your desired heat level.
Can I use this sauce for grilling?
Yes, this snappy barbecue sauce works wonderfully for grilling! Brush it on meats during the last few minutes of cooking for a flavorful glaze, or use it as a marinade before grilling for tender, flavorful results.
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).