Homemade BBQ sauce is actually quite simple to make. With a few staple ingredients, you can have delish BBQ sauce without having to worry about high fructose corn syrup or any other ingredients you want to avoid.

Why Make Your BBQ Sauce from Scratch?
Reason 1 – Ingredients
One of the most common ingredients in BBQ sauce is high fructose corn syrup. Personally, that is one ingredient I do my best to avoid. BBQ sauce can also contain gums, caramel color, and starches. Making homemade BBQ sauce gives you control over what ingredients you want in your sauce.
Reason 2 – Taste
Homemade anything is going to taste better and homemade BBQ sauce is no exception. The best part about making it from scratch is you control the flavor. Do you like it sweet? Add a little extra brown sugar and maybe even some pineapple juice. Do you like it spicy? Add a little extra kick with your seasonings.
Reason 3 – Cost
When I make BBQ chicken, ribs, or pulled pork at home, BBQ Sauce is one of the main ingredients. I slather it on for flavor and to help keep the meat moist. Needless to say, you can go through it pretty quickly. Since the recipe calls for simple, pantry staple ingredients with just a few exceptions, homemade BBQ sauce is much more cost-efficient than storebought BBQ sauce.

Ingredients:
Original BBQ Sauce Ingredients
- 1 can of tomato sauce (15 ounces)
- 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar
- 1/3 cup of honey
- 1/4 cup of tomato paste
- 1/4 cup of molasses
- 3 tablespoons of worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons of liquid smoke (optional)
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
Additional Ingredients for a Sweet BBQ Sauce
- 1/4 cup of brown sugar
- 1/4 cup of pineapple juice (optional)
Additional Ingredients for a Spicey BBQ Sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon fo cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of oregano
- 1 tablespoon of mustard
- 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
Directions:
Add all of your ingredients to a saucepan and whisk them until they are combined.
Simmer for 8-10 minutes over medium to medium-low heat whisking occasionally.
Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1-2 weeks.
Is Homemade BBQ Sauce Really that Simple?
Yes! Honestly, homemade BBQ sauce is one of the simplest condiments to make from scratch. It is a true dump-and-go recipe. You can have fresh, homemade, “healthy” BBQ sauce on your table in ten to fifteen minutes.
Recipe Card
Homemade BBQ Sauce

With a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious, fresh homemade BBQ sauce!
Ingredients
Original BBQ Sauce Ingredients
- One 15 ounce can of tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar
- 1/3 cup of honey
- 1/4 cup of tomato paste
- 1/4 cup of molasses
- 3 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons of liquid smoke (optional)
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
Additional ingredients for Sweet BBQ Sauce
- 1/4 cup of brown sugar
- 1/4 cup of pineapple juice
Additional Ingredients for a Spicy BBQ Sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of oregano
- 1 tablespoon of mustard powder
- 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
Instructions
1. Add all of your ingredients to a saucepan and whisk them until they are combined.
2. Simmer for 8-10 minutes over medium to medium-low heat whisking occasionally.
3. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1-2 weeks
Enjoy!
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