Sauces · Pantry staple
Homemade BBQ Sauce
A sweet-tangy brown-sugar barbecue sauce for marinating, basting, grilling, or dipping.
1½ cupsmakes5 minprep10–15 mincook2–3 weekskeeps
From Dianne's kitchen
A sauce worth keeping on hand
This easy homemade sauce brings sweet, tangy, smoky flavor to chicken, ribs, grilled meats, and sandwiches.
Let it chill for a few hours—or overnight—for even deeper flavor.
What you'll need
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons paprika or smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2–3 teaspoons bourbon, optional
Step by step
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir and bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Cool, then refrigerate in a jar or airtight container.
Dianne's kitchen tip
Customize the heat
Add garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, or pepper flakes to make the sauce your own.