This Simple BBQ Sauce recipe is quick to make and so much more tasty than any store bought brand. A batch of this easy sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy barbecue sauce is made with ketchup and a few pantry ingredients. It takes only 15 minutes to prepare!
I love making this easy homemade bbq sauce recipe. The ketchup based sauce is always a hit whenever I serve it. It is made with every day pantry ingredients that are combined in a pot on the stovetop. The sweet and tangy sauce is delicious slathered on ribs, chicken, and added to these Barbecue Pork Sliders. It is better than any bottled barbecue sauce from the store!
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BBQ Sauce Ingredients
Check your pantry. I bet you have all the ingredients you need for this homemade bbq sauce.
- ketchup
- apple cider vinegar
- Worcestershire sauce
- hot sauce
- light brown sugar
- mustard
- garlic powder
Is It Cheaper to Make Your Own BBQ Sauce?
Store bought bbq sauce can be expensive! And many times a bottle can can a long list of ingredients with some you may not even recognize. My homemade bbq sauce recipe is less expensive, healthier, and more delicious than anything you can buy at the store!
How to Make BBQ Sauce with Ketchup
- Grab a small saucepan ~ The recipe makes about 3 cups of homemade bbq sauce. A 1 ½ quart pot is perfect for this recipe. Set it on a stovetop burner over medium heat.
- Combine the ingredients ~ Add ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, light brown sugar, mustard, and garlic powder to the pot. Stir to combine the ingredients.
- Bring the sauce to a low boil ~ Continue cooking the sauce over medium heat until it just bubbles.
- Simmer the bbq sauce ~ Turn the heat to low, and simmer the sauce for 10 minutes.
Your homemade bbq sauce is ready to serve!
How to Store Homemade BBQ Sauce
This simple bbq sauce recipe is great to make in advance. After making a batch, allow it to cool. Store in glass mason jars or plastic squeeze bottles in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Tips for Making a Quick and Easy BBQ Sauce
- Don't skip any of the ingredients ~ The combination of all the ingredients perfectly balances the tart, sweet, sour, and salty flavors of the barbecue sauce. Don't leave any out.
- Simmer the bbq sauce ~ Let the sauce simmer for the full 10 minutes. This step helps thicken the sauce to the ideal consistency.
One more thing
Did you try this recipe?
Let me know by leaving a comment and a star rating below. Share it on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook.
Thanks ~ Amy
Recipe
Simple BBQ Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups ketchup
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ cup hot sauce
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Combine the ingredients: In a small pot over medium heat, add the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, light brown sugar, mustard, and garlic powder. Stir to mix the ingredients.
- Cook the sauce: Bring the sauce to a low boil. Then turn the heat to low and simmer the sauce for 10 minutes.
- Serve or store the sauce: The bbq sauce is ready to serve. It can also be cooled and stored in airtight containers for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
Video
Notes
- Don't skip any of the ingredients ~ The combination of all the ingredients perfectly balances the tart, sweet, sour, and salty flavors of the barbecue sauce. Don't leave any out.
- Simmer the bbq sauce ~ Let the sauce simmer for the full 10 minutes. This step helps thicken the sauce to the ideal consistency.
Nutrition
Jamie says
This sauce is so simple and delicious! I love how it's made with just a few ingredients that I always have in my pantry!
Amy Casey says
Yes! I got many requests for the recipe over the Memorial Day weekend when I served it with my brisket sandwiches ~ https://amycaseycooks.com/brisket-sandwich/
Jessica says
I wish I would've known sooner how simple it is to prepare homemade bbq sauce. It turned out so good and I love that you can make adjustments to taste. Thanks for opening my eyes!
Amy Casey says
You are so welcome Jessica!
Veronika says
This was my first time making homemade BBQ sauce. It came out amazing and was so easy to follow the instructions! Going to make another batch this weekend for out BBQ cookout party!
Amy Casey says
So glad you enjoyed my recipe 🙂
Veronika says
You can never go wrong with a good BBQ sauce but I usually buy mine. This one was so easy to make and turned out really delicious! I'll only be making my own from now on!
Sean says
This was a wonderfully flavorful sauce and easy to make. Much better than store-bought.
Amy Casey says
Thanks Sean! I think so too.
Natalie says
I made this for my dads birthday barbecue party, and the guests loved it. And my dad of course, thanks!
Amy Casey says
Thanks for sharing Natalie. Happy birthday to your Dad!
Kate says
I like how easy this is to make without a million ingredients! And these are all things I keep in my kitchen anyways so I can make it without having to plan ahead 🙂
Amy Casey says
Yes! That's why I love this recipe. Along with the fantastic flavor. Thanks for your comment Kate.
Gloria says
Just the kind of recipe we need for grilling season. Skip the bought stuff. Make this instead. So much better.
Amy Casey says
So true Gloria!
Marta says
I'm all about simplicity sometimes, and this BBQ sauce recipe truly delivered on simplicity of prep, but was over-the-top on flavor. We loved it so much.
Amy Casey says
So glad you enjoyed my recipe Marta 🙂