4.98 from 48 votes

Total 15

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Make the best homemade BBQ sauce without ketchup and with simple pantry staples. It's tangy, sweet, and perfect for grilled or smoked meats!

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Every time I make this homemade BBQ sauce, my partner says—and I quote—“This is the only barbecue sauce we ever need.” And he’s not just being nice. This sauce is savory, sweet, and mildly spicy—everything you want in a rich, luscious barbecue sauce. Best of all? There’s no ketchup involved. That alone makes it a top-tier choice for true condiment lovers.

Table of Contents hide

1) Why you'll love this recipe

2) BBQ Sauce Recipe Ingredients

3) How to make your own bbq sauce

4) Recipe tips

5) Serving ideas for homemade barbecue sauce

6) 📖 Recipe

7) Best Homemade BBQ Sauce (Without Ketchup)

Why you'll love this recipe

No ketchup needed—just real ingredients and real flavor.
Perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike.
Built from pantry staples you probably already have.
Sweetened naturally with honey and molasses (no corn syrup here!).
Delivers bold, smoky flavor that tastes better than store-bought.
You’re in charge of the salt and sweetness—no surprises.
Thick, glossy texture that sticks beautifully to meat.
Budget-friendly and ready when you are.
Transforms pulled pork, BBQ chicken, burgers, and more.

BBQ Sauce Recipe Ingredients

This easy homemade BBQ sauce is built from pantry staples—no ketchup, no hard-to-find ingredients.

Unseasoned tomato sauce – Forms the base of the sauce, adding tangy flavor and body. Skip the pre-seasoned versions for best results.
Apple cider vinegar – Adds subtle acidity and a natural sweetness that gives barbecue sauce its signature zing.
Honey – Naturally sweetens the sauce and balances the smoky, savory flavors of grilled or smoked meats.
Molasses – Deepens the flavor with rich, dark sweetness and a hint of smokiness.
Worcestershire sauce – Optional, but adds salty, savory depth and umami.
Paprika – I use Hungarian paprika for a sweet, mellow warmth. For a spicier kick, try hot paprika.
Onion powder – Adds classic BBQ flavor without any chopping.
Garlic powder – Rounds out the flavor. Feel free to adjust to your garlic-loving heart’s content.
Chili powder – Just a touch adds warmth and complexity, without overpowering heat.
Black pepper + sea salt – Finish the sauce with seasoning you can control.

bbq sauce ingredients labeled in glass bowls

How to make your own bbq sauce

Making BBQ sauce from scratch is as simple as heating everything together in a saucepan. It’s rich, flavorful, and so easy—you’ll wonder why you haven’t done it sooner.

Start by adding all the ingredients to a saucepan. Whisk them together, then set the pan over medium heat.

person's hand is whisking bbq sauce ingredients in white saucepan

Simmer the sauce for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This gives the spices time to dissolve and the flavors to meld. As it cooks, the sauce will naturally thicken. If it gets too thick, just whisk in a splash of water to loosen it up.

person's hand is whisking bbq sauce in white saucepan

That’s it! Once you taste this scrumptious, savory sauce, you might never go back to the bottled kind again.

Recipe tips

Tomato sauce vs. purée: Tomato purée makes a slightly thicker sauce, while tomato sauce is a bit looser. Either works—just simmer to your preferred consistency.
Ingredient swaps: No tomato sauce? Use a homemade tomato sauce substitute. You can also swap honey with brown sugar using a 1:1 ratio.
Simmer patiently: Since this BBQ sauce is made without ketchup, the flavor and thickness come from reducing it on the stove. Stir occasionally so it doesn’t stick.
Adjust the texture: Simmer longer for a thicker sauce, or add a splash of water to thin it out.
Taste and adjust: Add more vinegar for extra tang, more sweetener if you prefer it sweeter, or a pinch of cayenne or chipotle for heat.
Make it ahead: The flavor gets better after a day or two in the fridge, so feel free to make it in advance.
Storage tips: Let the sauce cool completely, then refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.

Serving ideas for homemade barbecue sauce

Homemade barbecue sauce is the perfect match for Slow Cooker Pulled Pork, letting the flavor soak into every bite.
Add a generous spoonful of sauce to Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork for a bold, tender, and quick-cooking crowd favorite.
Use it to coat Shredded Chicken for sandwiches, grain bowls, or wraps packed with barbecue flavor.
Drizzle it over Pulled Pork Sliders to take these mini sandwiches to the next level.
It’s also delicious served with Air Fryer Chicken Breast—just slice, sauce, and enjoy for a fast and flavorful meal.

📖 Recipe

barbecue sauce in glass jar being scooped up with a spoon

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