Summer is coming! Or so I’m told. Michigan is still giving us plenty of reason to doubt that statement. Last week we had snow, freezing rain, sleet, tons of rain, and just a tiny sneak peek of sunshine. It was a weather rollercoaster, and I’m ready to get off that ride and step into sunshine-land. How long it takes: 25 minutes Equipment you’ll need: small saucepan, measuring utensils Servings: Makes 1¾ cups. With summer comes lots of grilling and BBQ. I’m excited to fire up my Traeger more frequently and grill as much as possible. Now, I won’t lie to you, and it probably won’t come as a surprise, but I do sometimes buy barbecue sauce. I’m a girl that’s all about shortcuts. But, if you want to control exactly what you’re eating and maybe not pay the big bucks for high-quality store-bought barbecue sauce, this BBQ sauce recipe is the way to go. Side note: I just typed QQB instead of BBQ and now I’m thinking maybe I need some C-O-F-F-E-E. I’m blaming the lapse of brain function on the rain. I’m blaming everything on the rain. Sometimes I blame things on my kids, but they’re not home right now, so it’s definitely the rain.
About this Recipe
This BBQ sauce is packed full of sweet heat and is great on chicken, pulled pork, ribs, barbecue chicken pizza, BBQ chicken salad, and anything else that you’d normally sauce up with BBQ. It has a touch of smokiness from chipotle chili powder, and like many of my recipes, it’s customizable so you can make it perfect for you.
What’s in the BBQ Sauce
Tomato Sauce + Ketchup: This is a tomato based barbecue sauce. There are other types that have more of a mustard/vinegar base, and even one that has a mayonnaise base. A tomato-based BBQ sauce is probably the most familiar. Brown Sugar + Molasses: Provides the rich sweetness that’s characteristic of this BBQ sauce. Apple Cider Vinegar: Just a bit of vinegar balances the sweetness with a little tang and acid. Worcestershire Sauce: So I can practice spelling it. Oh yeah, and to add depth to the flavor. Spice Party! Included are Dry Mustard, Chipotle Chili Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper, and Cayenne.
Make it your own
Use light brown sugar instead of dark brown sugar if that’s all you have. You could add an additional tablespoon or two of molasses in this case. Or try a different type of sweetener, or a blend. A little maple syrup is really tasty in BBQ sauce. Don’t have chipotle chili powder or don’t want to buy it just for this recipe? I totally understand that. You can substitute regular chili powder. If you do this, I’d consider using smoked paprika instead of sweet paprika so you still get the smokiness that chipotle chili powder adds. Speaking of paprika, if you want it extra smoky like it just came out of the smoker, try using smoked paprika instead of sweet paprika, regardless of what type of chili powder you choose to use. If you want to make this with no ketchup, substitute tomato sauce. You may need to add some extra vinegar and/or sugar to compensate for the flavor of the ketchup. Let your taste buds be your guide. Cayenne: Add more! Add less! You’re the boss. Remember it’s easy to add more later and a little goes a long ways. Start with a little and add more after you taste the sauce. You can’t take it out once it’s in there. Try this cherry chipotle BBQ sauce for a sweet and spicy sauce. Looking for a BBQ rub? Try this easy homemade BBQ rub. It’s perfect for smokers and ribs.
Storage Tips
How long does homemade barbecue sauce last? This is a very common question I get with recipes like this. I get it a lot for my pickled red onions, too. This BBQ sauce will last for a couple weeks in your fridge, maybe more. Put it into a small jar with a lid or a tightly covered bowl. Quite honestly, it will be good ’til it gets moldy. Then you’ll know it’s not good anymore and it’s time to toss it. I can’t wait to hear how you guys use the BBQ sauce recipe – what’s your favorite thing to barbecue?
More Ways to use Barbecue Sauce
Try homemade BBQ sauce on fall-off-the-bone Instant Pot ribs or slow cooker ribs! It’s great on Instant Pot shredded chicken, these fun turkey tenders, or yummy slow cooker pulled pork. Dress up air fryer drumsticks or thighs with BBQ sauce. Have you ever tried salmon with BBQ sauce? So good! I love to dip air fryer French fries in barbecue sauce, and air fryer chicken nuggets, too!
