🍳DailyRecipes
Dinner

Easy Homemade BBQ Sauce

A simple and smoky barbecue sauce that tastes much better than anything from a store bottle.

By Daily Recipes Book· 🌍 American· July 14, 2026
Easy Homemade BBQ Sauce
dailyrecipesbook.com
Prep
5 minutes
Cook
15 minutes
Total
20 minutes
Serves
8

There is nothing quite like the smell of homemade barbecue sauce simmering on the stove. This recipe is a favorite in my kitchen because it uses basic pantry ingredients to create a bold, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with grilled meats or crispy chicken wings.

Since this comes together in less than thirty minutes, it is my go to choice for last minute cookouts. If you want a deeper flavor, let the sauce cool completely before you serve it, as this helps all those spices really settle into the base.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1

    Add all of the ingredients into a small saucepan.

  2. 2

    Whisk everything together until the sugar is fully dissolved.

  3. 3

    Place the pan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

  4. 4

    Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce cook for about 10 to 15 minutes while stirring occasionally.

  5. 5

    Remove the pan from the heat once the sauce has thickened to your liking.

  6. 6

    Allow the sauce to cool before using or storing.

💡 Tips

Store your leftover sauce in a clean glass jar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. It tastes even better the next day after the spices have had time to meld together in the fridge.

#bbq sauce#homemade#easy recipe#grilling#vegetarian

Made this recipe? Let us know how it went.

You might also like