Easy Barbecue Sauce

Transform your backyard barbecue with this irresistibly easy barbecue sauce recipe! Made with pantry staples like ketchup, brown sugar, honey, and a splash of apple cider vinegar, this homemade sauce strikes the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors. With just 5 minutes of prep and a short simmer on the stove, it’s ideal for quick weeknight grilling or weekend cookouts. A hint of smoked paprika, garlic powder, and optional cayenne pepper adds depth and a customizable kick, making this sauce as versatile as it is delicious. Slather it on ribs, brush it over chicken, or use it as a dip—this recipe is your go-to for adding bold, homemade flavor to any dish. Plus, it stores well, so you can always have this crowd-pleaser on hand for your next barbecue feast!

Nutriscore Rating: 59/100

Prep Time:5 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:20 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 1 cup ketchup
• 0.25 cup apple cider vinegar
• 0.33 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 0.5 teaspoon ground mustard
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.125 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 0.25 cup water

Directions

Step 1

In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and water. Stir well to mix.

Step 2

Add the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper. Stir until all the dry ingredients are fully incorporated into the wet mixture.

Step 3

Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or burning.

Step 4

Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and let the sauce cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld together.

Step 5

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—add more brown sugar for sweetness, or a dash more vinegar for extra tang.

Step 6

Remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool slightly. Transfer it to a clean jar or container for storage.

Step 7

Use immediately, or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Warm gently before serving if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	475.1 grams (475.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	574

Total Fat 0.40g	1%
Saturated Fat 0.10g	1%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1222mg	53%
Total Carbohydrate 147.50g	54%
Dietary Fiber 1.70g	6%
Total Sugars 125.20g
Protein 1.40g	3%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 89mg	7%
Iron 2mg	13%
Potassium 370mg	8%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 0.6%

Protein: 0.9%

Carbs: 98.5%