Southern Barbecue Sauce

Dive into the bold, tangy, and slightly smoky flavors of homemade Southern Barbecue Sauce that will elevate your grilling game to the next level. Made with pantry staples like ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar, this easy-to-make sauce strikes the perfect balance of sweetness, acidity, and spice. Molasses lends a deep, rich sweetness, while smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a hint of liquid smoke (optional) create that signature Southern smokiness. In just 35 minutes, including prep and cook time, you’ll have a versatile and mouthwatering sauce perfect for slathering on ribs, brisket, or grilled chicken. This recipe is a surefire hit, with customizable heat from hot sauce and a glossy finish that clings beautifully to your favorite barbecue dishes. Ideal for summer cookouts or adding a Southern twist to weeknight dinners, this barbecue sauce keeps well in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Nutriscore Rating: 61/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 16

Ingredients

• 2 cups ketchup
• 0.5 cups apple cider vinegar
• 0.5 cups, packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons molasses
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoons kosher salt
• 0.5 cups water
• 0.5 teaspoons liquid smoke (optional)

Directions

Step 1

In a medium saucepan, combine the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and water. Stir well to combine.

Step 2

Add the brown sugar, molasses, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce to the saucepan. Stir until the brown sugar is dissolved.

Step 3

Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and kosher salt. Stir to incorporate the spices evenly into the mixture.

Step 4

Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 20 minutes. Continue to stir occasionally to ensure it doesn’t burn.

Step 6

If using, add the liquid smoke during the last 5 minutes of cooking to enhance the smoky flavor.

Step 7

Once the sauce has thickened slightly and the flavors have melded, remove the saucepan from the heat.

Step 8

Allow the barbecue sauce to cool to room temperature. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 9

Serve warm or at room temperature with your favorite grilled or smoked meats. The sauce will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(838.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	677.9

Total Fat 6.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 0.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3532.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 156.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 1.7g	0%
Total Sugars 118.3g
Protein 1.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 156.1mg	0%
Iron 4.8mg	0%
Potassium 1041.8mg	0%

*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: 8.4%

Protein: 0.7%

Carbs: 90.9%