Sweet Savory Tailgating Rub

Elevate your grilling game with this Sweet Savory Tailgating Rub, a harmonious blend of bold spices and a touch of sweetness that’s perfect for your next backyard barbecue or game-day feast. This quick and easy homemade spice rub combines brown sugar, smoky paprika, garlic, cumin, and a hint of cayenne for a flavor profile that’s equal parts smoky, sweet, and spicy. Ideal for ribs, chicken, pork, or steak, this versatile rub transforms any meat into a taste sensation when grilled, smoked, or baked. Ready in just 10 minutes and made with pantry staples, it’s the ultimate seasoning mix for tailgating pros and casual grillers alike. Store it in an airtight container for up to three months, so you're always prepared for flavor-packed meals.

Nutriscore Rating: 52/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:10 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 1 tablespoon granulated garlic
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon dry mustard

Directions

Step 1

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, paprika, granulated garlic, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and dry mustard.

Step 2

Stir the ingredients together with a whisk or fork until all the spices are evenly mixed and no lumps remain.

Step 3

Transfer the prepared rub to an airtight container or mason jar.

Step 4

Store the rub in a cool, dark place for up to 3 months. Shake or stir before each use to ensure the spices remain evenly distributed.

Step 5

Generously apply the rub to your choice of meats such as ribs, chicken, pork shoulder, or steak before grilling, smoking, or baking for maximum flavor. Massage the rub into the meat to help it adhere better and enhance every bite!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(80.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	253.7

Total Fat 3.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 0.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1893.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 57.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 12.0g	0%
Total Sugars 28.4g
Protein 5.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 183.5mg	0%
Iron 8.7mg	0%
Potassium 724.3mg	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: 10.8%

Protein: 8.4%

Carbs: 80.8%