Homemade Sweet BBQ Sauce

I have been making this homemade sweet BBQ sauce for years now, and it’s always a hit in my family!

There are delicious variations of BBQ sauce out there, but this Sweet BBQ Sauce is my go-to and all-time favorite! It’s so versatile – use it as a condiment, dipping sauce, marinade, and so much more.

Homemade is great because you can make it exactly how you like it. I like my BBQ sauce on the sweeter, and less tangy or vinegary side. It’s quick and easy, and also make-ahead and freezer-friendly!

BBQ sauce is such a staple in the United States. In fact, I don’t know anybody that doesn’t keep a bottle of barbecue sauce in their fridge at all times. It’s a must, especially during the summer grilling season!

This is the best sweet BBQ sauce for ribs! Whenever I make my Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs, I always make sure I have a big batch in the fridge. It’s also great for chicken. I use it all the time to make my Barbecue Chicken Salad and Spatchcock BBQ Chicken.

While store-bought sauces are super convenient, sometimes you just can’t find exactly what you want. Teriyaki sauce and this one are two kinds of sauces I like making at home.

The great thing about making your own barbecue sauce at home is that you can make it exactly how you like it. I personally like mine on the sweeter and less vinegar-y side, so that it’s not too overpowering.

You only need a handful of ingredients. Making sweet BBQ sauce is as easy as combining everything and simmering for just 20 minutes until thickened.

Jump to:

• A Little Background on BBQ Sauce
• Ingredient Notes
• Step-by-Step Tutorial
• Make Ahead, Storage, and Freezing
• What to Serve with BBQ Sauce
• Recipe FAQs
• Tips for Success
• Homemade Sweet BBQ Sauce

A Little Background on BBQ Sauce

There are so many ways to spell it: BBQ sauce, barbecue, barbeque…Regardless, we can agree on one thing: It’s DELICIOUS!

It is such a common condiment in the US that we don’t often think about its origins. Some trace it back to the 17th century in America’s colonial era. Over time, each region across the country has developed their own styles of barbecue sauce.

It is especially a true staple in the South. You’ll find several regional variations, such as Kansas City Style, Memphis Style, Carolina Style, and so much more. I’ve even seen more creative kinds like blueberry barbecue sauce.

Regardless of the region, the things that most BBQ sauces have in common are they have some sweetness (often from brown sugar or molasses), as well as acidity and tanginess (from vinegar). And of course, you can’t miss the ketchup, although some use tomato sauce too.

Ingredient Notes

Here are the ingredients I used to make my favorite sweet BBQ sauce. Per usual, the ingredient quantities can be found in the recipe card down below.

• Ketchup: This is the base ingredient! It adds body, flavor, and acidity from the tomatoes.
• Apple cider vinegar: Adds that classic tangy flavor profile.
• Dark brown sugar and molasses: Both add sweetness, color, and consistency.
• Worcestershire sauce: This is the secret ingredient that adds dimension and incredible flavor.
• Dijon mustard: Most barbecue sauces have a mustard-y flavor. I like to use dijon but regular yellow mustard is fine too.
• Seasonings: Smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper
• Water: Just a little bit so that the sauce isn’t too overpowering.

Step-by-Step Tutorial

Making this sweet BBQ sauce is super easy and it comes together in no time! You can have the best BBQ sauce in under 25 minutes.

Step 1 | Combine all ingredients

Use a small 2-quart saucepan. Stir all the ingredients and combine.

Step 2 | Simmer

Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat. Simmer over low heat for about 20 minutes, uncovered, until thickened to taste. To prevent the bottom from burning, stir every few minutes.

As it simmers, taste it and adjust to taste. How are a few guidelines:

• Sweeter: Add more brown sugar.
• Thicker and sweeter: Add more molasses and ketchup, and simmer down 5 additional minutes.
• More acidic: Add more vinegar.
• Thinner: Add more water, a few tablespoons at a time.
• More flavor: Add more Worcestershire sauce or dijon mustard.
• Smokier: Add more smoked paprika. You may also use a dash of liquid smoke.

Step 3 | Let cool and store

If storing for later, let the prepared sweet BBQ sauce cool completely before transferring it to a container. I like to use mason jars or glass jars, as long as they have an airtight lid.

Make Ahead, Storage, and Freezing

Make ahead and store in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 2 weeks. Let it cool completely first. Mason jars work best.

You can also freeze it! I never actually thought about freezing BBQ sauce until recently when I made a huge batch for recipe testing, and let me tell you…it freezes pretty well! Freeze in a freezer-friendly container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.

You may also divide it up in smaller portions using Souper Cubes – this way, you can thaw smaller portions faster.

What to Serve with BBQ Sauce

The possibilities are endless! This is such a versatile sauce and condiment. Here are some of my favorites ways to serve it:

• Ribs, ribs, ribs! These tender Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs go perfectly with sweet BBQ sauce.
• With chicken: Try my spatchcocked BBQ Chicken or BBQ Chicken Salad. Really, you can use it with a simple grilled chicken or pulled chicken.
• Make pulled pork or pulled chicken sandwiches with it. And don’t forget to make a side of this easy Stovetop Mac and Cheese!
• On pizza: I like to drizzle this Hawaiian Pineapple Pizza with the sauce. So good!
• Burgers: Slather some sweet BBQ sauce on a classic American Burger or Hawaiian Burger!
• Use it as a dip for Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets, or Roasted Potato Wedges.

If you’re a fan of homemade sauces, give these a try: Tzatziki Sauce, Romesco, Chimichurri, Homemade Teriyaki Sauce, and Avocado Crema.

Recipe FAQs

This recipe was originally published in 2020 and updated in May 2023 to include new photos and information.

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