15 BBQ Sauce Recipes You’ll Love to Try

15 BBQ Sauce Recipes You’ll Love to Try

ByCook Maniac Team Reading Time: 11 minutes

Barbecue sauce is a beloved staple that can elevate your meals, whether you’re grilling outdoors or cooking inside. This article will provide a variety of BBQ sauce recipes that can cater to different tastes and preferences. From tangy to sweet, there’s a perfect sauce waiting for you.

A wooden table with various ingredients such as tomatoes, garlic, vinegar, and spices laid out next to a bowl of homemade BBQ sauce

No matter what type of barbecue you are preparing, the right sauce can make all the difference. You’ll find recipes that are easy to follow and packed with flavor, ensuring your grilled dishes are a hit at any gathering.

1) Classic Kansas City BBQ Sauce

A bottle of Classic Kansas City BBQ Sauce surrounded by ingredients like tomatoes, vinegar, brown sugar, and spices on a wooden cutting board

Kansas City BBQ sauce is thick, sweet, and full of flavor. It’s known for its rich blend of ingredients that give it a unique taste. You can use it on a variety of meats, including ribs and chicken.

To make this sauce, you’ll need ketchup, molasses, vinegar, and spices. The combination creates a balanced sweet and tangy flavor. It’s perfect for summer cookouts and gatherings with friends.

Making your own BBQ sauce is simple. You can adjust the sweetness or heat based on your taste. This sauce is sure to be a hit at your next barbecue.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/2 cup molasses
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Cooking Instructions

  1. In a saucepan, combine all the ingredients.
  2. Heat over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
  3. Stir well until mixed.
  4. Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Let cool, then store in a jar.

2) Spicy Chipotle BBQ Sauce

A sizzling skillet of BBQ sauce simmers over a smoky grill, infused with chipotle peppers and spices. Smoke billows upwards as the rich, spicy aroma fills the air

Spicy Chipotle BBQ Sauce adds a smoky and sweet flavor to your grilled dishes. This sauce is great with chicken, ribs, or pulled pork. The blend of chipotle peppers and brown sugar creates a delicious balance.

To make this sauce, you will need a few simple ingredients. The recipe is easy and perfect for both backyard BBQs and casual dinners at home.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. In a saucepan, combine all the ingredients.
  2. Cook on medium heat for about 15 minutes, stirring often.
  3. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to your taste.
  4. Remove from heat and let it cool before serving.

3) Alabama White Sauce

A bottle of Alabama White Sauce sits on a rustic wooden table next to a basting brush and a pile of grilled chicken

Alabama white sauce is a unique barbecue sauce that stands out from the usual tomato-based options. It features a creamy mayonnaise base, which gives it a smooth texture. You’ll find a tangy flavor from vinegar and a bit of heat from black pepper.

This sauce pairs wonderfully with grilled or smoked chicken, but don’t hesitate to try it with pork or even as a dipping sauce for wings. Its bright taste can change how you enjoy barbecue!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon brown mustard
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon horseradish
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients.
  2. Whisk them together until smooth.
  3. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
  4. Serve it right away or refrigerate for a few hours to let the flavors meld.

4) Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce

A bottle of Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce surrounded by fresh ingredients like mustard, vinegar, and spices on a wooden cutting board

Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce has a unique tangy flavor that stands out. This sauce mixes mustard with sweet and spicy ingredients, making it perfect for grilled meats. It’s popular in South Carolina and adds a tasty twist to your barbecue.

To make it, you combine yellow mustard, honey, brown sugar, and vinegar. This blend creates a delightful balance of flavors. You can also add hot sauce for some extra kick.

This sauce can be used on pulled pork, chicken, or ribs. It’s simple to whip up and elevates your meals with that distinct Carolina taste.

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup yellow mustard
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • Hot sauce (optional)

Cooking Instructions

  1. In a saucepan, combine all the ingredients.
  2. Stir well to mix everything.
  3. Heat over medium heat until warm (about 160°F or 70°C).
  4. Simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
  5. Let cool before serving.

5) Memphis-Style BBQ Sauce

A colorful array of ingredients being mixed in a bowl, surrounded by spices and herbs. Smoke rises from a grill in the background

Memphis-style BBQ sauce is known for its balance of sweet and tangy flavors. It often features a tomato base with a good amount of vinegar, making it perfect for various meats. This sauce enhances the taste of dishes like pulled pork, ribs, and grilled chicken.

You can easily make this sauce at home. It usually combines ketchup, vinegar, onion, and spices. The result is a tasty addition to your next barbecue meal.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/3 cup finely chopped onion
  • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon ground mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Cooking Instructions

  1. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft.
  3. Stir in ketchup, vinegar, mustard, salt, and cayenne.
  4. Simmer on low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve warm.

6) Honey Bourbon BBQ Sauce

A sizzling skillet of honey bourbon BBQ sauce bubbling and caramelizing over a grill

Honey Bourbon BBQ Sauce combines sweetness with a smoky flavor. This sauce is perfect for grilling chicken, pork, or beef. You’ll love how it enhances your BBQ dishes.

To make this sauce, gather your ingredients and get ready to mix. Its rich flavor comes from honey and bourbon, adding a nice twist to your meals.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup bourbon
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine all the ingredients.
  2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
  3. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  5. Remove from heat and let it cool before serving.

7) Smoky Mesquite BBQ Sauce

A thick, rich smoky mesquite BBQ sauce being poured over a sizzling hot grill

Smoky Mesquite BBQ Sauce adds a rich, bold flavor to your grilled foods. This sauce is perfect for meats like chicken, ribs, and pulled pork. The unique taste comes from mesquite wood, giving dishes a delicious smoky touch.

To make this sauce, you will need a mix of sweet, tangy, and spicy ingredients. It pairs well with fries and roasted veggies too, making it versatile for any meal.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup tomato puree
  • 1/2 cup onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • 1-2 serrano chiles, chopped
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Combine the tomato puree, onion, garlic, ginger, orange zest, and serrano chiles in a saucepan.
  2. Heat over low until it simmers.
  3. Stir in brown sugar, vinegar, and smoked paprika.
  4. Cook for 1 to 1.5 hours until it thickens, stirring occasionally.
  5. Add salt to taste. Enjoy!

8) Peach BBQ Sauce

A peach tree branch laden with ripe fruit, surrounded by jars of ingredients and a simmering pot of peach BBQ sauce on a stovetop

Peach BBQ sauce is a delicious way to add a sweet and tangy flavor to your dishes. It pairs well with chicken, ribs, and even grilled vegetables.

To make this sauce, start by cooking chopped peaches, garlic, and onions. You can use fresh or frozen peaches for convenience.

Add ingredients like ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and a bit of mustard to create a balanced flavor. Adjust the spices according to your taste.

This sauce can be served as a glaze for grilled meats. Brush it on during the last few minutes of cooking for a tasty finish.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups chopped peaches
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon mustard
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 onion, chopped

Cooking Instructions

  1. Cook garlic and onion in a saucepan over medium heat for about 3 minutes.
  2. Add chopped peaches and cook until soft.
  3. Stir in ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and mustard.
  4. Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Blend if you prefer a smoother consistency.

9) Coffee-Infused BBQ Sauce

A steaming pot of coffee sits beside a bubbling pot of BBQ sauce, with the rich aroma of coffee beans filling the air

Coffee-infused BBQ sauce brings a unique twist to your grilling experience. The rich flavor of coffee pairs well with tangy and sweet ingredients. You’ll love using this sauce on meats like beef and chicken.

For this recipe, you’ll combine strong coffee with classic BBQ sauce components. This will enhance the taste and add a deep, complex flavor. It’s great for marinating or as a dipping sauce.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup brewed coffee
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Stir well to mix.
  3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  4. Remove from heat and let cool before using.

10) Keto-Friendly BBQ Sauce

A bottle of keto-friendly BBQ sauce surrounded by fresh herbs and spices on a wooden cutting board

Making a keto-friendly BBQ sauce is simple and delicious. You can enjoy it without the added sugars that traditional sauces usually have.

Start with sugar-free ketchup as your base. You might also want to add a sugar-free maple syrup for sweetness. This gives you that rich flavor while keeping the carbs low.

For extra flavor, include spices like garlic powder, onion powder, and a bit of mustard. These ingredients will balance out the sweetness and add depth to your sauce.

Feel free to adjust the flavors to your liking. You can make it sweeter or tangier depending on your taste.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup sugar-free ketchup
  • 1/4 cup sugar-free maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon mustard

Cooking Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients.
  2. Stir until well blended.
  3. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  4. Store in the fridge for up to a week.

11) Apricot BBQ Sauce

A bowl of apricot BBQ sauce being drizzled over a sizzling grill

Apricot BBQ sauce is a tasty blend of sweet and tangy flavors. It’s perfect for grilling chicken, pork, or using as a dipping sauce.

To make this sauce, you’ll use apricot jam as the base. This gives it a rich sweetness that pairs well with savory meats. Add some apple cider vinegar for a little zing.

You can also include spices like garlic powder and onion powder. These add depth and enhance the overall flavor. Some recipes suggest adding chili powder for a kick.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup apricot jam
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix the apricot jam and apple cider vinegar.
  2. Add garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder.
  3. Stir until well combined.
  4. Season with salt and pepper to taste and enjoy!

12) Garlic Jalapeño BBQ Sauce

A grill sizzling with juicy meat slathered in Garlic Jalapeño BBQ Sauce, surrounded by vibrant vegetables and a bottle of the homemade sauce

Garlic Jalapeño BBQ Sauce adds a delicious kick to your meals. This sauce blends sweet, spicy, and savory flavors, making it perfect for grilling.

To start, you will need fresh jalapeños, garlic, brown sugar, and your favorite BBQ sauce as a base. Combine these ingredients to create a unique flavor that enhances any dish, especially chicken and ribs.

Ingredients

  • 2-3 fresh jalapeños, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Cooking Instructions

  1. In a small skillet, sauté the chopped jalapeños and minced garlic over medium heat for 3-4 minutes.
  2. Mix in the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar.
  3. Simmer the mixture on low heat for about 10 minutes.
  4. Let it cool and store in an airtight container. Enjoy!

13) Cilantro Lime BBQ Sauce

A bowl of cilantro lime BBQ sauce being drizzled over grilled chicken

Cilantro lime BBQ sauce adds a fresh twist to your grilled meats. The combination of tangy lime and vibrant cilantro enhances any dish. It’s perfect for chicken, fish, or even veggies.

You’ll need lime juice, fresh cilantro, garlic, and your favorite BBQ sauce. The zest of lime balances the richness of the sauce, offering a delightful flavor.

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup lime juice
  • 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce

Cooking Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix the lime juice and BBQ sauce together.
  2. Stir in the chopped cilantro and minced garlic until well combined.
  3. Allow the sauce to sit for at least 30 minutes in the fridge for the flavors to blend.
  4. Use it with your favorite grilled meats or veggies.

14) Vegan BBQ Sauce

A colorful array of fresh vegetables and fruits, alongside a variety of herbs and spices, all surrounding a large bowl of homemade vegan BBQ sauce

Making vegan BBQ sauce is simple and fun. You can create a flavorful sauce that suits your taste easily at home. It’s perfect for barbecues, grilled veggies, and sandwiches.

Start with ketchup as your base for a tangy flavor. Mix in soy sauce and your choice of sweetener, like maple syrup or brown sugar. Add smoked paprika and a splash of apple cider vinegar for that smoky kick.

Feel free to adjust the spices based on what you enjoy. You can even blend in some mustard for an extra punch!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup or brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Cooking Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan.
  2. Heat over medium heat until warm.
  3. Stir occasionally for about 5 minutes.
  4. Taste and adjust flavors as desired.

15) Cherry Coke BBQ Sauce

A grill with a steaming saucepan of cherry coke BBQ sauce simmering over hot coals

Cherry Coke BBQ Sauce is a fun twist that adds a sweet and tangy flavor to your grilled dishes. This sauce blends sweet cherries with the classic taste of cola, making it great for ribs, chicken, or pulled pork.

You can use either fresh or frozen pitted cherries for this recipe. The combination of cherries and cola offers a unique taste that pairs well with various meats.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup cherry cola
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Combine all the ingredients in a medium saucepan.
  2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
  3. Then, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally.
  4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool before using.

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