Homemade Classic BBQ Sauce

Name: Homemade Classic BBQ Sauce
Prep time: 2 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup ketchup; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

A quick and tangy homemade BBQ sauce that turns any grilled meat into a backyard favorite.

By Recipes By Nani· 🌍 American· July 20, 2026

recipesbynani.com

Prep

2 minutes

Cook

8 minutes

Total

10 minutes

Serves

There is truly nothing like the smell of a grill firing up on a warm afternoon. When you have friends and family coming over, having a go to sauce that you can whisk together in just a few minutes makes all the difference.

This simple recipe uses basic pantry staples to create a deep, savory flavor that beats anything from a bottle. It is perfect for brushing onto chicken, ribs, or even just using as a dipping sauce for some crusty sourdough bread.

🧺 Ingredients

1 cup ketchup
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

👩‍🍳Instructions

1
Place all the ingredients into a small saucepan.
2
Whisk everything together until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
3
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring it to a gentle simmer.
4
Let the sauce bubble away for about 5 to 7 minutes while stirring occasionally, which helps the flavors meld together.
5
Remove from the heat and allow the sauce to cool completely before using or storing in the fridge.

💡 Tips

Store your extra sauce in a clean glass jar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If you like a little kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the mix.

#BBQ #grilling #homemade #summer

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