Ingredients
1 can tomato sauce (15 ounces)
1 can tomato paste (6 ounces)
1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
1/4 cup molasses
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/8-1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional but encouraged
Directions
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Place all the ingredients in a medium saucepan. Stir. If you have a splatter screen, you might want to place it over the top. Otherwise, you can partially cover the pot with a lid. This BBQ sauce is quite chatty and likes to sputter.
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Call your mom. Hang out. Contemplate the universe. Enjoy your life for 10 minutes.
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Every few minutes, stir again. Barbecue sauce will thicken as it continues to simmer. Your kitchen will start to smell tantalizing.
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Stir. Taste. Adjust. Taste some more because SO GOOD.
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SLATHER ON EVERYTHING.
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Recipe Adaptations
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Homemade Spicy BBQ Sauce. The recipe as written is more spicy-sweet than truly spicy, so if you prefer a BBQ sauce with a serious kick, I’ve included the option to add some cayenne.
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Homemade Honey BBQ Sauce. Simply swap the maple syrup for the same amount of honey.
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Bourbon Barbecue Sauce. Add 1/4 to 1/3 cup bourbon whiskey with the tomato sauce (the more you add, the stronger the taste will be). Cook as directed, extending the simmer time for a bit if the bourbon flavor is too strong.
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How to Store and Freeze Barbecue Sauce
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To Store. Store leftovers in an airtight storage container in the refrigerator for about 7 days. Since it is not loaded with preservatives, homemade barbecue sauce will go bad faster than store bought barbecue sauce.
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To Freeze. Yes, you can freeze barbecue sauce! Place the sauce in an airtight freezer-safe storage container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
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Ribs. You can use this homemade BBQ sauce for pulled pork and for ribs (including these Crockpot Ribs and Instant Pot Ribs).
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Salad. I love using this sauce to make my favorite BBQ Chicken Salad.
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Chicken. This is a delicious BBQ sauce recipe for chicken recipes like these Maple Bourbon Crock Pot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches. Or this Crock Pot BBQ Chicken (just add the sauce, plus chicken breasts or thighs to your slow cooker, and dinner cooks itself!). It would also be yummy brushed over grilled chicken breasts.
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Meatballs. Brush it over these Baked Turkey Meatballs for a different flavor spin.
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Recommended Tools to Make BBQ Sauce at Home
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Mason Jars. Both the smaller size and larger size are ideal for storing BBQ sauce. And, this option is great for big batches.
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Saucepan. Ideal for preparing this homemade sauce.
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Measuring Spoons. These are double-sided, so there are less dishes wash.
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In a medium saucepan, stir together all of the ingredients: tomato sauce, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, molasses, Worcestershire, smoked paprika, dry mustard, garlic, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
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Cover with a lid slightly ajar so that the pot is mostly covered to deter splattering, but steam can still escape and the sauce can reduce. Let cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens, about 10 to 15 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired. Enjoy immediately or let cool and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.