5 BBQ Sauce Recipes You Need in Your Life, Like, Yesterday
Because plain ketchup on the grill? Girl, that’s not it. We're bringing the heat, the sweet, and the sticky-fingered glory with these finger-lickin' homemade BBQ sauces that’ll make you the saucy queen of summer (and beyond). Bonus: you probably already have half this stuff in your kitchen. Let’s gooo!
1. Classic Sassy Sweet BBQ Sauce
This one’s your ride-or-die. Sweet, tangy, and just the right kick of sass.
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Simmer it all in a saucepan for 10–15 mins until thick and glossy. Slather on everything.
2. Spicy Honey Chipotle BBQ
Sweet and spicy, like your bestie with no chill.
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo (minced)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp onion powder
- A squeeze of lime juice
Simmer to bring the heat and brush it on grilled chicken, shrimp skewers, or ribs. Warning: totally addictive.
3. Balsamic Bourbon BBQ Sauce
She’s rich. She’s deep. She’s a little extra. And we love her for it.
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 cup tomato sauce or ketchup
- 1/4 cup bourbon (or apple juice for a no-booze option)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Let it simmer low and slow until it thickens into pure magic. Killer on steak or brisket.
4. Carolina Gold Mustard BBQ Sauce
Tangy, golden, and straight-up fabulous.
- 1/2 cup yellow mustard
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne (optional, if you like it spicy)
- Dash of hot sauce
Whisk it up and boom—it’s BBQ meets honey mustard on steroids. Perfect for pulled pork or grilled sausages.
5. Pineapple Jalapeño BBQ Sauce
Sweet meets heat with a tropical twist. Sunshine in a sauce, baby.
- 1 cup crushed pineapple (with juice)
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1–2 minced jalapeños (you decide the sass level)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
Simmer, blend if you want it smooth, and get ready to slather it on grilled chicken, kebabs, or shrimp tacos. Oh yes.
Whip these up, bottle them if you’re feeling fancy, and let the backyard BBQ domination begin.
Now grab those tongs and claim your throne, Sauce Boss!
