Homemade Hickory Smoked BBQ
Hickory smoked BBQ sauce doesn’t have to come from a bottle. This easy homemade version brings that bold, smoky flavor straight to your kitchen using simple ingredients you already have. In just 20 minutes, you’ll have a thick, sweet, and tangy sauce that tastes like it came off a slow smoker.
Made with pantry staples, this BBQ sauce has the deep flavor of something that simmered all day. It’s smooth, rich, and ready to elevate everything from ribs and pulled pork to grilled veggies and meatballs.
Easy Homemade Hickory BBQ Sauce
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small saucepan, add all the ingredients: ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, chili sauce, garlic powder, mustard powder, liquid smoke, smoked paprika, and onion powder. Whisk until smooth.
- Heat the saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer while stirring occasionally.
- Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 15–20 minutes to deepen the flavor.
- Remove from heat and allow the sauce to cool slightly. It will thicken as it rests.
- Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
Nutrition
Notes
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Let us know how it was!Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Hickory Smoked BBQ Sauce Recipe
- Incredibly Easy
All it takes is one pot and a quick simmer. No fancy steps or special tools required.
- Deep, Complex Flavor
Even a short cooking time brings the ingredients together into a bold, flavorful sauce that tastes homemade in the best way.
- Perfectly Balanced
Sweet, smoky, and tangy blend together without one overpowering the others. Every bite feels just right.
- So Versatile
This sauce works for more than just grilling. Use it as a marinade, a glaze, a dipping sauce, or stir it into baked beans for extra flavor.
“If you love smoky flavors, you might also enjoy the grilled richness of our Crab Stuffed Shrimp Recipe
Hickory Smoked BBQ Sauce Ingredients
1. Ketchup
Provides a smooth, thick tomato base that gives the sauce body and color.
2. Brown Sugar
Adds a rich sweetness and helps with caramelization during cooking.
3.Molasses
Deepens the flavor and gives the sauce that dark, smoky finish.
4.Worcestershire Sauce
Brings a savory, umami kick that makes the sauce taste full and bold.
5.Apple Cider Vinegar
Adds a tangy brightness to cut through the sweetness and balance the flavor.
6.Chili Sauce
Layers in a mild heat with extra depth and spice.
7.Garlic Powder
Gives the sauce a subtle savory warmth without needing fresh garlic.
8.Mustard Powder
Adds a touch of sharpness that enhances the overall taste.
9.Liquid Hickory Smoke
This is the key to the signature smoky flavor, bringing that just-grilled taste to every spoonful.
10.Smoked Paprika
Boosts the smokiness and adds a mild heat with a rich red color.
11.Onion Powder
Rounds out the flavor with a mellow, sweet-savory note.
How to Make Hickory Smoked BBQ Sauce (Step-by-Step)
Step 1
Combine All Ingredients
In a small saucepan, add the ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, chili sauce, garlic powder, mustard powder, liquid smoke, smoked paprika, and onion powder. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and fully blended.
Step 2
Simmer for Flavor
Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally as the mixture comes to a gentle simmer. Once it starts bubbling lightly, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for fifteen to twenty minutes. This step helps the flavors blend and gives the sauce a deeper taste.
Step 3
Cool and Use
Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the sauce to cool slightly. It will thicken as it rests. Once cooled, use it right away or store it for later.
Recipe Variations and Customizations
- For a Spicier Sauce:
Add half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a full tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.
- For a Sweeter Sauce:
Use dark brown sugar instead of light, or stir in an extra tablespoon of molasses for deeper sweetness.
- For a Different Smoke Flavor:
Swap out the hickory liquid smoke with mesquite for a bolder, earthier flavor.
- For a Thicker, Richer Sauce:
Add a tablespoon of tomato paste during cooking to boost the texture and depth.
Expert Tips for Perfect Results
Don’t Boil
Keep the heat at a gentle simmer. High heat can burn the sugars and ruin the flavor through a process called caramelization
Let it Rest
This sauce tastes even better the next day. Make it ahead if you can and let the flavors settle overnight in the fridge.
Taste and Adjust
Before turning off the heat, give the sauce a quick taste. Add more vinegar if you want extra tang, more brown sugar for added sweetness, or a pinch of salt if it needs balance.
Serving Suggestions
Glaze
Brush it onto ribs, chicken, or meatballs during the last few minutes of cooking for a glossy, flavorful finish.
Sandwiches
Add a generous layer to pulled pork, shredded chicken, or brisket sandwiches for extra moisture and taste.
Dipping
Serve it alongside French fries, onion rings, chicken tenders, or even roasted veggies as a bold dipping sauce.
Base
Spread it over pizza dough instead of tomato sauce and top with grilled chicken and red onions for a smoky BBQ chicken pizza.
How to Store Your Homemade Smoked BBQ Sauce
Refrigeration
Let the sauce cool completely after cooking. Pour it into an airtight container or a clean mason jar. Store it in the refrigerator and use it within three weeks for the best flavor.
Freezing
To freeze, transfer the sauce to a freezer-safe jar or bag. Leave a bit of space at the top for expansion. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to six months. Thaw it in the fridge before using.
Did You Try This Hickory Smoked BBQ Sauce?
I’d love to hear how it turned out. What did you serve it with? Was it ribs, pulled pork, or something creative like BBQ pizza? Share your results in the comments and leave a star rating if you enjoyed it. Your feedback helps others and makes this recipe even better.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hickory BBQ Sauce
What does hickory BBQ sauce taste like?
Hickory BBQ sauce has a bold, smoky flavor with a balanced mix of sweet, tangy, and savory notes. The hickory smoke adds depth, making it taste like it came straight off the grill.
How long does homemade BBQ sauce last?
When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, homemade BBQ sauce stays fresh for up to three weeks. For longer storage, freeze it for up to six months.
Is this hickory BBQ sauce spicy?
This version has a mild warmth from the chili sauce and spices, but it’s not overly spicy. You can adjust the heat by adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce if you like it hotter.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use a gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and double-check all labels, this BBQ sauce can be made completely gluten-free.
