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–+ servings
A wooden spoon stirring rich, dark homemade hickory smoked BBQ sauce as it simmers in a black cast iron pot.
Callie Brooks

Easy Homemade Hickory BBQ Sauce

This smoky, tangy, and sweet homemade hickory BBQ sauce is packed with bold flavor and ready in just 20 minutes. Made with pantry staples, it’s perfect for glazing ribs, pulled pork, grilled vegetables, and more — no grill required!
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Condiment
Cuisine: American
Calories: 60
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp molasses
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp chili sauce
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp mustard powder
  • 1 tsp liquid hickory smoke
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp onion powder

Equipment

  • small saucepan
  • whisk
  • airtight jar or container

Method
 

  1. 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.
  2. Heat the saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer while stirring occasionally.
  3. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 15–20 minutes to deepen the flavor.
  4. Remove from heat and allow the sauce to cool slightly. It will thicken as it rests.
  5. Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.

Nutrition

Calories: 60kcalCarbohydrates: 15gSodium: 290mgPotassium: 100mgSugar: 12gVitamin A: 100IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.3mg

Notes

For extra heat, stir in cayenne or hot sauce. For a richer sauce, add tomato paste. Letting the sauce rest overnight in the fridge will deepen its flavor. Make a double batch and freeze it for up to 6 months!

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