Made From Scratch Sweet and Zesty BBQ Sauce

This made from scratch sweet and zesty bbq sauce combines tomato sauce with apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, honey, and savory spices to create a deliciously rich sauce that will be a hit at your family bbq!

Homemade BBQ sauce is much better than store bought in the fact that it has elevated flavor and is free from additives and preservatives. My version is delightfully tangy and mildly sweet. It pairs well chicken, ribs, brisket, and even steak!

Ingredients in this BBQ Sauce

• Tomato Sauce
• Apple Cider Vinegar
• Brown Sugar
• Honey
• Worcestershire Sauce
• Smoke Paprika
• Mustard Powder
• Garlic Powder
• Salt
• Pepper
• Hot Sauce

Made From Scratch Sweet and Zesty BBQ Sauce Instructions

Place all of the ingredients in a medium sized sauce pan. Stir well to combine and heat to a simmer on medium-low heat. Stirring occasionally, continue to simmer for 10-15 minutes or until sauce has reached your desired thickness. Serve immediately, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze for later.

Tips for Success

• Use Smoked Paprika rather than regular paprika. This creates a crucial flavor note in this recipe and it can be found at almost any grocery store. You can also find it here. If you want even more smokiness in the taste, add a small splash of liquid smoke.
• Use Frank’s Red Hot sauce in this recipe for a little heat however if you are sensitive to spice or are serving this to the kids, feel free to omit it. It will still be delicious!
• Simmer on low heat. If you heat too high you will make a big splatter mess on your stove! I definitely learned this from experience 😅

Recipe Variations

• Spicy BBQ Sauce– Add up to a tbsp of hot sauce or 1/2 top crushed red pepper flakes.
• Extra Smoky BBQ Sauce– Double the smoked paprika or add a tsp of liquid smoke.
• Maple BBQ Sauce– Substitute 1/4 Cup Maple Syrup for the honey.

This Made from Scratch Sweet and Zesty BBQ sauce is particularly good on smoked meats, especially pork and chicken. Try it on smoked ribs or grilled chicken. Mix it in shredded pork for a delicious pulled pork sandwich or use it to make unforgettable chicken wings!

I sure do hope you love it as much as we do! Please let me know what you think! If you are craving the perfect dessert, try my FAVORITE chocolate chip cookies!