Description
A delicious homemade honey BBQ sauce that will transform your grilling with its perfect blend of sweetness, smokiness, and spices. Much tastier than store-bought versions!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup ketchup (preferably without high fructose corn syrup)
- 1/2 cup honey (local wildflower honey offers more complex flavors)
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar (light or dark)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons molasses (for depth and richness)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30–45 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the ketchup, honey, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and molasses. Stir well to combine.
- Incorporate the Dijon mustard, brown sugar, smoked paprika, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper. If using liquid smoke, add it now.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cook uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- After simmering, taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Need more sweetness? Add a tablespoon of honey. Want it spicier? A bit more cayenne will do the trick.
- Remove from heat and let the sauce cool for about 30 minutes. Transfer to a glass jar or airtight container.
Notes
- For a less sweet version: Reduce honey to 1/4 cup and omit the brown sugar.
- Low sodium version: Use low-sodium ketchup and reduce salt to 1/4 teaspoon.
- To make it spicier: Double or triple the cayenne pepper amount.
- Gluten-free version: Make sure to use a certified gluten-free Worcestershire sauce.
- The sauce will thicken slightly as it cools.
- Apply the sauce during the last 10 minutes of grilling to prevent burning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 48
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 0.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.1g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Protein: 0.2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: honey BBQ sauce, homemade barbecue sauce, grilling sauce recipe, sweet smoky sauce, meat condiment