Sweet & Spicy BBQ Sauce Recipe

5 from 1 vote

This easy homemade barbecue sauce is the perfect balance of sweet and heat. It goes great with pork belly burnt ends, chicken sandwiches, smoked ribs, and more!

Prep Time10

Cook Time30

Total Time40

Course: Sauce

Cuisine: American, Barbecue

Servings: cups

Calories: 423kcal

½ onion finely chopped
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cups ketchup
1 cup tomato sauce
6 tablespoons brown sugar packed (light or dark brown sugar)
½ cup apple cider vinegar
¼ cup molasses
¼ cup honey
¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons yellow mustard
1 tablespoon chipotle chili powder
2 teaspoons granulated garlic (reduce the amount by half if using garlic powder)
2 teaspoons coarse black pepper
Diamond Crystal kosher salt to taste

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium-high heat.
Sauté onion until translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the liquid ingredients: ketchup, tomato sauce, apple cider vinegar, molasses, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and yellow mustard.
Add light brown sugar, chipotle chili powder, black pepper, and granulated garlic. Mix well to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to medium heat and simmer.
Simmer until the sauce reaches your desired thickness, stirring occasionally.
Once the sauce is ready, pour it into clean jars and allow it to cool to room temperature before sealing.

Cool leftover BBQ sauce to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container or jar. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.