Ditch the bottled stuff – This easy homemade sweet and smoky BBQ Sauce tastes much better! It’s perfect for marinades and barbecues, or serve as a dip.
why you’ll love this homemade bbq sauce recipe
The big advantage of making your own sauce is there are no hidden additives or nasties – yes, this recipe does contain sugar but at least you know exactly what’s going in it!
Follow this recipe and you’ll end up with a sweet, tangy, sticky sauce that can be used in so many dishes.
You’ll never want to buy bottled sauce again!
How to make sweet and smoky BBQ sauce
It couldn’t be easier! It’s simply a case of placing all the ingredients in a saucepan and simmering the mixture for about 30-40 until slightly thickened. Allow to cool down before serving.
ingredient list
Please scroll to the bottom of this post to find a printable recipe card with ingredient amounts and detailed instructions.
You’ll need a few store cupboard ingredients to make this bbq sauce –
- Tomato Passata
- Cider Vinegar – but you can substitute with any kind of vinegar you have
- Soft dark brown sugar
- Smoked paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Worcestershire sauce
- Dijon mustard
- Tabasco sauce if you like a little heat
This smoky sauce is perfect with grilled chicken, slow cooker pulled pork, sausages or to ring the changes. serve with these beef and chorizo meatballs instead of tomato sauce.
More ideas for using up your homemade BBQ sauce
- Spread it over a pizza base for a bbq chicken pizza
- Make Hunter’s chicken – chicken breasts wrapped in bacon, smothered in bbq sauce and topped with grated cheese. A classic!
- serve as a dip with potato wedges or hassleback potatoes.
Can I make this BBQ sauce in a slow cooker?
Yes you can! Place all the ingredients in a slow cooker/crock pot and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours.
How long does homemade BBQ sauce keep for?
The sauce will keep for up to two weeks in the fridge.
freezing instructions
Spoon the completely cooled sauce into freezer bags, seal and freeze for up to 6 months.
This is the only BBQ sauce you’ll need for your Summer barbecues!
did you make this recipe?
If you make this recipe, please leave a comment and rate the recipe by clicking on the stars in the recipe card. If you have any questions, let me know!
Smoky BBQ Sauce
This homemade sweet and smoky BBQ sauce recipe is much better than anything you can buy! Delicious with chicken, burgers, pulled pork and so much more.
Ingredients
- 500g (2 1/4 cups) Tomato Passata
- 3 tablespoons cider Vinegar
- 100g (1/2 cup) Dark Soft Brown Sugar
- 1/2 tablespoon Dijon Mustard
- 2 tablespoons Smoked Paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Few Shakes of Tabasco Sauce (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Freshly ground Black Pepper
Instructions
- Place the Passata, Cider Vinegar, Dark brown sugar, mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce and tabasco (if using) in a large saucepan.
- Stir well and slowly bring to the boil over a medium high heat.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer gently, uncovered for 30-40 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Pour the sauce into a sterilised jar, seal and when cold, place in the fridge.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 30 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 36Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 71mgCarbohydrates: 8gFiber: 0gSugar: 7gProtein: 1g
Why? Why are you using “grams” for measurements in this recipe?
Hi David, that’s what we use in the UK but if it would help I’m happy to include cup measurements in the recipe card. Have a great day!
Love your recipe used today.
I’m Old school in UK.
I only use cups.
Or if have to weigh, pounds & ounces. I don’t do metric.
I have all my USA cups and have shopping shipped in. 😂. I’m Welsh, a forever wife to my Angel American Vietnam Veteran. Been back in UK 14 years.