The Ultimate Award Winning BBQ Sauce Recipe That Will Transform Your Grilling

Looking for an award winning BBQ sauce recipe that will make your neighbors beg for the secret? This championship-worthy Kansas City-style barbecue sauce combines the perfect balance of sweet, smoky, tangy, and spicy flavors that have earned it blue ribbons at countless competitions. The best part? You can make this restaurant-quality sauce right in your home kitchen!

Award Winning BBQ Sauce in a glass bowl with a basting brush

Why This Championship BBQ Sauce Will Become Your Secret Weapon

What makes a truly great barbecue sauce? It’s all about balance. This recipe delivers rich, complex flavors while maintaining that classic Kansas City-style profile—thick, sweet, and with just enough heat to keep things interesting. Whether you’re slathering it on ribs, chicken, brisket, or even using it as a dipping sauce, this versatile condiment elevates everything it touches.

The Perfect Blend of Sweet and Heat

This sauce starts with a ketchup base but quickly transforms into something extraordinary with the addition of brown sugar for sweetness, apple cider vinegar for tang, and a carefully selected blend of spices that create depth without overwhelming your palate. The touch of liquid smoke gives you that authentic pit-master flavor, even if you’re cooking indoors!

Ingredients for Championship-Caliber BBQ Sauce

2 cups ketchup
2 cups tomato sauce
1 1/4 cups brown sugar
1 1/4 cups red wine vinegar
1/2 cup unsulphured molasses
4 teaspoons hickory-flavored liquid smoke
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon celery seed
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect BBQ Sauce

Gather all ingredients and measure them out before starting. This mise en place approach ensures smooth preparation.
In a large saucepan, combine ketchup, tomato sauce, brown sugar, red wine vinegar, and molasses. Stir thoroughly until combined.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer while stirring occasionally.
Add the liquid smoke and butter, stirring until the butter is completely melted and incorporated.
In a small bowl, mix all dry ingredients: garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, paprika, celery seed, cinnamon, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.
Add the spice mixture to the saucepan and whisk thoroughly to ensure there are no lumps.
Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.
The sauce should thicken slightly and develop a glossy appearance. If it becomes too thick, add a tablespoon of water to adjust consistency.
Remove from heat and allow to cool for about 15 minutes.
Transfer to glass containers or jars for storage. The flavor improves after resting overnight in the refrigerator.

Pro Tips for Competition-Level Results

Patience is key – A slow simmer allows the flavors to meld perfectly without burning the sugars.
Customize your heat level – Start with less cayenne if you prefer a milder sauce, then taste and adjust.
Bottle age matters – This sauce is good immediately but becomes truly outstanding after 24-48 hours of refrigeration.
Apply at the right time – For grilling, apply during the last 15 minutes of cooking to prevent burning.
Save some for serving – Always keep some sauce warm for tableside additions.

The Perfect Pairing: What to Serve with Your Award Winning Sauce

This versatile BBQ sauce is the perfect companion for:

Slow-smoked ribs – Apply multiple layers during the final hour of smoking
Pulled pork sandwiches – Mix into the meat or serve on the side
Grilled chicken – Brush on during the last few minutes of grilling
Brisket – Serve on the side to preserve that beautiful bark
Burgers – Add a dollop just before serving
Dipping sauce – Perfect for french fries, onion rings, or smoked wings

Storage and Shelf Life

This award winning BBQ sauce recipe will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container. For longer storage, you can freeze portions in ice cube trays, then transfer the frozen cubes to freezer bags for up to 3 months. This makes it easy to thaw just the amount you need for your next cookout.

Why This BBQ Sauce Stands Above the Rest

Unlike store-bought alternatives, this homemade sauce contains no artificial preservatives, corn syrup, or mysterious “natural flavors.” You control every ingredient that goes into it, resulting in a cleaner, more authentic flavor profile that truly represents traditional American barbecue heritage.

Nutritional Information

Per 2 tablespoon serving:

Calories: 46 kcal
Carbohydrates: 10 g
Protein: 0 g
Fat: 1 g
Saturated Fat: 0 g
Cholesterol: 1 mg
Sodium: 219 mg
Sugar: 8 g
Fiber: 0 g

FAQs About Making Award Winning BBQ Sauce

Can I make this sauce less sweet?

Absolutely! Reduce the brown sugar by up to half for a less sweet profile. You may want to adjust the vinegar accordingly to maintain balance.

How can I make a spicier version?

Easy! Double the cayenne pepper or add a teaspoon of your favorite hot sauce. For serious heat lovers, add some finely minced habanero or ghost pepper.

Is this sauce gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check your individual ingredients, particularly the liquid smoke and molasses, to ensure they’re certified gluten-free if needed.

Can I can this sauce for long-term storage?

Yes! Process in a water bath canner for 15 minutes (adjust for altitude) using proper canning procedures for shelf-stable storage up to a year.

The Secret to Award-Winning BBQ: It’s All in the Sauce

Whether you’re entering a barbecue competition or just wanting to impress at your next backyard gathering, this award winning BBQ sauce recipe delivers championship results every time. The perfect balance of sweet, tangy, smoky, and spicy elements creates a sauce that will have everyone asking for your secret. Remember, great barbecue isn’t just about the meat—it’s about the love you put into every element, especially that signature sauce!

Recipe adapted from Big Al’s K.C. Bar-B-Q Sauce