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–+ servings

Award Winning Kansas City BBQ Sauce

A championship-caliber Kansas City-style BBQ sauce that combines sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors for the perfect balance. This award winning BBQ sauce recipe is easy to make at home but delivers professional results.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 48 servings
Course: Sauce
Cuisine: American
Calories: 46
Ingredients Method Nutrition

Ingredients
  

  • 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

Method
 

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

Nutrition

Calories: 46kcalCarbohydrates: 10gFat: 1gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 219mgSugar: 8g
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