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–+ servings

Homemade Sweet and Smoky Honey BBQ Sauce

Ditch the store-bought bottles and create this smoky-sweet honey BBQ sauce right in your own kitchen. With just a few pantry staples and 30 minutes of your time, you'll have a sauce that perfectly balances tang, sweetness, and that irresistible smoky flavor that makes BBQ so craveable.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 16 servings
Course: Sauce
Cuisine: American
Calories: 65
Ingredients Method Nutrition

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar packed
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon liquid smoke optional, but recommended
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to taste

Method
 

  1. Gather all your ingredients and measure them out before starting.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine the ketchup, honey, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard. Stir until well combined.
  3. Add the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, liquid smoke (if using), and cayenne pepper. Stir well to incorporate all spices.
  4. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Be careful as it may spatter slightly.
  5. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching on the bottom.
  6. The sauce should thicken slightly and develop a deeper, more complex flavor as it simmers.
  7. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
  8. Transfer to a glass jar or airtight container once cooled.

Nutrition

Calories: 65kcalCarbohydrates: 17gSodium: 243mgSugar: 15g
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