Ever thought about how a simple blend of ketchup, brown sugar, and molasses could turn into something unexpectedly bold? This smoky, sweet sauce is it! At first, itโ€™s sweetโ€”then, out of nowhere, the bold flavors hit.  Perfect for your next barbecueโ€”but honestly, youโ€™ll want to slather it on everything

Two jars of BBQ sauce rest on a rustic table, with a spoon nearby showing traces of the thick, smoky, and tangy sauce

Do not forget to check out my Chefs Tips and Wine Pairings sections below!

Think your BBQ is good? Wait till this sauce gets involvedโ€”things are about to heat up in the best way possible. Okay, you ready? This homemade BBQ sauce is gonna have everyone thinking you’ve got some secret up your sleeveแ…ณbut really, it’s all in the flavors 

This sauce? This sauce!? It might seem sweet at first, but give it a secondแ…ณthe smoky depth hits, followed by a kick you didn’t expect. Perfect for today’s meal, or honestly, any excuse to fire up the grill. 

Tomato ketchup, cider vinegar, and just the right amount of brown sugarแ…ณsweet to start, then the spices take over with a surprising kick

BBQ newbie or pitmaster pro, this sauce is a breeze to make and turns any dish into the BBQ favorite. 

If you want to skip ahead, you can just Jump to Recipe

A collection of BBQ sauce ingredients sits on a rustic wooden table: ketchup, apple cider vinegar, molasses, brown sugar, spices, and Worcestershire

Why this works

  1. Balanced Flavors: Tomato ketchup and apple cider vinegar bring that tangy kick. Brown sugar, honey, and molasses add sweetness. Sweet and tangy in just the right wayแ…ณit keeps things interesting
  2. Deep Flavors: We enrich the sauce with Worcestershire and optional liquid smoke. Spices like garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika are added. They bring a smoky depth, followed by a gentle warmth that builds, making each flavor richer and more layered
  3. Customize It: You can tailor this recipe to your liking. Prefer it sweeter? Add more honey. A little extra flavor? This sauce brings just the right amount of, umph! Use extra vinegar? Go for it Chef!
  4. Perfect Thickness: Simmering helps the sauce thicken. It ensures the sauce clings well to food. This process brings out deeper flavors, giving your BBQ dishes a little extra something – something amazing? Yes, yes to that! To learn more about thickening a sauce here is an awesome article: The Online Grill – how to thicken sauce
  5. Easy to Make: Making this sauce is straightforward. Just combine all ingredients in a pan and simmer – easy peasy. No complex steps involved.
  6. Stays Fresh: Vinegar and sugar extend the sauce’s fridge life. It stays fresh for weeks, always on hand to make any BBQ even better.
BBQ sauce ingredients are combined in a saucepan: ketchup, spices, molasses, and vinegar, ready to simmer into a rich, flavorful blend

Take It to the Next Level

  • Layered Heat with a Kick: Add chipotle peppers or smoked hot paprika for a subtle, smoky heat that builds over time. Add just a pinch of cayenneแ…ณit brings a touch of heat that deepens the smoky flavors, without taking over
  • Umami Boost: Just a splash of soy sauce or a spoonful of miso will amp up those deep, savory flavors. Now you are letting the sweetness come through without overwhelming the balance.
  • Fruit Twist for Sweetness: Add pineapple juice or pureed peaches for a natural sweetness that complements the smoky and spicy elements. It adds depth to the sauce, making the flavors more balanced
  • Bourbon-Infused Smokiness: Add a splash of bourbon for that smoky caramel edgeแ…ณrich, a little sweet, and bold enough to make your sauce stand out in the best way. It refines your BBQ sauce, bringing out richer flavors
  • Herb Infusion: Toss in some finely chopped thyme or rosemary to bring an earthy note that balances out the sweetness and tang. This sauce builds layers of bold, savory flavors that surprise with every bite
  • Citrus Zest Finish: Grate in a little lime or orange zest just before serving to add a fresh, vibrant pop of flavor. It brings just the right sharpness to cut through the richness, leaving the flavors nice and rounded.
  • Honey and Mustard Combo: Honey and Mustard Combo: Stir in a bit of grainy or Dijon mustardแ…ณit’s got that sharp acidic flavor that cuts through the honey’s sweetness
  • Make It Smokier: A touch of liquid smoke or smoked salt will deepen that BBQ flavor, adding just the right amount of woodsy kick without overpowering the sauceแ…ณbecause sometimes, smoky is everything.
A hand whisks BBQ sauce ingredients in a saucepan, blending the rich ketchup, spices, and molasses into a smooth, flavorful mixture

Chefs tips

  • Low and Slow: Simmer your sauce on a low heat to develop flavors fully. This gentle cooking method prevents burning and ensures a perfectly tender texture in the sauce.
  • Freshness Counts: While the recipe is straightforward, using the freshest ingredients possible can really amp up the flavor.  Trust meโ€”fresh garlic, onion powders, and top-notch vinegars arenโ€™t just extras; they bring bold, punchy flavors that take your sauce from โ€˜goodโ€™ to โ€˜canโ€™t stop eating
  • Customize It: Donโ€™t be shy about tweaking the recipe. Love garlic? Add a bit more. Craving more of that rich, smoky goodness? A bit more liquid smoke or smoked paprika can do wonders.

Balancing Act: Flavor balance is key. If your sauce is too sweet, add a bit more vinegar for acidity. If itโ€™s too tart, a touch more honey can soften the edges.

  • Smooth or Chunky: For a smoother sauce, some chefs like to blend it briefly with an immersion blender. This step is optional but can create a silky texture.
  • Layering Flavors:  Try adding a splash of bourbon or a dash of mustardโ€”these little extras bring in depth thatโ€™ll have your sauce stealing the spotlight.  This is such a great article on how and why to cook with Bourbon: Alcohol Professor
  • Taste As You Go: Your palate is your best guide. Continuously taste your sauce as it simmers to adjust the seasoning perfectly to your liking.
  • Let It Rest: If time allows, let your sauce cool and rest in the fridge overnight. The flavors get bolder, richer, and your sauce? It’s about to become the ultimate BBQ overlord!!!!  Just kidding, but seriously it will be awesome! 
The BBQ sauce starts to thicken as it's whisked, blending into a glossy, rich consistency that hints at bold, smoky flavors

Wine Pairings

  • Zinfandel: Bold, no questionแ…ณdark berries right up front. And that touch of sweetness? It just sort of slips right in with the molasses and brown sugar, almost like it’s part of the plan all along.
  • Grenache: Grenache? Light, fruity, with a little raspberry and spice. It doesn’t overpower, which is perfect ’cause the vinegar and Worcestershire need their moment. Just enough spice to play nice with those smoky-sweet BBQ flavor.
  • Shiraz (Syrah): Shiraz is bold and richแ…ณthink dark fruit, black pepper, and a bit of smokiness. Perfect with the BBQ sauce, especially if you’re adding that liquid smoke. Its velvety texture holds up against the thicker, richer sauce, while the wine’s spice loves playing with the garlic powder and onion powder.
  • Riesling (Off-Dry): For a white wine option, a slightly sweet Riesling does wonders. Its crisp acidity will cut right through the vinegar and sugar in the sauce, but there’s also a bit of sweetness that rounds things out. It’s like a perfect contrastแ…ณkeeping everything balanced without being too much.
  • Malbec: Full-bodied with flavors of blackberry, plum, and just a hint of earthy cocoa, Malbec’s deep flavors get along famously with the molasses in your sauce. There’s a bit of smokiness hanging around at the endแ…ณjust enough to meet up with that smoky paprika and liquid smoke in the BBQ. Almost like they planned it.
A rich, glossy BBQ sauce clings to the edge of the saucepan, showcasing its perfectly thickened, caramelized texture

Faq’s

Can you swap out the apple cider vinegar?

Of course! White vinegar? Totally works. Balsamic? It’ll bring a little extra tang and depth. Either way, you’re goodแ…ณit’s all about the flavor boost.

Is this BBQ sauce kid-friendly?

Yes it is, it’s great for kids! Sweeten with honey and sugar. Chili powder or cayenneแ…ณjust a tiny sprinkle if you’re going for kid-friendly heat. No need to go overboard!

Can I use this sauce right away?

Sure! It’s tasty used right after cooking or allowed to flavor deepen in the fridge. Perfect for any BBQ.

Is this sauce vegan?

Yes, it’s vegan. Just use a vegan Worcestershire sauce since traditional ones have anchovies.

How long can you keep it?

Tucked away in an airtight container in the fridge, you’re good for about 2 weeks. And don’t worryแ…ณit’ll still taste great (better!!) when you’re ready for round two. Great for prep-ahead.

Can I freeze this BBQ sauce?

You sure can! Freeze it and it lasts 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when needed.

Can you use it as a marinade?

Definitelyแ…ณit’s great for chicken, beef, or pork. A few hours does the trick, but let it sit overnight, and you’re really in business.

A spoonful of thick, glossy BBQ sauce rests in a rustic bowl, its deep color highlighting the rich, smoky, and tangy flavors within

Equipment Needed

  • Medium Saucepan: This is (obviously) the main player here. You’ll need a solid saucepan to get all those ingredients bubbling and blending into something rich and savory.
  • Stirring Spoon: You’ll need this to get everything mixed up just rightแ…ณit makes sure no flavor gets left behind.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Youโ€™ll want these on handโ€”precision matters when youโ€™re balancing sweet and tangy. A little too much, and youโ€™re in for a surprise, so letโ€™s keep it on track!
  • Airtight Container: Once your sauce has cooled, you’ll need an airtight container for storage. This keeps it fresh in the fridge.
Two jars of Kansas City BBQ sauce sit on a rustic surface, their rich, glossy texture and deep color promising bold, smoky sweetness
Two jars of BBQ sauce rest on a rustic table, with a spoon nearby showing traces of the thick, smoky, and tangy sauce
No ratings yet

Kansas City BBQ Sauce

Want to bring something big to your next cookout? This sauce brings bold, smoky heat that clings perfectly to whatever's on the grillแ…ณwhether you're basting ribs, glazing veggies, or just giving your burgers that extra kick
You'll combine sweet tomato ketchup and honey with the richness of molasses and a smoky hint. Let's roll up our sleeves and get into this big, bold, smoky BBQ masterpiece -get it?
Your family will flip out over the taste, almost like you brought home the restaurant experience!

Ingredients

  • 2 cup Tomato Ketchup
  • 1/2 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1/2 cup Packed Brown Sugar
  • 1/4 cup Honey
  • 1/4 cup Molasses
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1 tsp Liquid Smoke (optional for smoky flavor)
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 1 tsp Chili Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Ground Black Pepper
  • 1/2 tsp Salt

Instructions
 

  • In a medium saucepan, combine all the ingredients. Stir them together until they are well mixed.
  • Place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring frequently.
  • Once it begins to simmer, reduce the heat to low. Allow the sauce to cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken slightly as it cooks.
  • Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a bit more honey or brown sugar. For more acidity, add a touch more vinegar.
  • Remove the sauce from heat and let it cool to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer the sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate. The sauce will typically last for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
Did you make this recipe?Please leave a star rating and review below!