Must-Try Homemade Barbecue Sauce Recipes

The way to any dad’s heart is through his stomach. Plus, nothing says “Happy Father’s Day” like a family barbecue celebration. A dinner menu for the grill is simple to throw together and easily customizable. Whether your old man is a fan of baby back ribs, a juicy burger or grilled chicken, these flavors can only be intensified with a taste of homemade barbecue sauce (crafted with love)! Although Dad takes the title as Grillmaster, you can impress him this year with your own batch of barbecue sauce.

To help you get started, we’ve covered everything you need to know about homemade BBQ sauce below, including a list of must-have ingredients, step-by-step instructions and 4 different recipes for any flavor preference. We’ve also created printable labels to help you show off your best batch.

Roll up your sleeves and throw on your apron, it’s time to get saucy!

With so many different barbecue sauce recipes, it can be hard to choose just one. That’s why we’re sharing a handful of recipes, starting with something more traditional. Follow along with this simple recipe and don’t forget to check out the additional options below.

BBQ Sauce Ingredients: Quick n’ Easy Recipe

Before we dive into the step-by-step instruction for making BBQ sauce from scratch, let’s be sure you have the ingredients you’ll need for the Quick n’ Easy recipe. There are only a few, so you might even have some on hand.

• 3 cups ketchup
• ½  cup prepared yellow mustard
• ½ cup brown sugar
• Salt to taste, optional

Makes: 1 bottle (20oz – 2 ½ cups) Prep Time: 5 minutes  Cook Time: 0 minutes

The name says it and the directions prove it. The Quick n’ Easy sauce recipe only requires a few simple steps— it’s almost foolproof. Let’s get started!

Step 1: Combine all of the above ingredients in a medium-sized bowl. Whisk together until blended completely.

Step 2: Bottle your barbecue sauce and enjoy! Don’t forget to label your sauce and serve with extra napkins.

Not all BBQ sauces are created equally, and a few recipes will require more ingredients and prep. Browse through our collection of flavorful recipes below, save your favorites and whip up something special for the people you love. If you’d rather jump straight to our graphic featuring the entire collection of recipes use the button below.

Flavorful Barbecue Sauce Recipes and Printable Labels

Think about some of your family’s favorite flavors. Maybe something sweet? Something savory? How about something a little smokey? No matter your taste preference, you can find a recipe below for any grilled menu item.

Don’t forget to use our printable barbecue sauce labels to brand your best batch. While you’re in the kitchen, whip up a few extra bottles. These make for the perfect personalized gift when paired with grill accessories! Use the download buttons below each recipe to get yours.

Which one will you try?

If you like your barbecue with a hint of sweetness, then the honey barbecue sauce was made for you. A drizzle of honey goes a long way and helps balance the flavors of any charbroiled item. This sauce option is best served with poultry and in the company of your loved ones. Follow along with the recipe below.

Makes: 1 bottle (20oz – 2 ½ cups) Prep Time: 5 minutes  Cook Time: 10-15 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup ketchup
• 1 cup white vinegar
• 2 tbsp molasses
• 1 cup honey
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 2 tsp dry mustard
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 1/2 tsp onion powder

Directions

1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together all the ingredients over medium heat.
2. Simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently.
3. Remove from the heat and allow to cool.
4. Bottle and refrigerate until ready to use.

If you’re interested in trying something unique, white barbecue sauce is the recipe you’ll want to get your hands on. As a rich and tangy option, this white sauce recipe is great for drizzling and pairs well with a large rack of ribs. Check it out!

Makes: 1 bottle (12oz – 1 ½ cups)  Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 0 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon mustard
• 1 teaspoon prepared horseradish
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ¼ cup white vinegar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon paprika

Directions

1. Place all of your ingredients into a medium-sized bowl and blend for 1 minute or until the mixture is smooth.
2. Bottle and refrigerate until ready to use.

Maybe a little zing is your thing? If that’s the case, whip up this spicy BBQ sauce recipe. Additional herbs and spices will give your grilled items a more distinct palette and release tons of flavor. Spicy sauce is a great addition to pulled pork. Take a look at the recipe below. Note: your finished Fire & Zing sauce might be pretty thick after sitting on the refrigerator shelf. For the best consistency, heat your sauce a few seconds in the microwave.

Makes: 1 bottle (12oz – 1 ½ cups)  Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 10-15 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup honey
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup butter
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon onion chopped
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper powder

Directions

1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together all the ingredients over medium heat.
2. Remove from the heat and allow to cool.
3. Bottle and refrigerate until ready to use.

Whether you’re celebrating Dad this Father’s Day, hosting a Memorial Day barbecue or just looking to create something special, a batch of barbecue sauce made with love will do the trick. If you’re giving your sauce as a gift, browse through our collection of custom kitchen items to pair with it for the complete package.

Share your homemade sauce on social and tag us @pcgifts! We’d love to see what you create.