Description
This homemade Honey BBQ Sauce is sweet, smoky, and full of bold flavor. Made with simple pantry ingredients like ketchup, honey, vinegar, and spices, it’s perfect for dipping, grilling, and glazing. No preservatives, no fuss—just rich, sticky-sweet goodness ready in minutes.
Ingredients
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1 cup ketchup
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1/2 cup honey
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1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
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1/4 cup brown sugar (or molasses)
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
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A few drops of liquid smoke (optional)
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1–2 tablespoons water (optional, for thinning)
Instructions
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In a medium saucepan, combine all ingredients over medium heat.
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Stir well and heat gently until the mixture begins to bubble.
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Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Taste and adjust: add more honey for sweetness or vinegar for tang.
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Let sauce cool, then transfer to a clean jar.
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Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
For a thicker sauce, simmer longer.
For a smoother texture, blend after cooling.
You can freeze the sauce in small portions for up to 3 months.
Use vegan Worcestershire sauce for a vegan version.
Swap ketchup with tomato puree plus vinegar for a preservative-free option.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American