Name: 10-Minute Homemade Honey BBQ Sauce Recipe From Scratch
Prep time: 3 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 2 cups ketchup; ½ cup salted butter; ½ cup brown sugar or maple sugar; ½ cup molasses; ¼ cup apple cider vinegar; ¼ cup of water; 1 T of liquid smoke; 1 T of paprika; 1 tsp. of black pepper; 1 T cumin; 2 tsp. garlic salt; 1 tsp. of onion powder; ½ cup honey

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There is nothing that says summer like a BBQ chicken sandwich or grilled chicken legs slathered in homemade honey BBQ sauce. This recipe is not only the best honey barbecue sauce you will ever taste, it is also easy to whip up in just 10 minutes. Looking for a plain BBQ sauce recipe? Just leave out the honey, and you now have a pantry staple you no longer need to buy from the store!

Confession. I’m kind of a condiment snob, which is initially why I started making my own. When it comes to honey barbeque sauce I don’t like it too sweet. Or too smokey. But it has to have amazing flavor. Nothing too bland. The texture can’t be too thick, but thick enough to coat your food. The ingredients must also be simple enough that I always have them on hand and healthy enough that I feel good about feeding them to my children.

This recipe meets all of my picky requirements and yet only takes 10 minutes to whip up! This is so handy because I never have to worry about keeping bottles of honey BBQ sauce (or regular BBQ sauce) on hand. Last-minute BBQ meatballs for dinner? No problem!

This exact recipe can be used to make plain BBQ sauce, so you can check that off your grocery list as well. Just omit the honey and you are good to go!

Why Make Your Own BBQ Sauce?

Store-bought BBQ sauce often contains high fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors, preservatives, and ingredients you may not even recognize. When you make your own BBQ sauce from scratch, you have complete control over what goes into it.

Homemade BBQ sauce can be sweetened naturally with ingredients like honey and you can adjust the flavor to your family’s taste. Want it smokier? Add smoked paprika. Prefer it tangier? Increase the vinegar. Making it yourself means you can skip the overly processed ingredients and create a sauce made with simple pantry staples.

Another benefit is that homemade BBQ sauce is surprisingly quick to make. In just a few minutes on the stovetop, you can have a rich, flavorful sauce that tastes far better than anything from a bottle.

For families who enjoy cooking from scratch or living a more simple, homestead-style lifestyle, learning to make your own BBQ sauce is an easy step toward reducing processed foods and relying more on real ingredients.

How to Make Homemade Honey BBQ Sauce

Ingredients you’ll need for this recipe:

For exact ingredient amounts, see the recipe card below.

Ketchup – The base. It brings tomato flavor, natural sweetness, and body. Use the good stuff or homemade if you can. Cheap ketchup tastes like packet ketchup, and that bleeds into your sauce.
Butter – Adds richness and a smooth, velvety texture while helping balance the acidity of the tomatoes and vinegar
Brown sugar or Maple sugar – Sweetens the sauce and adds caramel-like depth that helps create the classic BBQ flavor
Molasses – gives the sauce a deep, robust sweetness and dark color while adding the traditional smoky, slightly bitter complexity
Liquid smoke – provides a smoky flavor that mimics the taste of slow-cooked barbecue
Honey – Adds floral sweetness and that signature BBQ stickiness. Don’t substitute with maple syrup or agave unless you want a completely different flavor profile. Honey is non-negotiable here.
Apple cider vinegar – The acid that balances all that sugar. Without it, your sauce tastes like frosting. Apple cider vinegar is milder than white vinegar and adds a subtle fruitiness that works with the honey.
Paprika – Adds mild pepper flavor, warmth, and rich color to the sauce
Black pepper – Brings gentle heat and sharpness that balances the sweet ingredients
Cumin – Adds earthy, warm depth that complements the smoky and savory flavors.
Garlic salt – Contributes savory garlic flavor while seasoning the sauce with salt.
Onion powder – Adds subtle sweetness and savory onion flavor that deepens the overall taste.

Tools or other supplies you may need:

Medium saucepan – Heavy-bottomed if you have it. Thin pans scorch the sugars in honey and ketchup, and burnt BBQ sauce tastes like regret.
Whisk – Keeps everything emulsified and prevents clumping when you add the spices. A fork works in a pinch, but a whisk is faster and cleaner.
Measuring cups and spoons – Eyeballing is fine once you’ve made this a few times, but the first batch should follow the ratios exactly so you know what good tastes like.
Glass jar with lid – Mason jars work perfectly. Make sure it’s clean and dry before you pour in warm sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step One: Prep your ingredients.

This recipe comes together quickly, so I recommend getting everything out, measured, and ready to dump into the saucepan.

Step Two: Add ingredients to a saucepan and bring to a simmer.

Add all of the ingredients to a medium saucepan. Heat over low heat until it comes to a simmer. Whisk continuously as it heats up.

If you want to make this regular BBQ sauce, reduce the brown sugar to 1/2 cup and add 1/2 cup of honey.

Step Three: Simmer on medium-low for 5 minutes, continuing to whisk.

Step Four: Let cool before transferring to an airtight jar.

The sauce should be refrigerated. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.

Pro Tip

Double the batch! This recipe scales perfectly. If you’re already making one jar, make two. Future you will thank present you when you’ve got backup sauce ready to go.

homemade honey bbq sauce in a jar and in a bowl for serving

10-Minute Homemade Honey BBQ Sauce Recipe From Scratch

By Staci Drovdahl

This recipe is not only the best honey bbq sauce you will ever taste, it is also easy to whip up in just 10 minutes. Looking for plain bbq sauce? Just leave out the honey and you now have a pantry staple you no longer need to buy from the store!

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Prep Time 3

Cook Time 7

Total Time 10

SERVINGS cups

Equipment

medium saucepan
Whisk

Ingredients

2 cups ketchup
½ cup salted butter
½ cup brown sugar or maple sugar
½ cup molasses
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
¼ cup of water
1 T of liquid smoke
1 T of paprika
1 tsp. of black pepper
1 T cumin
2 tsp. garlic salt
1 tsp. of onion powder
½ cup honey

Instructions

Add all ingredients to a medium saucepan.
Bring to a simmer over medium heat while whisking continuously.
Simmer on medium-low heat for 5 minutes, continuing to whisk.
Let cool before transferring to an airtight jar. Refrigerate. It will keep 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator or can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Notes

Want to make regular BBQ sauce instead of honey? Simply reduce the brown sugar to 1/2 cup and omit the honey.

Keyword BBQ sauce, homemade condiments

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Tips for Storing Homemade BBQ Sauce

Let it cool completely before you seal it, or condensation will build up inside and water down the sauce. Store it in the fridge for up to two weeks.
If you want to keep it longer, freeze it. Pour the cooled sauce into a freezer-safe container or even an ice cube tray for single-serving portions. Frozen BBQ sauce lasts up to three months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before using.

What is the best healthy liquid smoke?

Be careful about what liquid smoke you are using, as some are just artificial flavors that mimic the smoky taste. Several brands out there also contain preservatives, artificial colors, and MSG.

Lazy Kettle Brand is a trusted all-natural liquid smoke that is perfect for homemade BBQ sauce or other recipes that call for a touch of smoky goodness.

Homemade BBQ Sauce Variations

This base recipe is a launchpad. Here’s how to spin it.

Spicy Honey BBQ: Double the cayenne and add a tablespoon of hot sauce. Frank’s RedHot or Cholula both work beautifully here.

Maple Bourbon BBQ: Swap half the honey for maple syrup and add two tablespoons of bourbon during the simmer. This version tastes like a fall cookout.

Mustard Honey BBQ: Stir in two tablespoons of yellow mustard along with the vinegar. It adds tang and a Carolina-style kick.

Smoky Chipotle BBQ: Replace the cayenne with a teaspoon of chipotle powder or a finely chopped chipotle in adobo. It brings heat and deep, earthy smoke.

What are ways to use BBQ sauce?

Brush onto grilled or smoked chicken
Toss with pulled pork for classic BBQ sandwiches
Use as a glaze for baked or grilled ribs
Spread on burgers for a smoky-sweet flavor boost
Drizzle over grilled bratwurst or sausages
Use as a dipping sauce for chicken tenders or nuggets
Stir into baked beans for rich BBQ flavor
Brush onto grilled vegetables like corn, zucchini, or peppers
Use as a glaze on meatloaf during the final minutes of baking
Mix with shredded chicken for easy BBQ chicken sandwiches
Spread on pizza as a base for BBQ chicken pizza
Add to sloppy joes for a smoky twist
Use as a dipping sauce for sweet potato fries or regular fries
Brush onto grilled pork chops or pork tenderloin
Toss with roasted potatoes for smoky BBQ potatoes

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FAQs

Can I substitute maple syrup for the honey in this BBQ sauce?

Yes. Maple syrup works well as a substitute for honey and adds a slightly deeper, more earthy sweetness. The sauce will still have the same thick texture and balanced flavor.

How long does homemade BBQ sauce last in the refrigerator?

Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, homemade BBQ sauce will typically last about 1–2 weeks. Because it contains vinegar and sugar, it keeps fairly well, but always check for any off smells or mold before using.

Can I freeze homemade BBQ sauce?

Yes. BBQ sauce freezes very well. Store it in freezer-safe containers or jars with a little space at the top for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months and thawed in the refrigerator when ready to use.

Can this BBQ sauce be used as a marinade?

Yes. This honey BBQ sauce works well as both a marinade and a finishing glaze. For marinating, coat the meat and refrigerate for several hours before cooking. For grilling, brush the sauce on during the last few minutes so the sugars don’t burn.

Can I make this BBQ sauce thicker or thinner?

Absolutely. If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer on the stove until it reduces. If it becomes too thick, simply add a small amount of water and stir until it reaches your desired consistency.

Is this BBQ sauce spicy?

No, this recipe is more sweet and smoky than spicy. If you would like some heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper, chili powder, or a dash of hot sauce.

Can I can homemade BBQ sauce for long-term storage?

Because this recipe contains butter and specific ingredient ratios, it is not recommended for water bath canning. For long-term storage, freezing is the safest option.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a 5-star review so that others can try it as well! Mention us @thefromscratchfarmhouse on Instagram so we can see your creations! You can also leave a comment below!

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BBQ Chicken Sandwich Recipe (easy pulled chicken)

Easy Sourdough Burger Buns (Same-day Recipe!)

10-Minute Homemade Honey BBQ Sauce Recipe From Scratch

Why Make Your Own BBQ Sauce?