Name: Homemade Barbecue Sauce
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups ketchup; ½ cup unsulphured molasses; ⅓–½ cup packed brown sugar; ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar; ¼ cup seedless blackberry preserves; 1 tsp liquid smoke (mesquite); 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp chili powder; 1 tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp chipotle chili powder; ½ tsp onion powder; ½ tsp ground mustard; ½ tsp black pepper; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp dried thyme

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Short Description

This homemade barbecue sauce delivers a balanced and smoky flavor with the sweetness of molasses and blackberry preserves, tangy notes from apple cider vinegar, and a rich spice blend—perfect for grilling, dipping, or glazing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Deep, well-rounded flavor from ketchup, molasses, and preserves
Smoky warmth from liquid smoke and smoked paprika
Adjustable sweetness and tang based on your preference
Quick and easy to make on the stovetop
Versatile—brings bold flavor to meats, vegetables, or even sandwiches

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cups ketchup
½ cup unsulphured molasses (not blackstrap)
⅓–½ cup packed brown sugar (use ⅓ cup for less sweet)
⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
¼ cup seedless blackberry preserves
1 tsp liquid smoke (mesquite)
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp chipotle chili powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp ground mustard
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp dried thyme

Directions

Add all ingredients to a medium saucepan and stir thoroughly to combine.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Reduce heat to low and gently simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching and to meld flavors.
Taste and adjust seasoning—add more vinegar for tang, brown sugar for sweetness, or chipotle powder for heat as desired.
Once cooked, remove from heat and let cool before using or storing.

Servings And Timing

Yield: Approximately 2½ to 3 cups of sauce
Prep Time: ~5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes simmering
Total Time: ~20 minutes

Variations

Smokier flavor: Add an extra ½ tsp liquid smoke or smoked paprika.
Fruit twist: Substitute blackberry preserves with apricot, peach, or cherry jam for a different fruit note.
Spicy version: Increase chipotle chili powder or add a dash of sriracha.
Honey-sweetened: Replace part or all of the brown sugar with honey or maple syrup.
Mustard-forward version: Double the ground mustard and add a tablespoon of Dijon for tang.

Storage/Reheating

To Store: Cool completely and transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
To Freeze: Portion into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Freeze for up to 6 months.
To Reheat: Warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring as needed. Add splash of water if thickened too much.

FAQs

Does it matter if I use blackstrap molasses instead of unsulphured molasses?
Yes—blackstrap molasses has a significantly more bitter, intense flavor. Unsulphured molasses gives a mellow and sweeter profile, making the sauce more balanced.

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely—flavor improves after resting. Make it a day ahead, chill overnight, and reheat gently before serving.

Can I omit liquid smoke if I don’t have it?
Yes—though the sauce will lack some smokiness. Add a bit more smoked paprika or a few drops of smoked salt if available.

What if the sauce is too thick?
Stir in a bit of water, apple cider vinegar, or broth to reach desired consistency. Reheat briefly to combine.

Is this sauce gluten-free?
The base ingredients are generally gluten-free, but always double-check ketchup and preserves labels for hidden gluten-containing additives.

Can I adjust the level of sweetness or heat?
Yes—reduce or increase brown sugar, preserves, or chipotle powder to fine-tune sweetness and spice level.

Is the sauce safe to can?
This recipe is high-acid and can be water-bath canned—but ensure proper canning procedures are followed for safety.

What dishes pair well with this sauce?
Great with grilled chicken, beef, ribs, pulled pork, or as a dipping sauce for fries, nuggets, or roasted veggies.

How can I make this sauce thicker without cooking longer?
Stir in a small amount (½ tsp) of xanthan gum or reduce the vinegar slightly; warmer sauces reduce faster when reheated.

Can I use raspberry preserves instead of blackberry?
Yes—raspberry, cherry, or even fig preserves offer a fruit-forward sweetness and depth to the barbecue sauce.

Conclusion

This homemade barbecue sauce is a flavorful, flexible condiment that packs rich sweetness, tang, and smoke into every spoonful. Simple to make in under 20 minutes, it elevates grilled meats, sandwiches, and vegetables. With easy options to adjust sweetness, spice, or fruit component, it’s a sauce you’ll come back to again and again.