<img loading=“lazy” src=“https://www.errenskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/BBQ-Sauce-2-683x1024.jpg" onerror=“this.onerror=null;this.src=‘https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhe7F7TRXHtjiKvHb5vS7DmnxvpHiDyoYyYvm1nHB3Qp2_w3BnM6A2eq4v7FYxCC9bfZt3a9vIMtAYEKUiaDQbHMg-ViyGmRIj39MLp0bGFfgfYw1Dc9q_H-T0wiTm3l0Uq42dETrN9eC8aGJ9_IORZsxST1AcLR7np1koOfcc7tnHa4S8Mwz_xD9d0=s16000';" alt=“A gold spoon scoops rich, dark BBQ sauce from a pot. Text overlay reads: “Homemade BBQ Sauce, Erren’s Kitchen. - 1”>

<img loading=“lazy” src=“https://www.errenskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/BBQ-Sauce-1-683x1024.jpg" onerror=“this.onerror=null;this.src=‘https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhe7F7TRXHtjiKvHb5vS7DmnxvpHiDyoYyYvm1nHB3Qp2_w3BnM6A2eq4v7FYxCC9bfZt3a9vIMtAYEKUiaDQbHMg-ViyGmRIj39MLp0bGFfgfYw1Dc9q_H-T0wiTm3l0Uq42dETrN9eC8aGJ9_IORZsxST1AcLR7np1koOfcc7tnHa4S8Mwz_xD9d0=s16000';" alt=“Close-up of a jar filled with dark, glossy BBQ sauce. The text above reads “Homemade BBQ Sauce,” and below, it says “Erren’s Kitchen” on a blue background. - 2”>

<img loading=“lazy” src=“https://www.errenskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/BBQ-Sauce-683x1024.jpg" onerror=“this.onerror=null;this.src=‘https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhe7F7TRXHtjiKvHb5vS7DmnxvpHiDyoYyYvm1nHB3Qp2_w3BnM6A2eq4v7FYxCC9bfZt3a9vIMtAYEKUiaDQbHMg-ViyGmRIj39MLp0bGFfgfYw1Dc9q_H-T0wiTm3l0Uq42dETrN9eC8aGJ9_IORZsxST1AcLR7np1koOfcc7tnHa4S8Mwz_xD9d0=s16000';" alt=“A spoonful of glossy, dark BBQ sauce held over an open jar, with text reading “Homemade BBQ Sauce” and “Erren’s Kitchen” on a pink background. - 3”>

A close-up of a spoonful of thick, glossy barbecue sauce held over an open jar, with a white background. - 4 A close-up of an open glass jar filled with thick, glossy, dark brown barbecue sauce. - 5

<img loading=“lazy” src=“https://www.errenskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/BBQ-Sauce-683x1024.jpg" onerror=“this.onerror=null;this.src=‘https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhe7F7TRXHtjiKvHb5vS7DmnxvpHiDyoYyYvm1nHB3Qp2_w3BnM6A2eq4v7FYxCC9bfZt3a9vIMtAYEKUiaDQbHMg-ViyGmRIj39MLp0bGFfgfYw1Dc9q_H-T0wiTm3l0Uq42dETrN9eC8aGJ9_IORZsxST1AcLR7np1koOfcc7tnHa4S8Mwz_xD9d0=s16000';" alt=“A spoonful of glossy, dark BBQ sauce held over an open jar, with text reading “Homemade BBQ Sauce” and “Erren’s Kitchen” on a pink background. - 6”>

A close-up of barbecue ribs being brushed with a thick layer of sauce, with a piece of corn on the cob in the background. - 7

This sweet and smoky Easy Homemade BBQ sauce is packed with flavor—perfect for everything from juicy chicken to savory tofu!

in this article:

  • Know Before You Scroll
  • Creating This Recipe
  • Step By Step Instructions
  • Perfect Pairings
  • BBQ Sauce
  • Erren’s Top Tips
  • Storage & Freezing Instructions
  • FAQs

Know Before You Scroll

Easy Homemade BBQ Sauce - 8

Flavor Profile

Sweet, sticky, smoky, and just a little bold. Think BBQ sauce all grown up—with rich honey, a splash of bourbon, and a kiss of smoke. Total flavor bomb.

Difficulty Level

Super easy. Stir, simmer, done. No fancy techniques, just big payoff.

What You’ll Need

Ketchup, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, honey, bourbon, molasses, corn syrup, smoked paprika or liquid smoke, salt.

Equipment Needed

Small saucepan, spoon or whisk, measuring cups and spoons.

Top Tip

Let it simmer just until thick and glossy. Too long and it can get too sticky or overly reduced.

Time-Saving Tips

No time to measure spices? Use a pre-mixed BBQ rub and a dash of liquid smoke to get a similar vibe, fast.

Ingredient Swaps

No bourbon? Try apple juice with a splash of vanilla for a booze-free version that still brings warmth and depth.

A close-up of an open glass jar filled with thick, glossy, dark brown barbecue sauce. - 9

Creating This Recipe

So I tested a lot of BBQ sauce variations before landing on this one. Some were way too tangy, others leaned super sweet, and a few just felt like ketchup with extra steps. I was looking for that perfect homemade BBQ sauce—bold, glossy, and full of flavor—with just the right balance of smoky, sweet, and savory.

After a few duds (and one very questionable batch with way too much molasses), this one came together like magic. It’s rich without being heavy, smooth enough to brush on anything, and layered with flavor thanks to honey, ketchup, a splash of bourbon (yes, that’s happening), and a hint of smoked paprika to give it that grill-master depth—even if you’re just simmering it on the stove.

Whether you’re slathering it on ribs, burgers, pulled chicken, or using it as a dip for fries, this BBQ sauce brings serious homemade energy—and once you make it, there’s no going back to store-bought.

A close-up of a spoonful of thick, glossy barbecue sauce held over an open jar, with a white background. - 10

You can find the full, printable recipe at the top of this post , but you can read the detailed instructions with photos for each step below.

Step By Step Instructions

1

Stir It All Together

In a saucepan stir together the ketchup, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, honey, bourbon, molasses, and corn syrup. Then we’re hitting it with a little smoked paprika—or liquid smoke if you’re going that route. Give it a good stir to bring all those flavors together. Sweet, tangy, smoky… the dream team. Make sure that honey and molasses are fully mixed in.

A metal pot filled with thick, dark brown sauce containing chunks, with a metal ladle resting inside, partially coated in the sauce. - 11

2

Let It Simmer

Now we’re bringing it to a simmer. Keep the heat medium-low and let it bubble gently for about 5 minutes. You’ll see it start to thicken and get nice and glossy. Once it’s thick and sticky, take a quick taste. Add a pinch of salt if it needs it. Then take it off the heat and or store it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.

A saucepan filled with glossy, melted chocolate being stirred by a gold-colored spoon on a white marble surface. - 12

Perfect Pairings

  • Grilled Chicken Thighs and Legs
  • Baked or Barbecued Sticky Glazed Ribs
  • Grilled or Baked Peri Peri Chicken with Sauce Recipe
A close-up of barbecue ribs being brushed with a thick layer of sauce, with a piece of corn on the cob in the background. - 13

Ingredients

  • ▢ ⅔ cup ketchup
  • ▢ 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • ▢ 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • ▢ ½ cup honey
  • ▢ 5 tablespoons bourbon
  • ▢ 1 teaspoon molasses
  • ▢ 1 teaspoon corn syrup
  • ▢ 1 teaspoon smoked paprika ( or liquid smoke to taste)
  • ▢ salt to taste

Instructions

  • Add all the ingredients to a saucepan, stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer.
  • Simmer for 5 mins until thickened and sticky, taste for seasoning, and add salt to taste, then remove from the heat and set aside until need

Tips

Erren’s Top Tips

Storage & Freezing Instructions

Nutrition

How long does homemade BBQ sauce last?

Homemade BBQ sauce will last up to 1–2 weeks in the fridge when stored in an airtight container or jar. For the freshest flavor, use it within 7 days. If it contains fresh ingredients like garlic or onion, be extra mindful of the smell and texture before using.

Can I freeze homemade BBQ sauce?

Yes! BBQ sauce freezes really well. Let it cool completely, pour it into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags (leave a little room for expansion), and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.

Do I have to use bourbon?

Nope! If you prefer to skip the alcohol, swap in apple juice with a splash of vanilla extract. You’ll still get a rich, sweet flavor without the booze.

Why do I need both molasses and corn syrup?

Molasses adds depth and richness, while corn syrup helps create that sticky, glossy texture. You can skip the corn syrup if needed, but it helps with the shine and consistency.

A close-up of barbecue ribs being brushed with a thick layer of sauce, with a piece of corn on the cob in the background. - 14

BBQ Sauce

Ingredients

  • ⅔ cup ketchup
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • ½ cup honey
  • 5 tablespoons bourbon
  • 1 teaspoon molasses
  • 1 teaspoon corn syrup
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or liquid smoke to taste
  • salt to taste

Instructions

  • Add all the ingredients to a saucepan, stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer.
  • Simmer for 5 mins until thickened and sticky, taste for seasoning, and add salt to taste, then remove from the heat and set aside until need

Video

Notes

Erren’s Top Tips

Storage & Freezing Instructions

Nutrition

Thank you for visiting Erren’s Kitchen!