It’s easy and inexpensive to make your own homemade BBQ sauce.

Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Homemade BBQ sauce is completely customizable.

Its also the perfect (and unexpected!)

Southern Living Homemade BBQ Sauce ready to serve with barbecue chicken

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

dish to bring to an outdoor picnic or soiree.

In fact, its one of the easiest sauces it’s possible for you to make in a pinch.

Grab a saucepan and a spatula, and read this brief recap of how to make homemade BBQ sauce.

Southern Living Homemade BBQ Sauce ingredients

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

The full recipe is below.

Ways To Use Homemade BBQ Sauce

The beauty of homemade BBQ sauce is its versatility.

Keep in mind that grilling is different from barbecuing.

Southern Living Homemade BBQ Sauce simmering the sauce

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Brush it on at the end or serve it on the side.

When youre ready to use frozen BBQ sauce, you could allow it to defrost in the refrigerator overnight.

The sauce will thaw quickly, though separation may occur.

Southern Living Homemade BBQ Sauce in a bowl ready to serve with a pastry brush

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Can You Make Homemade BBQ Sauce Ahead of Time?

Yes, you’re able to make BBQ sauce before you plan to use it.

In fact, we highly recommend it.

Southern Living Homemade BBQ Sauce ingredients combined in saucepan

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Grab it from the fridge, and use it as you intend when the time arrives.

Cook BBQ sauce:

Bring to a boil.

Southern Living Homemade BBQ Sauce at a boil

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Homemade BBQ Sauce after simmering

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Homemade BBQ Sauce in a bowl to serve

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox