Never buy bottled BBQ sauce again! This homemade BBQ sauce is not only easy, but healthy too. It’s gluten-free, vegan, and can be sugar-free, made with pure ingredients and spices. The perfect coating, spread, dip, rub, or marinade for all your healthy cooking or grilling needs!
I couldn’t hold out on this one. After the response I got from that easy homemade ketchup, and my own homemade condiment obsession, BBQ sauce was next on the list. Plus I love BBQ sauce almost as much as I love ketchup (almost!) Just like with my ketchup, I know my favorites in the store
This recipe should also hint at the fact that I will be making a homemade version for every condiment now 😉 I guess you can call me the granola queen, pancake queen, AND the condiment queen. I’ll hold all those titles with pride. You can rest assured that they’ll always be super healthy and allergy friendly too.
As I was doing my “pre-cook” food research for the perfect BBQ sauce recipe, I realized there are just so many variations. From sweet, spicy, tangy, smokey, and thick, chunky, drippy, even different colors than the typical deep red. Really, it all depends on the region you’re in (South/North) that kind of thing.
I knew for my first go-round, I wanted to keep it simple and classic. Nothing fancy, just nice and subtly sweet and smooth. I wanted it to be the perfect flavoring for any dish. Summer is a time for everything BBQ and that means we need a lot of BBQ sauce! Right?
Just imagine, those nice grill marks on your favorite burger, chicken breast, or portobello cap, slathered in glistening beautiful BBQ sauce. Or if you’re like me, even the perfect dip for fries. A summer essential that should be at all cook-outs, gathering, and BBQs!
I also have a double feature surprise with this sauce just like I did with the ketchup. No, I just realized it now as I was typing that the same sauce/fry thing was going to happen. Opps or yay? You can decide on Wednesday. I have a feeling you’ll be pretty happy though, don’t worry! The recipe on Wednesday actually requires you use the sauce so….that’s why this happened, I just didn’t realize it was a fry and sauce deal again. Hahaha!
Easy Homemade BBQ Sauce
- 12 oz Tomato Paste (no-salt added)
- ¼ Cup Raw Apple Cider Vinegar
- ¾ Cup Warm Water (just microwave till hot to touch)
- 1 TB Sugar-Free Maple Syrup (or normal maple syrup, molasses, or additional stevia syrup)
- 1 TB Plain Stevia Syrup
- 1 Tsp Dijon Mustard
- 1 Tsp Liquid Smoke
- ½ Tsp Minced Garlic
- ½ Tsp Onion Powder
- ½ Tsp Cinnamon
- ¼ Tsp Cumin
- ¼ Tsp Black Pepper
- ⅛ Tsp Ground Cloves
- ⅛ Tsp Ground Allspice
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients in order. Stir to combine.
- Let it cool a bit, before storing in a large glass jar. Refrigerate and keep for 2 weeks.
I worked hard on the perfect blend of spices to create the most palate pleasing and not overpowering, “all-purpose” BBQ sauce. I think I nailed it here! I like the maple flavor, so if you use molasses it will taste a bit different of course, but still yummy! All around, this healthy homemade, 5 minutes, gluten-free, vegan, and paleo sauce will be the perfect addition to anything you want to add the good to! Really, what are you waiting for? You have 5 minutes? Go make this!
So tell me:
+ Favorite type of BBQ sauce? Either something smokey or brown sugar. Okay, really I love any BBQ sauce no matter what flavor or texture! I guess I just really like condiments!
+ What sauce do you want to see me make next? (I already have a few made, I’d love to hear which to post first!)
*Recipe linking up for the week! Allergy Free Wednesdays, #RecipeOfTheWeek, #StrangeButGood, Gluten-Free Wednesdays, Real Food Friday, Gluten-Free Fridays, Tasty Tuesdays, Savoring Saturdays, Healthy Vegan Fridays, Tasty Tuesdays, Meatless Mondays, Lena’s Tasty Tuesdays!*
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We always have barbecues whenever we have special gathering. It’s either we grill our own or we just order from a barbecue restaurant if we don’t feel grilling. Barbecue sauce just like hot sauce, salsa and spices is a very important ingredient or pair in the kitchen. It’s also nice to make your own rendition of barbecue sauce? Who knows this will match the flavor of your taste.
It’s os easy to make it exactly as you want and how much you need!
Sounds yummy! Thanks for sharing it at Savoring Saturdays! 🙂
Raia recently posted…5 Natural Tips for Healing Sunburns
Thank you!
This bbq sauce looks great. I’m going to have to give your recipe a try!
I live in the bbq capitol of the US – Memphis, TN. We take our bbq very seriously down here! Can’t wait to give your sauce a try~
Found you on the Awesome Life Friday link up. Glad to find your site. And, I followed you on Pinterest.
Blessings,
Melanie
Thank you so much! O I’d loved to hear what you think 😉 Haha!
And thank you so much dear! XOXO
I love making my own barbeque sauce and I’m excited to try a new recipe! Thanks for sharing this with us at #FoodieFriDIY…pinning and sharing!
Michelle @ A Dish of Daily Life recently posted…Use Google Calendar and Google Drive to Organize Your Life
Thank you Michelle!
I love the combination of ingredients for your BBQ Sauce, it looks awesome. Thanks so much for sharing your post with Full Plate Thursday and have a great day!
Come Back Soon,
Miz Helen
Miz Helen recently posted…Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce
Thank you dear!
I am seriously so excited to try out this recipe. I like the taste of ketchup but hate that there is so much salt and sugar in the stuff. Thank you so much for the recipe! We are going to feature this perfect recipe this Thursday at Get Your Shine On Link Party. Hope to see you there again this week! (also pinned to our Pinterest board!)
Brittany recently posted…An Ultimate Cash Giveaway
I hope you love it dear!
This looks divine, can’t wait to give it a try – thanks for sharing!
visiting from #brilliantblogposts
Mama OWL Blog | Jooleroo recently posted…#MumBod Confidence | Week 24 Weight & Inch Loss Update
Thanks!
I love to include healthy, nutritious condiments in my diet in a variety of ways, so I am delighted that you shared your
wonderful Homemade BBQ Sauce recipe with us on the Healthy Happy Green and Natural Party Blog Hop. I’m pinning and sharing.
Deborah Davis recently posted…Live It Up at the Healthy, Happy, Green & Natural Party Blog Hop #72
Thanks!
YUM! BBQ is a staple in this house!
Creatively Homespun recently posted…15 Unique Rhubarb Recipes
Same here!
Looks delicious! Thank you so much for linking up at Tasty Tuesday! Your recipe has been pinned to the Tasty Tuesday Pinterest board! Please join us again this week!
Stephanie recently posted…Scripture Sunday
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Beautiful combination of flavors. Bravo!!! Thanks for sharing.
skd recently posted…Mango bread pudding
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I love grilling and your homemade bbq sauce looks fabulous! Look forward to trying it! Nice to have found your blog through FF!
Cheers, Anugya
Indian Curry Shack By Anugya Sudan Oberai recently posted…Plain Dosa (Rice and Lentil Crepe) – Shack Saturdays Special
Thank you so much sweetheart!
What a perfect summer recipe! I love to make my own sauces and this looks so rich and delicious, perfect for the bbq! 🙂
Totally! Thanks dear!
We love BBQ sauce, but have never made our own… this recipe looks delicious, and I think I must try this one!
Great to connect with you through the Link Party!
Best!
Yes, please do!
Wow, it’s difficult to find a sauce that is gluten free, so this is perfect. Your recipe sounds delicious. Living in Austin, TX BBQ sauce is a serious need. Thanks for sharing!
It is hard! O I bet you do know your BBQ! Thank dear!
Looks Yummy. Thanks for sharing on the
Elaine Hodges recently posted…Keeping You Cool in the Kitchen This Summer (Roundup of Roundups)
Thanks!
I’ll have to give this a go! x
Yes! I hope you do! Let me know!
This BBQ sauce looks awesome! Anything would become tasty slathered in this glistening sauce and put on a grill.
Haha, that is exactly right! Thank you dear!
That sounds awesome. No unrecognizable ingredients! Thanks for sharing with Thursday Favorite Things and hope you have an amazing weekend!
All that’s Jas recently posted…Thursday Favorite Things 194
That’s what I always aim for, haha! Thank you!
We always have lots of BBQ’s over the summer and this sounds a great new sauce to try, so much better than the shop brought ones as well, much healthier without all their added extras.
I may have missed it in the text (sorry if I have) but how long does it keep for?
Ashley Beolens recently posted…Angelic Children
That’s what I wanted! A super healthy sauce!
2 weeks! I like to freeze some too! Really easy, just put it in a plastic bag, lay it flat until frozen and then store where ever in the freezer!
That looks awesome! And pretty simple 🙂
My husband is a huge fan of BBQ so I will have to share this with him 🙂
Esther recently posted…Foodie Friday: Frozen Mint Hot Chocolate Pops
Thank you! I hope you do!
Wow, what a delicious looking sauce!! Happy FF 🙂
Amanda @ The Chunky Chef recently posted…Twizzlers Infused Strawberry Lemonade
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Hi Rebecca,
Great recipe and perfect for summer time grilling. This sounds so much better than the chemically laden store bought brands. Thanks for sharing on Real Food Fridays. Pinned & twitted.
Marla recently posted…Real Food Friday #93 – A Mission For a Healthier World
Thanks!
wow how can you make BBQ sauce look soooo good if it looks that good it must taste delicious a definite recipe save to warmer weeks 😀
Haha, thank you so much sweet friend!
Wow this looks soooo good! I love BBQ sauce but I’ve never been a fan of the store bought stuff, I definitely need to try this asap! Thanks so much for sharing with us at Fiesta Friday 😀
Michelle @ Giraffes Can Bake recently posted…Peach and Raspberry Iced Tea
Yes! I know you’ll be addicted to this one 😉
Barbecue sauce just says summer and grilling, for me anyways! I have lots of good sauces for different meats, veggies, etc. and now I have another one. Happy Fiesta Friday #73 🙂
Judi Graber recently posted…Strawberry Tiramisu
The sauce says it all!
I love how you kept the flavors simple, and once again made your own staple! We make our own BBQ sauce sometimes, but I must admit, we’re too lazy for our daily barbecue needs. Your bacon seasoning sounds delicious as well. Happy FF and have a fabulous weekend!
Kaila (GF Life 24/7) recently posted…Chocolate Chip Quinoa Blondies (GF, DF)
Thank you! But…bacon?
Sounds great! I’m not a fan of buying bbq sauce it always has such scary sounding ingredients. This homemade one sounds much better =)
kimmythevegan recently posted…Salted Caramel Nana Ice Cream
Homemade is ALWAYS better!
Definitely!
Thanks for sharing this at Healthy Vegan Fridays – I’m pinning it =)
kimmythevegan recently posted…Why I ditched the scale and you should too
Looks delicious! I love the color of it compared to the store bought ones. Def bookmarking this. Thanks for sharing it with us all.
Thank you!
I love homemade bbq sauce – yours looks and sounds terrific.
Pam recently posted…Blackberry and Pomegranate Popsicles
Thank you!
This looks immense! Thanks for linking up to #brilliantblogposts x
Honest mum recently posted…Gluten Free Goodies With Delicious Alchemy
Haha, sure!
Ooh we’re huge fans of BBQ sauce and I love that this one doesn’t have half a bag of sugar in it! Haven’t heard of the stevia so will look that up. Def bookmarking this one!
International Elf Service recently posted…Will You Share Your Wine?
Haha, most do have half a bag…a full pound of sugar!
My husband loves BBQ sauce, so am definitely going to try some (pinned) and Iike you say its good to know what’s in your food, and you can vary it a bit too. I make most other things from scratch but never really think of condiments. Nice one! 😉
#brillblogposts
Mother Mands recently posted…Bacon, Prawn & Avocado Wrap
Condiments are so super easy to make too! I hope you guys give this a try! XOXO
Love the photos and that the recipe is sugar free. Thanks for sharing with us at #WednesdaysWisdom
Sue Loncaric recently posted…Texting Walking Lanes Arrive in Antwerp
Thanks!
What a great idea! And it sounds so good. Thanks for sharing at the Creative Inspiration Party!
Trish recently posted…Creative Inspiration {Link Party #7}
I hope it sounds good, haha!
I bet barbecue lovers will love your homemade sauce.
Sandy Sandmeyer recently posted…Azio EXO1 Gaming Mouse
Of course!
Looks yummy! ♥ I’ve never made my own BBQ sauce — sounds easy enough though 🙂
Audrey @ Unconventional Baker recently posted…Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Trifle
The easiest!
We grill often and use barbecue sauce all the time on chicken. I hate all the junk in many of the bottled brands, it’s great to know exactly what ingredients go into this sauce. Can’t wait to try!
Yes exactly! And grilled chicken is always even better with all the BBQ sauce 😉
Making your own BBQ sauce is such a great idea! I actually do it pretty frequently but never thought to make it without sugar. What a great way to not feel guilty about giving it to my kiddos 🙂
Des @ Life’s Ambrosia recently posted…Grilled Greek Flatbread Pizzas
We’re all sweet enough 😉
WOW Rebecca! BBQ sauce is my absolute favourite – I am so glad you made a recipe for it, I’ve been looking for one for ages and this sounds soooooooo good. Ahhhh! Those pictures are so mouthwatering too – all I need now is a big bowl of fries to dip into it. Oooh or I bet it would taste amazing as a dip for flatbread, or on top of pizza – the possibilities are endless!!
Harriet Emily recently posted…DESSERT FOR ONE: MOCHA MUFFIN
Omg! BBQ pizza! That is so happening! Thank you dear friend!
Pinned to my kitchen hacks board – we should all have a go to bbq sauce recipe! My goal is to quit buying bottled condiments in a year or two!
And you can make it happen! It’s so much fun and rewarding to make you on!
YUM! i love me some sweet bbq 🙂 i still want to try your homemade ketchup, adding this one to the list of must try’s too! pinning & sharing – thanks for sharing!
Amanda @ The Anti Mom Blog recently posted…{Slow Cooking} Quinoa Chili
Haha, thank you so much dear! Just pick up some tomato paste and get at it!
I’ve been looking for a barbeque sauce recipe that doesn’t rely on ketchup. I’m living in the U.K. these days, and it’s not barbeque country, so buying bottled stuff isn’t easy. Thanks.
Ellen Hawley recently posted…Peach or blackberry cobbler: an American recipe
Happy to give you an easy solution 😉
Is it possible to leave out the Liquid Smoke? Or will that alter the taste way too much? Just wondering because I haven’t seen it in stores in my area. Thanks!
No, you don’t need it, but I would add some smoked paprika then. I’m sure you just never looked in the store! Liquid smoke is super cheap and in every store I’ve ever been in, plus online!
YUM! We’re having a BBQ for my father in law’s birthday this weekend, just save this post so I can try your recipe! 🙂
Jess recently posted…Downtown Las Vegas
Yes! Or bottle some up for a present 😉
Once you try homemade BBQ sauce, there’s no going back!
Celeste recently posted…Iced Watermelon Lemonade
Haha, no!
I’m a huge fan of BBQ sauce! Growing up in Texas I always had the “traditional” tomato based sauces but my husband is from North Carolina and they do it TOTALLY different out there!
Briton recently posted…Entryway: A Pop of Color with Wayfair
Haha, yea! When I was doing my sauce research, I saw how every state had their own “way and variation” of the perfect sauce!
This looks great and I’ve been looking for a good BBQ sauce that’s healthy. I do have a question, any suggestions of something to use besides the stevia syrup. I am just not a fan. I love a good spicy BBQ, I say go for that! 🙂
Rosi recently posted…Fish on Friday
Any sweetener, but than you’ll be adding sugar!
So much better making your own eh? I have made mine soooo many times, and I put it on everything. Sometimes more of a dip than a sauce hahah! Yours looks delicious:)
Laura recently posted…Raw Superfood Cookies
I use mine more often as a dip too 😉 Thanks dear!
Looks delicious. Since all we do in the summer is cook on the grill, I’ll have to give this a try!
Liz – Meal Makeover Mom recently posted…Creamy Broccoli Soup Gets a Healthy Makeover
Yes! Please do!
Homemade is always the best!!
Cara’s Healthy Cravings recently posted…Easy Mixed Vegetable Kimchi
Yes it is!
Pretty sure I would eat this on everything!! Omg – love this! I can’t stand the crazy ingredients in some bottled BBQ sauces, but this is just perfect! Can’t wait to try it!
Sam @ PancakeWarriors recently posted…Blueberry Smoothie
Same! Thank you so much Sam!
My husband loves anything BBQ. I love the idea of making my own to control the ingredients. This sounds wonderful and looks easy.
Yes! Just the reason! Thank you!
Not sure I have A favorite but it is one of those things I crave in the summer even when I was vegan. I use to put BBQ on vegetables, on top of coleslaw or salads, pretty much anything!
Sarah recently posted…Popped Crispy Bars
Yes! BBQ is good on everything!
Homemade BBQ sauce is simply the best. So many stunning flavor options. I also use to make my own BBQ sauces (often from fresh roasted tomatoes) and love to play with it. Yours looks majestic and makes me hungry! 🙂
Florian @ContentednessCooking recently posted…Chickpea Burger with Avocado Mayo
Mmm, fresh tomatoes would be heavenly (if I weren’t so lazy about it! Love my paste!)
Thank you so much dear!
I love making my own BBQ sauce because you can totally customize the flavor profile. Yours sounds great!
Sharon @ What The Fork Food Blog recently posted…Toasted Coconut Truffles
Yes! I’m thinking of trying a fruity one next time!
wow how creative! i’d definitely make a bbq just to use this sauce!
revealed recently posted…Recovery Is…
You can use this sauce on anything!
Nothing like homemade BBQ Sauce! Excited to try your recipe!
Lauren Allen recently posted…BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Pineapple Mango Slaw
Thank you dear!
wow what an amazing recipe! I’m excited to try it. Thanks for sharing!
Amy recently posted…Starting the week with a toothache
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I love this because I can control how much sugar is in it. I don’t like sweet sauces, and definitely don’t like anything with high fructose corn syrup. I actually have all of these ingredients on hand, too.
Stephanie Volkert recently posted…Chewy chocolate cookies with lemon cherry dip
Yay! And yes! I don’t want all that sugar. I never cook with sugar anyway, but it is nice to have the option to sweeten as you like!
Looks wonderful Rebecca! I just recently posted a bbq sauce recipe too and yours looks so amazing, I will need to try it! BBQ sauce is my favorite flavor of all time so I’m totally digging this! Lovely pics!
And isn’t homemade just so good! You can make it however you like! It is one of the best flavors!
Thank you Brandi!
I make my husband pulled chicken with store bough bbq sauce every week – and hate how much sweetness and sugar the store versions have. Will definitely try making a big batch of this – sounds smoky and perfectly delicious! Pinning!
Jenny Shea Rawn recently posted…Peaches and Cream Frozen Yogurt
Yes! You can load this in with no regrets! Pulled BBQ chicken…is soooo good though 😉 Haha! Thank you dear!
Could totally eat that with a spoon! I actually found some BBQ sauce made with Xyltiol and it’s pretty dang good!!
GiGi Eats recently posted…Letting the Inside, Out: Fun Facts About The Movie, Inside Out
Yea, the bottles one I love, G. Hughes, is sugar-free/allergy-free and amazing! Nothing chemically either!
Ooh this looks so good! And yes I think we need something to dip in it 🙂
Michele @ paleorunningmomma recently posted…Workouts, Heat, and Recipe Heartbreak
And I’m going to give you more than just a dippable recipe 😉
Fabulous BBQ sauce. My kids will go nuts over this recipe since they are huge fans of BBQ and grilling.
You’re kids know good eats 😉
This sounds delicious. I’ve never made barbecue sauce, but it’s true the bottled ones have so much sugar!
Debbie @ Coach Debbie Runs recently posted…Mary’s Secret Garden Review plus an Instagram Weekend
It’s crazy! All the heavy calories come from the sugar which is just so sad :/ Now you can use tons and not have to worry about overloading something so simple!
I’ve never made barbecue from scratch, but this recipe looks so interesting. I have to try it:)
Ilona @ Ilona’s Passion recently posted…Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Brown Sugar
I hope you do!
This looks awesome Rebecca! I love bbq sauce, especially really nice smoky ones. Smokiness + grill marks = summer perfection!
Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat recently posted…Superfoods You’re Probably Not Eating – Part 1
Haha, you are so right! That is total perfection! Thanks Angela!
You are definitely on a condiment roll right now! Me and my baked potato wedges thank you, because just like with pancakes I love to dip! I would love to see some more Asian-inspired sauces, like maybe teriyaki, or sweet and sour or sweet chili or something 🙂
Natalie @ Feasting on Fruit recently posted…Strawberry O Bars
Your sauce loving wish is my command 😉
This sounds fantastic, I can just taste it slathered on some grilled chicken…mmm! There really is nothing like homemade.
Heather / girlichef recently posted…Lemon-Lime Margarita Creamsicles
Grilled chicken always needs some BBQ sauce 😉 Thanks Heather!
BBQ sauce is one of my favorite condiments and I hate how bottled sauce has so many junk ingredients…this is the perfect solution!! Can’t wait to try it.
Faith (An Edible Mosaic) recently posted…Minted Blueberry Balsamic Smoothie
I know! So many unnecessary additives and sugars!
Thank Faith!
I like to make my own too with a little chipotle . I love the spicy! Thanks for linking up today
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…Red, White & Blueberry Kale Salad
I like my BBQ Sauce more on the sweet side!
I really need to try to make my own BBQ sauce! This looks so good:)
Bethany recently posted…Amazing Granola Recipes Roundup!
Ketchup and BBQ sauce 😉 So worth it!
It’s always better when you control the ingredients. Better for your body and for your wallet, in the long run. Great idea!
Kelly recently posted…Why Wait? Tell Them Now
Totally! Thanks Kelly!
Why buy BBQ sauce from a jar when you can make your own in a few minutes? Great recipe Rebecca. I like a spicy/smokey sauce.
Smokey and sweet for me!
Yum!! I love homemade BBQ sauce, it tastes so much better, and often tangier which I like (is that a word?!). Thanks for linking up with us for meatless monday! Have a great week!
Tina Muir recently posted…Meatless Monday- Italian Summer Vegetable Salad
O, do you have a favorite recipe you like to make?
Oh lovely, my husband would love this. Will have to give it a try
Alison recently posted…Seafood salad with a lime mango dressing
Awesome! Thanks!