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
MY LATEST VIDEOSThis 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
Easy Homemade BBQ Sauce
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!
- Yield: 2 1/2 Cups (20oz) 1x
- Category: Condiment
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 12 oz Tomato Paste (no-salt added)
- 1/4 Cup Raw Apple Cider Vinegar
- 3/4 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
- 1/2 Tsp Minced Garlic
- 1/2 Tsp Onion Powder
- 1/2 Tsp Cinnamon
- 1/4 Tsp Cumin
- 1/4 Tsp Black Pepper
- 1/8 Tsp Ground Cloves
- 1/8 Tsp Ground Allspice
Instructions
- 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!)
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Betty says
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.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
It’s os easy to make it exactly as you want and how much you need!
Raia says
Sounds yummy! Thanks for sharing it at Savoring Saturdays! 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thank you!
Melanie Redd says
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
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thank you so much! O I’d loved to hear what you think 😉 Haha!
And thank you so much dear! XOXO
Michelle @ A Dish of Daily Life says
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!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thank you Michelle!
Miz Helen says
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
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thank you dear!
Brittany says
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!)
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I hope you love it dear!
Mama OWL Blog | Jooleroo says
This looks divine, can’t wait to give it a try – thanks for sharing!
visiting from #brilliantblogposts
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thanks!
Deborah Davis says
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.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thanks!
Creatively Homespun says
YUM! BBQ is a staple in this house!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Same here!
Stephanie says
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!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thanks!
skd says
Beautiful combination of flavors. Bravo!!! Thanks for sharing.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thanks!
Indian Curry Shack By Anugya Sudan Oberai says
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
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thank you so much sweetheart!
Petra says
What a perfect summer recipe! I love to make my own sauces and this looks so rich and delicious, perfect for the bbq! 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Totally! Thanks dear!
Jacky @ JoyfulSavings says
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!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Yes, please do!
lisa says
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!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
It is hard! O I bet you do know your BBQ! Thank dear!
Elaine Hodges says
Looks Yummy. Thanks for sharing on the
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thanks!
Kerry says
I’ll have to give this a go! x
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Yes! I hope you do! Let me know!
Sridevi Ravi says
This BBQ sauce looks awesome! Anything would become tasty slathered in this glistening sauce and put on a grill.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Haha, that is exactly right! Thank you dear!
All that's Jas says
That sounds awesome. No unrecognizable ingredients! Thanks for sharing with Thursday Favorite Things and hope you have an amazing weekend!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
That’s what I always aim for, haha! Thank you!
Ashley Beolens says
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?
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
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!
Esther says
That looks awesome! And pretty simple 🙂
My husband is a huge fan of BBQ so I will have to share this with him 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thank you! I hope you do!
Amanda @ The Chunky Chef says
Wow, what a delicious looking sauce!! Happy FF 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thanks!
Marla says
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.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thanks!
Justine says
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 😀
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Haha, thank you so much sweet friend!
Michelle @ Giraffes Can Bake says
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 😀
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Yes! I know you’ll be addicted to this one 😉
Judi Graber says
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 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
The sauce says it all!
Kaila (GF Life 24/7) says
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!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thank you! But…bacon?
kimmythevegan says
Sounds great! I’m not a fan of buying bbq sauce it always has such scary sounding ingredients. This homemade one sounds much better =)
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Homemade is ALWAYS better!
kimmythevegan says
Definitely!
Thanks for sharing this at Healthy Vegan Fridays – I’m pinning it =)
Sarah-Ann says
Looks delicious! I love the color of it compared to the store bought ones. Def bookmarking this. Thanks for sharing it with us all.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thank you!
Pam says
I love homemade bbq sauce – yours looks and sounds terrific.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thank you!
Honest mum says
This looks immense! Thanks for linking up to #brilliantblogposts x
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Haha, sure!
International Elf Service says
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!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Haha, most do have half a bag…a full pound of sugar!
Mother Mands says
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
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Condiments are so super easy to make too! I hope you guys give this a try! XOXO
Sue Loncaric says
Love the photos and that the recipe is sugar free. Thanks for sharing with us at #WednesdaysWisdom
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thanks!
Trish says
What a great idea! And it sounds so good. Thanks for sharing at the Creative Inspiration Party!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I hope it sounds good, haha!
Sandy Sandmeyer says
I bet barbecue lovers will love your homemade sauce.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Of course!
Audrey @ Unconventional Baker says
Looks yummy! ♥ I’ve never made my own BBQ sauce — sounds easy enough though 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
The easiest!
Joanie @ ZagLeft says
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!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Yes exactly! And grilled chicken is always even better with all the BBQ sauce 😉
Des @ Life's Ambrosia says
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 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
We’re all sweet enough 😉
Harriet Emily says
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!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Omg! BBQ pizza! That is so happening! Thank you dear friend!
Joann Woolley says
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!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
And you can make it happen! It’s so much fun and rewarding to make you on!
Amanda @ The Anti Mom Blog says
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!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Haha, thank you so much dear! Just pick up some tomato paste and get at it!
Ellen Hawley says
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.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Happy to give you an easy solution 😉
Catherine says
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!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
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!
Jess says
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! 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Yes! Or bottle some up for a present 😉
Celeste says
Once you try homemade BBQ sauce, there’s no going back!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Haha, no!
Briton says
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!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Haha, yea! When I was doing my sauce research, I saw how every state had their own “way and variation” of the perfect sauce!
Rosi says
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! 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Any sweetener, but than you’ll be adding sugar!
Laura says
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:)
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I use mine more often as a dip too 😉 Thanks dear!
Liz - Meal Makeover Mom says
Looks delicious. Since all we do in the summer is cook on the grill, I’ll have to give this a try!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Yes! Please do!
Cara's Healthy Cravings says
Homemade is always the best!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Yes it is!
Sam @ PancakeWarriors says
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!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Same! Thank you so much Sam!
Julia says
My husband loves anything BBQ. I love the idea of making my own to control the ingredients. This sounds wonderful and looks easy.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Yes! Just the reason! Thank you!
Sarah says
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!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Yes! BBQ is good on everything!
Florian @ContentednessCooking says
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! 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Mmm, fresh tomatoes would be heavenly (if I weren’t so lazy about it! Love my paste!)
Thank you so much dear!
Sharon @ What The Fork Food Blog says
I love making my own BBQ sauce because you can totally customize the flavor profile. Yours sounds great!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Yes! I’m thinking of trying a fruity one next time!
revealed says
wow how creative! i’d definitely make a bbq just to use this sauce!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
You can use this sauce on anything!
Lauren Allen says
Nothing like homemade BBQ Sauce! Excited to try your recipe!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thank you dear!
Amy says
wow what an amazing recipe! I’m excited to try it. Thanks for sharing!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thank you!
Stephanie Volkert says
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.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
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!
The Vegan 8 says
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!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
And isn’t homemade just so good! You can make it however you like! It is one of the best flavors!
Thank you Brandi!
Jenny Shea Rawn says
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!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Yes! You can load this in with no regrets! Pulled BBQ chicken…is soooo good though 😉 Haha! Thank you dear!
GiGi Eats says
Could totally eat that with a spoon! I actually found some BBQ sauce made with Xyltiol and it’s pretty dang good!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Yea, the bottles one I love, G. Hughes, is sugar-free/allergy-free and amazing! Nothing chemically either!
Michele @ paleorunningmomma says
Ooh this looks so good! And yes I think we need something to dip in it 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
And I’m going to give you more than just a dippable recipe 😉
Sandi Gaertner (@sandigtweets) says
Fabulous BBQ sauce. My kids will go nuts over this recipe since they are huge fans of BBQ and grilling.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
You’re kids know good eats 😉
Debbie @ Coach Debbie Runs says
This sounds delicious. I’ve never made barbecue sauce, but it’s true the bottled ones have so much sugar!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
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!
Ilona @ Ilona's Passion says
I’ve never made barbecue from scratch, but this recipe looks so interesting. I have to try it:)
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I hope you do!
Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat says
This looks awesome Rebecca! I love bbq sauce, especially really nice smoky ones. Smokiness + grill marks = summer perfection!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Haha, you are so right! That is total perfection! Thanks Angela!
Natalie @ Feasting on Fruit says
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 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Your sauce loving wish is my command 😉
Heather / girlichef says
This sounds fantastic, I can just taste it slathered on some grilled chicken…mmm! There really is nothing like homemade.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Grilled chicken always needs some BBQ sauce 😉 Thanks Heather!
Faith (An Edible Mosaic) says
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.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I know! So many unnecessary additives and sugars!
Thank Faith!
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner says
I like to make my own too with a little chipotle . I love the spicy! Thanks for linking up today
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I like my BBQ Sauce more on the sweet side!
Bethany says
I really need to try to make my own BBQ sauce! This looks so good:)
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Ketchup and BBQ sauce 😉 So worth it!
Kelly says
It’s always better when you control the ingredients. Better for your body and for your wallet, in the long run. Great idea!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Totally! Thanks Kelly!
Linda @ Veganosity says
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.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Smokey and sweet for me!
Tina Muir says
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!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
O, do you have a favorite recipe you like to make?
Alison says
Oh lovely, my husband would love this. Will have to give it a try
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Awesome! Thanks!