We are talking sweet and smoky, flavorful and messy, stick to your fingers BBQ sauces.
Whether it’s slathering it on ribs or lightly brushing it on chicken breasts, we love our mouthwatering sauces.
Finding the right one can be tricky and there are so many options. Have you looked in the grocery store lately, the choices can be overwhelming. Why not try making it yourself?
Using just a few simple ingredients you can make sauces that are fresh and full of flavor.
We have compiled a few recipes so you can see how easy it is to make your own!
No matter what you decide, we think you will find several that will make your summer gathering special.
Whether it is steak on the grill in your backyard or chicken legs over a campfire up in the mountains, good BBQ sauces can add so much to your food.
Getting Started
Remember, sauce is a condiment that is not only brushed on your meat but many times served on the side as well. So, you want a flavor that can stand up on its own.
We looked for a sweet and smoky flavor with that perfect balance of acidity.
We loved this recipe for its simple ingredients and robust flavor along with all the adaptation suggestions. This is perfect for your first attempt!
Classic BBQ Sauces
Traditional sauces are generally a balance of tomato sauce with vinegar and sugar. Some add mustard and other spices to enhance the basic flavors.
We found a few recipes to get you started and before too long we bet you will be adding your own creative touches!
Classic Barbecue Sauce Recipe- The Mountain Kitchen
Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe - Cooking Classy
This one takes a little more time but uses fresh tomatoes to add a whole new level of flavor, definitely worth the time!
Classic BBQ Sauce Recipe - Ben Ford
Fruit-Based BBQ Sauces
Here are a few of our favorite recipes utilizing some of the fresh fruits of summer. So easy to make and so delicious!
This recipe utilizes preserves instead of fresh fruit, yet tastes just as good and is quick and easy to make. Feel free to substitute blueberry, strawberry or raspberry preserves. We added a little rosemary and brushed it on chicken breasts for another level of flavor!
Here are another 2 recipes using fresh blackberries and adding some great spices to balance the sweetness.
10 Minute Blackberry BBQ Sauce
Oregon Blackberry Barbecue Sauce
Check out these recipes one made with fresh apricots and one with apricot jam. Both are flavorful and easy to make.
Easy Homemade Apricot BBQ Sauce
Apricot BBQ Sauce (Homemade & Easy)
Last Minute Tips
When to add the BBQ sauce is very important as the sugars can burn if added too soon when grilling at high heat. Keeping that in mind you can begin layering the sauce towards the end of your grilling time, usually about 10 to 15 minutes before the meat is done.
If you are smoking your meats the sauce can be added earlier as the temperature is lower and that way the sauce can actually caramelize instead of burning.
We all know a clean grill is a happy grill so keep your grill clean with the power of steam and get yourself a Grill Daddy here.
Hopefully now you see how easy it is to make your own creations to add a whole new level to your grilling experience this summer.
Do you have any bbq sauce tips? We’d love to read your input in the comments below!