kansas city barbecue sauce recipe
The Best kansas city barbecue sauce recipe
I have been making Kansas City barbecue sauce for years and it is one of those recipes that just makes everything better. My kids love it on chicken wings and pulled pork sandwiches and my husband always asks for extra sauce on the side. This sauce is sweet and tangy with a little bit of heat and it comes together so easily in one pot.
It is perfect for summer cookouts or even a weeknight dinner when you want something special without a lot of fuss. Kansas City barbecue sauce is known for its thick and sticky texture and its balance of sweet and smoky flavors. It uses a base of ketchup and brown sugar with vinegar and molasses for depth.
The key to making it at home is letting it simmer low and slow so the flavors meld together and the sauce thickens up nicely. You can adjust the sweetness or heat to your own taste which is something you cannot do with store bought sauces. This recipe is also healthier than most bottled sauces because you control the sugar and salt.
I use less brown sugar than traditional recipes and add a little apple cider vinegar for brightness. It has no high fructose corn syrup or preservatives and you can make it in under 30 minutes. It is a great way to add flavor to grilled meats without all the extra additives.
I love that this sauce works for so many things. We use it on ribs, chicken, burgers, and even as a dipping sauce for fries. It keeps well in the fridge for weeks and the flavor gets even better after a day or two.
If you have never made barbecue sauce from scratch you will be surprised at how simple it is and how much better it tastes than anything from a jar.
Kansas City Barbecue Sauce
This homemade Kansas City barbecue sauce is sweet, tangy, and smoky with a thick, sticky texture. It is made with simple pantry ingredients and simmers on the stove until perfectly rich.
🥘Ingredients
For the Sauce
👨🍳Directions
🔧Equipment
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
Watch Video Of How Kansas City Barbecue Sauce Works
This Kansas City barbecue sauce is a staple in my kitchen and I always keep a jar in the fridge. It is perfect for last minute cookouts or when you want to jazz up a simple weeknight meal.
My family loves it on everything from grilled chicken to meatloaf and it always gets compliments at gatherings. To store the sauce, let it cool completely and pour it into a glass jar or airtight container.
It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. To reheat, just warm it in a saucepan over low heat or microwave it in 30 second bursts.
You can use it straight from the fridge on cold sandwiches or as a dipping sauce for fries and onion rings. It is a versatile recipe that makes any meal feel like a barbecue.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Kansas City Barbecue Sauce
1. Can I make this sauce less sweet?
Yes, you can reduce the brown sugar to 1/3 cup or even 1/4 cup. The molasses also adds sweetness so you can cut that back to 2 tablespoons. Taste as you go and adjust to your preference.
2. How long does homemade barbecue sauce last?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this sauce will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months in a freezer safe jar or bag.
3. Can I use this sauce as a marinade?
Absolutely. It works great as a marinade for chicken, pork, or beef. Just coat the meat and let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight. Discard any leftover marinade that touched raw meat.
4. What if I don’t have molasses?
You can substitute molasses with honey or maple syrup. Use the same amount, but note that the flavor will be slightly different. Honey will make it a bit lighter and maple syrup will add a subtle maple taste.
5. Can I make this sauce spicy?
Yes, add more cayenne pepper or a chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce. Start with 1 teaspoon of cayenne and adjust from there. You can also add a dash of hot sauce at the end.