Honey BBQ Sauce

Patty Catalano
Patty CatalanoFood Editor at The Kitchn
The only subject that has ever held my attention has been food, because there’s no end to what you can taste, smell, learn, and cook. I patchworked my way to recipe development and food writing by earning degrees in Family & Consumer Sciences (you may have known it as Home Ec) and Food, Nutrition, and Culinary Science, and working anywhere that would take me: university food services, local bakeries, and the set of Good Eats on Food Network. Early on, I asked my mom how she knew what a cookbook recipe (with no pictures) would look and taste like. While my mom was there to teach me, I realized that not everyone has someone to turn to for trusted cooking guidance. I try every day to be that person for The Kitchn’s readers by sharing smart recipes they can feel proud to serve. Recipe development is the most fun job I can imagine, but it also comes with a lot of dirty dishes and hours spent in the grocery store. I’ve found that I actually really love grocery shopping — especially at Costco and Aldi — and it brings me such joy to share my finds with The Kitchn readers.
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published Jun 15, 2023
summer
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head on shot of a jar of honey barbecue sauce with a silver spoon on it and a white plate of chicken behind it to the right hand side both placed on a marble surface
Credit: Photo: Alex Lepe; Food Styling: James Park

This sticky honey BBQ sauce has the perfect balance of tang and spice.

Makesabout 1 1/3 cups

Prep5 minutes

Cook10 minutes

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head on shot of a jar of honey barbecue sauce with a silver spoon on it and a white plate of chicken behind it to the right hand side both placed on a marble surface
Credit: Photo: Alex Lepe; Food Styling: James Park

Summer is prime time for smoky BBQ sauce, a universal favorite that’s made from a handful of pantry ingredients like ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and dried spices. This recipe for honey BBQ sauce mixes in golden-sweet honey to mellow the sauce’s tanginess and spice. While you can buy similar store-bought sauces, once you try this simple homemade version on chicken, burgers, or pizza, you’ll never buy another bottle again. 

What Ingredients Do You Need for Honey BBQ Sauce?

  • Ketchup
  • Honey
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Onion powder
  • Garlic powder
  • Kosher salt
  • Cayenne pepper (optional)
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How to Make Honey BBQ Sauce

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and place over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer until bubbling and slightly thickened. Remove the honey BBQ sauce from the heat and let cool before transferring to a jar and refrigerating for up to two weeks.

Credit: Photo: Alex Lepe; Food Styling: James Park

What Are the Best Ways to Use Honey BBQ Sauce?

Use this honey BBQ sauce on practically everything you cook this summer. Brush it onto grilled chicken after the meat has cooked through, giving it just enough time to caramelize. Use it instead of bottled sauce for pulled pork sandwiches. Slather the sauce on ribs or wings. Add it to a skillet with beans, cheese, and red onions for a vegetarian rendition of the classic restaurant pizza. Toss tofu in the sauce and add to a bowl of rice and veggies or on top of a salad. 

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Honey BBQ Sauce Recipe

This sticky honey BBQ sauce has the perfect balance of tang and spice.

Prep time 5 minutes

Cook time 10 minutes

Makes about 1 1/3 cups

Nutritional Info

Ingredients

  • 1 cup

    ketchup

  • 1/2 cup

    honey

  • 1/4 cup

    apple cider vinegar

  • 1 tablespoon

    Worcestershire sauce

  • 1/2 teaspoon

    onion powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon

    garlic powder

  • 1/4 teaspoon

    kosher salt

  • 1/8 teaspoon

    cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. Place 1 cup ketchup, 1/2 cup honey, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper if using in a medium saucepan and stir to combine. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring often, until thickened slightly, 7 to 10 minutes. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let cool before using.

Recipe Notes

Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Filed in:
Dairy-Free
pantry
Side Dish
sauce
stovetop
Keeps Well