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This small batch BBQ sauce is sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy, made with simple pantry ingredients. Perfect for grilling, dipping, or adding flavor to meats and more!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Simple steps with no hard-to-find ingredients.
- Customizable: Adjust the sweetness, tang, or spice to your liking.
- Pantry-Friendly: Uses ingredients you likely already have.
- Healthier: Choose organic, low-sugar, or low-sodium options.
- Cost-Effective: Cheaper than store-bought versions.
- Small Batch: Makes about ¾ cup and can be doubled if needed.
What I love most about this BBQ sauce is how it transforms simple ingredients into something rich, bold, and incredibly flavorful. It’s the kind of sauce that makes everything taste better—whether I’m brushing it over chicken, drizzling it on a sandwich, or using it as a dip.
I always have these ingredients in my kitchen, and knowing I can whip up a small batch anytime without needing to buy a bottled version makes it even better.
Pair this homemade barbecue sauce with tender Oven Baked Ribs for one or juicy Roasted Chicken Legs for one for a flavorful addition to your meal!
Featured Comment
“Love this BBQ sauce and so easy to make. Will definitely make this again and again.”
– Rose
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this small batch barbecue sauce recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Ketchup: The base of the sauce. Adds sweetness and tang. Use organic or low-sugar ketchup for a lighter option.
- Brown sugar: Sweetens the sauce and adds depth. Honey or maple syrup can be used instead.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds savory depth. Use a gluten-free or vegan alternative if needed.
- Mustard: Brings a tangy, acidic note that balances the sweetness for a well-rounded flavor.
- Seasonings: A mix of coarsely ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder enhances the sauce’s flavor.
- Apple cider vinegar: Adds tang and brightness while balancing the sweetness. It can also tenderize meat when used as a marinade. For variety, try white vinegar, red wine vinegar, or balsamic vinegar.
How To Make BBQ Sauce
The photo and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make a small batch of BBQ sauce. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- Combine Ingredients: Add all the ingredients to a 1-quart saucepan.
- Cook the Sauce: Heat over medium-high until it starts to simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking.
Pro Tip: Simmering thickens the sauce. For a thicker consistency, cook for an additional 5-10 minutes.
- Cool and Store: Use the sauce immediately, or let it cool and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Pro Tip: For deeper flavor, let the sauce rest for at least an hour or overnight before using.
This recipe yields about 3/4 cup.
Expert Tips
- Start with Quality Ingredients: Use a good ketchup or tomato base—brands vary, so pick one you like.
- Taste as You Go: Adjust sweetness, tang, or spice to suit your preferences.
- Customize the Flavor: Mix in fruit preserves, bourbon, beer, or liquid smoke for variety.
- Adjust for Dietary Needs: Choose gluten-free, low-sugar, or vegan ingredients if needed.
- Make It Your Own: This recipe is flexible—tweak it to fit your meal.
Ways To Use Homemade BBQ Sauce
This bold, flavorful sauce works in many dishes:
- Grilling & Roasting: Brush on Baked Chicken Thighs or Sheet Pan Steak for extra flavor.
- Marinade: Mix with oil to marinate meat, poultry, seafood, or tofu.
- Dipping Sauce: Perfect for baked chicken tenders for one, small batch baked French fries, or baked tortilla chips.
- Sandwich Spread: Adds a smoky layer to sandwiches or turkey wraps.
- Meatloaf Glaze: Brush on mini meatloaf before baking for a rich, caramelized topping.
- Pizza Topping: Use as a base for BBQ chicken or pork pizza, or drizzle on top of the finished pizza using homemade personal pizza dough.
- Pasta Sauce: Blend with cream or small batch tomato sauce for a smoky, tangy pasta dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it stays fresh for up to two weeks.
Yes, simply double the ingredients to make a larger batch.
Yes, increase the chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Yes, you can make a sugar-free BBQ sauce by using sugar substitutes like stevia, erythritol, or monk fruit sweetener. Adjust the amounts according to your taste preferences and the specific sweetener’s conversion ratio.
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
If you’ve tried this single serving BBQ sauce recipe or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
Also, if you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see it!
Small Batch BBQ Sauce
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ cup ketchup
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 ½ tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder (This recipe makes a mildly spicy sauce. For more heat, add an additional 1/4 teaspoon of chili powder. Taste the sauce first, then adjust the spice level as needed.)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add all the ingredients to a 1-quart saucepan.
- Cook the Sauce: Heat over medium-high until it starts to simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking.Pro Tip: Simmering thickens the sauce. For a thicker consistency, cook for an additional 5-10 minutes.
- Cool and Store: Use the sauce immediately, or let it cool and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.Pro Tip: For deeper flavor, let the sauce rest for at least an hour or overnight before using.
Notes
- Use Quality Ingredients: A good ketchup or tomato base is key to great flavor. Try different brands to find your favorite.
- Taste and Adjust: Sample as it cooks and tweak ingredients to suit your taste.
- Customize the Flavor: Add fruit preserves, bourbon, beer, or liquid smoke for a unique twist.
- Dietary Adjustments: Use gluten-free, low-sugar, or vegan-friendly ingredients as needed.
- Make It Your Own: This recipe is a guide—adjust it to match your dish and preferences.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Thank you very much for this. The last BBQ sauce I made, was such a huge portion and we don’t use it often, so it went to waste. This was a perfect amount and tasted delicious. Thank you.
Very good, but I will cut back on the Worcestershire sauce the next time I make it. It took me a while to balance the flavors. I omitted the chili powder, since it had enough of a kick without it.
Is it freezeable?
Absolutely, this BBQ sauce can be frozen! While I typically use up my small batch without needing to freeze it, other readers have shared that they’ve successfully frozen the sauce. It’s great to know you have the option. And when you’re ready for more, it’s so simple to whip up a fresh batch.
Love this recipe
It’s perfect for my husband and I
Love this BBQ sauce and so easy to make. Will definitely make this again and again.
Hey! I have been using your recipes for years and am thankful for you site. I print these out all the time.
Today, I tried to print out the BBQ sauce and the printer would not allow it to be printed. It’s not my printer as I have been using it all day….
Do you know why? I am sending this on due to so much fraud, spam etc
Thank you.
Cornelia
I’m sorry, Cornelia – I have no idea why you are unable to print the recipe.
Made this, after tasting had to add 1 tablespoon of molasses being from the Kansas city area, now it taste great, my go to barbeque sauce!,
I’m so happy you enjoyed it.
Great recipe.
Thank you!