Easy Homemade Hickory BBQ Sauce Recipe

I love BBQ! It's one of my favorite parts of summer so to save money we make our own Homemade Hickory BBQ Sauce Recipe! We use BBQ and grills out as much as possible in the summers and even more so now that we are on the road traveling.  Over the years, I have perfected my own recipe. I made some recently and thought I would share! This makes a BIG batch. 4 -5 cups worth. We can it up in mason jars or freeze it for storage. If you'd like to can it, we have a lot more canning recipes for you to try.

This recipe is amazing over ribs, in BBQ beans, over chicken, and even in pulled pork sandwiches. I make a batch this big to split up and store but mostly because this is the perfect amount for my homemade BBQ Slow Cooker Beans. It's very easy to make and you can customize it the way you want. You can add so much to your sauce that's why it took me so long to get this recipe down! Now that I have mine figured out I want to share it with you, it's easy and much cheaper than buying bottle after bottle at the store!

Related: Canning BBQ Sauce Recipe and Tips

What is Hickory Sauce?

Hickory Sauce is a type of barbecue sauce that is made with hickory smoke flavoring. It is a thick, brown sauce that is usually used as a finishing sauce to give food a smoky flavor.

Hickory smoke flavoring is made from the wood of the hickory tree, and it has a strong, smoky flavor that is perfect for barbecue sauces.

What does hickory bbq sauce taste like?

Hickory bbq sauce tastes like a smoky, sweet, and tangy sauce that pairs well with grilled meats. It's perfect for adding a flavorful boost to your backyard barbecue!

Is hickory bbq Sauce Spicy?

It can be, depending on the recipe. Some recipes for hickory sauce do include spices that can make it spicy, while others are more on the mild side. If you're not sure how spicy a particular recipe is, you can always ask the person who made it. And if you're still not sure, then start out with a small amount and add more if needed.

Related: 19 Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipes

What tools do I need to make this hickory smoked bbq sauce?

Small Saucepan – Small versatile pans are perfect for making all kinds of sauces, from basic tomato sauce to complex cream sauces. Plus, it's sized just right for smaller batches, so you don't have to worry about wasting any ingredients.

Canning Jar – Canning jars are made of high-quality glass, so they're durable and will last for years. Most are also BPA-free, freezer safe, and dishwasher safe. Plus, they come in a variety of sizes, so you can find the perfect one for your needs.

Measuring Spoons – Looking for an easier way to measure ingredients? These measuring cups and spoons are a must-have in any kitchen. They make it quick and easy to get the perfect measurements.

Ingredients for Hickory BBQ Sauce

Ketchup
Homemade brown sugar
Worcestershire sauce
Cider vinegar
Chili Sauce
Garlic powder
Mustard powder
Molasses
Few Dashes of Liquid Smoke (to taste I did 4 or 5 in mine)

Related: 60 Grilling Recipes You Absolutely Must Try

How to make hickory bbq sauce

In a small saucepan over medium heat, stir together the ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, Chili sauce, garlic powder, mustard powder, Molasses, and Liquid Smoke.

Related: How to Have a Killer BBQ on a Budget – Cheap BBQ Ideas

Bring to a simmer, then remove from heat

Allow cooling slightly before brushing on your favorite meat, adding to beans or packaging to store.

We hope you enjoyed this BBQ sauce recipe! If you did, please let us know in the comments below. What dishes have you used it on? We’d love to see your creations!