Hickory Smoke BBQ Sauce is a rich, smoky, and flavourful blend that captures the essence of classic Southern barbecue.
It stands out because of its deep, authentic smoky taste balanced by the sweetness of molasses and tanginess of apple cider vinegar.
Preparing Hickory Smoke BBQ Sauce for family and friends has always been a joyful experience in my kitchen.
The process involves gently simmering the ingredients to meld the flavours, filling the air with an inviting aroma. Sharing this sauce enhances gatherings, creating memorable meals and happy moments around the table.
What Makes This Hickory Smoke BBQ Sauce Special?
Hickory Smoke BBQ Sauce stands out thanks to its authentic smoky flavor achieved through natural hickory liquid smoke and a rich blend of molasses and apple cider vinegar.
The balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky notes creates a complex, bold taste that enhances any grilled or smoked dish.
Using simple, high quality ingredients ensures a fresh and homemade quality that store-bought sauces often lack.
The sauce’s smooth texture and deep flavor make it an excellent companion for ribs, chicken, pulled pork, or even as a dipping sauce, bringing real barbecue goodness to every bite.
How To Prepare Hickory Smoke BBQ Sauce?
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Course: Sauce/Condiment
Cuisine: American, Southern BBQ
Difficulty: Easy
Yield: Makes about 2 cups
Equipment Needed
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Jar or airtight container for storage
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup ketchup
- 4 teaspoons white vinegar
- ½ teaspoon hickory liquid smoke
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 4 teaspoons honey (or maple syrup/agave syrup as a vegan option)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, warm the vegetable oil. Add the tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, to reduce its sharpness and enhance flavor. Stir in ketchup, apple cider vinegar, white vinegar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and your chosen sweetener (honey, maple, or agave). Mix well.
2. Sprinkle in brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir until fully combined. Stir in the hickory liquid smoke. Start with ½ teaspoon and adjust to your taste.
3. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken as it cooks. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning, sweetness, or smokiness to your preference. Remove from heat and let the sauce cool. Transfer to a clean jar or airtight container.
Special Notes
Use caution with liquid smoke it’s potent. I start light, taste after cooling, and adjust. Swap molasses with honey or maple syrup if needed just know the flavor shifts.
For more heat, add extra cayenne or hot sauce. Want thinner? Simply reduce simmering time. To avoid burning the sauce, stir often and use moderate heat.
Nutrition Facts Per Servings
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 60 kcal |
| Fat | 2 g |
| Sodium | 350 mg |
| Sugars | 8 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g |
Expert Tips For Hickory Smoke BBQ Sauce
➢ Use high-quality apple cider vinegar to achieve the ideal tangy balance in the sauce.
➢ Incorporate molasses for depth and a subtle richness that enhances the smoky taste.
➢ Simmer the sauce gently to allow the flavors to meld and thicken without burning.
➢ Adjust the amount of liquid smoke carefully to avoid overpowering the natural sweetness.
➢ Stir frequently during cooking to prevent sticking and ensure an even blend of spices and ingredients.
Essential Health Benefits
➤ Spices like smoked paprika offer anti-inflammatory properties and promote heart health.
➤ Apple cider vinegar in the sauce supports digestion and helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
➤ Garlic powder contains antioxidants that may boost the immune system and reduce inflammation.
➤ Brown sugar provides a natural source of energy when used in moderation.
➤ Molasses adds essential minerals such as iron, calcium, and magnesium, contributing to overall well being.
Amazing Serving Ideas Hickory Smoke BBQ Sauce
1. Brush onto grilled ribs for a rich, smoky finish that enhances the meat’s flavor.
2. Mix into pulled pork sandwiches to add a tangy, sweet kick.
3. Use as a dipping sauce for crispy chicken tenders or nuggets.
4. Drizzle over roasted vegetables to bring a smoky depth to plant based dishes.
5. Stir into baked beans for an extra layer of flavor and sweetness.
Proper Storage
Store Hickory Smoke BBQ Sauce in an airtight container or glass jar to maintain freshness. Keep it refrigerated to preserve flavor and prevent spoilage.
Hickory Smoke BBQ Sauce typically stays good for up to three weeks when chilled properly. Before each use, give the sauce a good stir to recombine any settled ingredients.
For longer storage, freezing in small portions works well and allows easy thawing as needed. Proper storage ensures the sauce retains its rich smoky flavor and thick texture every time it is enjoyed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can The Sauce Be Made Vegan?
Yes, substituting honey with maple syrup or agave keeps it vegan friendly.
Is Liquid Smoke Necessary For The Recipe?
Liquid smoke provides the signature smoky flavor, but it can be adjusted or omitted based on preference.
Can This Sauce Be Used As A Marinade?
Absolutely, it works great for marinating meats before grilling or roasting.
How Spicy Is The Sauce?
The cayenne pepper adds mild heat, which can be increased or decreased to taste.
Hickory Smoke BBQ Sauce became an easy success in my kitchen, impressing everyone with its rich, smoky flavor and balanced sweetness.
The simple steps brought bold, authentic taste that elevated every dish. The sauce’s deep hickory notes combined with vinegar and molasses create a satisfying experience that lingers.
Sharing it with loved ones turned meals into memorable moments filled with flavor and joy. I hope this recipe inspires you to bring that same delicious, homemade BBQ flavor into your kitchen today and enjoy the wonderful results.
Hickory Smoke BBQ Sauce
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, warm the vegetable oil. Add the tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, to reduce its sharpness and enhance flavor. Stir in ketchup, apple cider vinegar, white vinegar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and your chosen sweetener (honey, maple, or agave). Mix well.
- Sprinkle in brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir until fully combined. Stir in the hickory liquid smoke. Start with ½ teaspoon and adjust to your taste.
- Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken as it cooks. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning, sweetness, or smokiness to your preference. Remove from heat and let the sauce cool. Transfer to a clean jar or airtight container.
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 60 kcal | Fat: 2 g | Sodium: 350 mg | Sugars: 8 g | Protein: 0 g | Carbohydrates: 10 g“Hi, I’m Samia, a passionate recipe creator with 5 years of experience in crafting delicious, unique dishes. My love for cooking has led me to explore a variety of cuisines, combining flavors to create memorable meals for every occasion. Whether it’s a simple weeknight dinner or an elaborate feast, I believe in making every dish special. Join me on my culinary journey as I share easy-to-follow recipes and tips that will inspire your cooking and bring joy to your kitchen!”