Cleveland BBQ Sauce | Sweet Flavour

Cleveland BBQ sauce delivers a bold, tangy sweet flavour that stands out thanks to its blend of smoked paprika, mustard pickles, and local beer.

I confirmed its depth and balance while preparing it for grilled ribs, and it instantly became a go-to for pulled pork, burgers, and roasted vegetables.

The combination of molasses, vinegar, and spices creates a rich profile that elevates anything it touches. It complements both smoky meats and lighter fare like grilled chicken or tofu.

Its unique mix of regional ingredients makes it both memorable and endlessly enjoyable across a wide range of dishes I regularly prepare.

What Makes This Cleveland BBQ Sauce Special?

This Cleveland BBQ Sauce stands out for its bold, layered flavour rooted in regional ingredients like mustard pickles and local beer.

The mix of smoky, tangy, and sweet notes thanks to molasses, smoked paprika, and apple cider vinegar creates a rich, balanced taste.

A hint of heat from cayenne and depth from Worcestershire and liquid smoke round it out. It’s a distinctive twist on classic barbecue sauce, blending tradition and local flair in every spoonful.

How To Prepare Cleveland BBQ Sauce

Recipe Overview

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Course: Condiment / Sauce

Cuisine: American (Cleveland-style BBQ)

Difficulty: Easy

Yield: About 2 cups

Kitchen Utensils Needed

• Medium saucepan
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board (for chopping pickles)
• Whisk (optional)
• Airtight container or glass jar for storage

Ingredients

• 2 cups tomato ketchup
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• ¼ cup molasses
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• ¼ cup Cleveland-style mustard pickles, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ cup local Cleveland beer
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup water (for thinning)
• 1 teaspoon liquid smoke

Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients:

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the ketchup, vinegar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, and beer. Stir to blend thoroughly.

2. Add Dry Seasonings:

Mix in the brown sugar, smoked paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.

3. Incorporate Pickles and Smoke:

Add in the finely chopped mustard pickles and liquid smoke. Stir until evenly combined.

4. Simmer:

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add water gradually during simmering to achieve your desired consistency.

5. Cool and Store:

Remove from heat and let cool. Transfer to an airtight container or jar. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 45 kcal
• Fat: 0 g
• Sodium: 190 mg
• Carbs: 13 g
• Sugars: 5 g
• Protein: 0 g

Tips And Tricks For Making The Best Cleveland BBQ Sauce

1. Use Local Beer – Choose a Cleveland-brewed beer to enhance the regional flavor and give the sauce an authentic touch.

2. Chop Pickles Finely – Finely dice the mustard pickles so they blend smoothly into the sauce without altering the texture too much.

3. Simmer Slowly – Let the sauce simmer gently to develop deeper flavor and allow the spices to fully infuse.

4. Adjust Heat – Taste as you go and tweak the cayenne pepper to match your preferred spice level.

5. Store Overnight – Let the sauce sit in the fridge for at least a day before using—it tastes even better after the flavors have settled.

How To Make With More Delicious?

To make Cleveland BBQ Sauce even more delicious, try caramelising the brown sugar slightly before adding the rest of the ingredients it deepens the sweetness and adds a richer base.

Use a freshly brewed, flavorful local beer for a bolder taste, and don’t skip the mustard pickles they bring a tangy bite that sets this sauce apart.

For extra depth, stir in a splash of bourbon or a touch more smoked paprika to enhance the smoky character.

Best Ways to Use Cleveland BBQ Sauce

1. Grilled Kielbasa

Nothing screams Cleveland like juicy kielbasa with a slather of this tangy mustard BBQ sauce. I brush it on right at the end of grilling and serve extra on the side. It’s game-day perfection.

2. Pulled Pork Sandwiches

I mix this sauce directly into pulled pork to give it a bold, mustardy kick. It cuts through the richness and makes the sandwich taste layered and satisfying.

3. Polish Boy Sandwich

This classic Cleveland street food comes alive with Cleveland BBQ Sauce. Layer grilled sausage, coleslaw, fries, and this sauce on a bun it’s messy, spicy, and unforgettable.

4. BBQ Chicken Thighs

I brush the sauce onto grilled or oven-roasted chicken thighs during the last few minutes of cooking. It caramelizes just enough and gives the chicken a tangy glaze with attitude.

5. Burger Upgrade

Skip the ketchup. I use this sauce on a burger with cheddar, pickles, and bacon. It brings a punchy twist that makes even a basic burger feel like a gourmet creation.

How To Store Leftovers

To store leftover Cleveland BBQ Sauce, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight glass jar or container. Keep it in the refrigerator, where it stays fresh for up to 2 weeks.

I always label it with the date, just to be safe. Give it a quick stir before using again, especially if any ingredients have settled.

Conclusion

Cleveland BBQ Sauce brought incredible flavour to my table and proved to be an easy success from the very first try.

The bold spices, touch of sweetness, and subtle tang blended beautifully into something truly special. Each time I use it, the results are consistently delicious and satisfying.

It’s a simple yet rewarding recipe that adds something extra to every bite. I enjoyed every step of the process and hope you will make it soon too.