Honey BBQ Sauce Recipe is a sweet, smoky, and tangy condiment made with ketchup, honey, vinegar, and spices perfect for grilling, dipping, or marinating.
My Honey BBQ sauce recipe comes from years of kitchen experience and a spark of inspiration from a southern cooking show.
That unforgettable smoky sweetness stayed with me, and I recreated it from memory. Now, I’m excited to guide you step by step to make this flavourful homemade sauce.
Why You’ll Love Honey BBQ Sauce Recipe?
You’ll love this Honey BBQ Sauce Recipe because it delivers a wonderful balance of sweet and smoky flavours that enhance any dish.
The combination of honey and smoked paprika creates a rich taste that feels both comforting and exciting. The sauce comes together quickly using simple ingredients, making it easy to prepare at home.
It adds a fresh, homemade touch that store bought sauces can’t match. This Honey BBQ Sauce Recipe brings bold, satisfying flavor that will keep you coming back for more.
How To Prepare Honey BBQ Sauce Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 13 minutes
Course: Sauce / Condiment
Cuisine: American (Southern style)
Difficulty Level: Easy
Yield: About 1 cup
Equipment Needed
- Small saucepan
- Whisk or spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- ¼ cup honey (preferably raw or mild flavored)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup ketchup
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 garlic clove, minced (or ½ teaspoon garlic powder)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- A pinch of ground black pepper
- 2–3 tablespoons water
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke (or substitute with ½ tsp smoked paprika)
How To Make Honey BBQ Sauce Recipe?
1. Add Everything To A Pot
In a small saucepan, toss in the ketchup, honey, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, a few drops of liquid smoke, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic, brown sugar, black pepper, a pinch of cayenne (if you like a kick), and a bit of kosher salt.
2. Mix It Up
Grab a whisk or spoon and stir everything together until it’s nice and smooth.
3. Heat Things Up
Put the pan on medium heat. Let it slowly come to a gentle simmer, giving it a stir now and then.
4. Let It Thicken
Keep it simmering for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring often, until it starts to thicken up just a bit.
5. Tweak The Texture
If it ends up thicker than you want, no problem just add a little water, one tablespoon at a time, until it’s just right.
6. Cool Down & Store
Take it off the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. You can use it right away or pour it into a sealed container and keep it in the fridge for up to a week.
Nutrition Facts Per Serving
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 60 |
| Total Fat | 0g |
| Saturated Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 170mg |
| Carbohydrates | 14g |
| Sugar | 12g |
| Protein | 0g |
| Fiber | 0g |
Honey BBQ Sauce Recipe
The Honey BBQ Sauce Recipe has a deep, rich flavor that comes from combining sweet honey, tangy vinegar, and just the right amount of smoky seasoning.
It’s not something from a bottle, but a homemade mix that brings out bold, satisfying taste in every bite. The real speciality lies in how simple ingredients come together to create something that feels slow cooked and thoughtful.
It works great on grilled chicken, ribs, or even used as a dipping sauce straight from the pan. Everything about it tastes real and familiar.
Ways To Use It
1. Brush it onto grilled chicken or ribs to add a sweet and smoky glaze.
2. Use as a dipping sauce for crispy fries, onion rings, or chicken tenders.
3. Mix into pulled pork or shredded chicken for flavorful sandwiches or tacos.
4. Drizzle over roasted vegetables to give them a tangy, sweet boost.
5. Spread on burgers or sliders instead of regular ketchup for extra flavor.
Tips And Variations
Tips
➢ Use raw honey for a richer, more complex sweetness that enhances the sauce’s flavor.
➢ Simmer the sauce gently to allow the spices to meld and develop deeper smoky notes.
➢ Adjust the thickness by adding small amounts of water or simmering longer to reach the desired consistency.
Variations
➣ Add a dash of chipotle powder to increase the smoky heat.
➣ Incorporate fresh grated ginger for a subtle zing and extra depth.
➣ Replace apple cider vinegar with balsamic vinegar for a slightly sweeter, tangier twist.
How To Make More Delicious Honey BBQ Sauce Recipe?
To make more delicious Honey BBQ Sauce Recipe, start with fresh, high-quality ingredients like raw honey and pure apple cider vinegar.
Slowly simmer the sauce to allow flavors to deepen and meld together. Adjust the balance of sweetness and tanginess according to your taste, adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke carefully for a richer smoky flavor.
Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper brings a subtle kick. Stir frequently to avoid burning and finish by letting the sauce cool to develop its full flavor before serving.
How To Store The Finished Honey BBQ Sauce Recipe?
Store the finished Honey BBQ Sauce Recipe in an airtight container or glass jar to keep it fresh. Refrigerate immediately to maintain its flavor and prevent spoilage.
The sauce will stay good for up to one week in the fridge. Before using, give it a good stir to bring back its smooth texture.
For longer storage, freezing in small portions works well, just thaw in the fridge before serving to enjoy the full flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Regular Honey Instead Of Raw Honey?
Yes, regular honey works just fine and will still give great sweetness.
Is Liquid Smoke Necessary?
Liquid smoke adds smoky flavor but can be replaced with smoked paprika if unavailable.
Can I Make This Sauce Spicier?
Yes, increase the cayenne pepper or add chili powder for more heat.
Can I Use Garlic Powder Instead Of Fresh Garlic?
Absolutely, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder works as a substitute.
Conclusion
This Honey BBQ Sauce Recipe was easy and the result was delicious. I hope this recipe inspires you to give it a try because it’s simple and flavourful.
You will enjoy the process and the taste just as much as I did. After you have made it, please share how tasty it turned out.
I’m excited to hear about your experience with this homemade Honey BBQ Sauce Recipe!
Here Are Some Quick BBQ Sauce Recipes You Might Enjoy
Sweet BBQ Sauce Recipe || American Style
BBQ Sauce Recipe For Burgers [No Cooking]
No Ketchup BBQ Sauce Recipe | Best Ever
Cherry Coke BBQ Sauce || Delicious
Honey BBQ Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- Small saucepan
- Whisk or spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- ¼ cup honey preferably raw or mild flavored
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup ketchup
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 garlic clove minced (or ½ teaspoon garlic powder)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- A pinch of ground black pepper
- 2 –3 tablespoons water
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke or substitute with ½ tsp smoked paprika
Instructions
Add Everything To A Pot
- In a small saucepan, toss in the ketchup, honey, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, a few drops of liquid smoke, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic, brown sugar, black pepper, a pinch of cayenne (if you like a kick), and a bit of kosher salt.
Mix It Up
- Grab a whisk or spoon and stir everything together until it’s nice and smooth.
Heat Things Up
- Put the pan on medium heat. Let it slowly come to a gentle simmer, giving it a stir now and then.
Let It Thicken
- Keep it simmering for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring often, until it starts to thicken up just a bit.
Tweak The Texture
- If it ends up thicker than you want, no problem just add a little water, one tablespoon at a time, until it’s just right.
Cool Down & Store
- Take it off the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. You can use it right away or pour it into a sealed container and keep it in the fridge for up to a week.
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 60 | Total Fat: 0g | Saturated Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 170mg | Carbohydrates: 14g | Sugar: 12g | Protein: 0g | Fiber: 0g“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!”