Bodacious BBQ Sauce is a bold, smoky, sweet, and spicy condiment made with ketchup, spices, and peppers, perfect for grilling, dipping, or marinating meats.
It I’ve crafted from years of backyard cooking experience. I was inspired to make it again after watching an old Southern BBQ show where they made something similar.
The flavours took me back. I’ve made variations over the years, but this one stands out. Now, I’m going to walk you through every step so you can make it just right yourself.
Why You’ll Love
Bodacious BBQ Sauce offers a bold and smoky flavour that enhances any dish. Its balance of sweetness, heat, and tanginess creates a rich taste that excites the palate.
The combination of spices, peppers, and sweeteners delivers depth and complexity in every bite. This sauce adds a homemade touch that elevates meals without complicated steps.
It’s thick enough to coat meats beautifully while remaining smooth and easy to spread. Everyone will appreciate its rich, vibrant flavour that transforms ordinary food into something extraordinary.
How To Prepare Bodacious BBQ Sauce?
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Course: Sauce / Condiment
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: American Southern BBQ
Yield: About 3 cups
Equipment Needed
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Grater or microplane
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup molasses (or honey as an alternative)
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons tomato sauce
- ⅛ cup (2 tablespoons) Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon grated horseradish
- 1 small habanero pepper, minced (or 1 tbsp sriracha for less heat)
- 2 tablespoons grated onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
- Pinch of hickory salt or smoked salt
- 1 tablespoon sriracha hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
Instructions
1. Cook The Base:
Heat a bit of oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Toss in the grated onion, garlic, and either minced habanero or a squeeze of sriracha. Cook for 2–3 minutes, just until everything smells great and starts to soften.
2. Add The Rest:
Pour in the ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, red wine vinegar, tomato sauce, Dijon mustard, chili powder, horseradish, liquid smoke, hickory salt, chili sauce, soy sauce, and more sriracha if you like it spicier. Give it all a good stir so everything’s well mixed.
3. Let It Simmer:
Turn the heat down low and let the sauce bubble gently without a lid for about 20–25 minutes. Stir now and then, and keep an eye on it it should thicken up nicely.
4. Blend It (If You Want):
If you prefer a smooth sauce, let it cool for a bit, then blend it using a regular blender or a stick blender until it’s as smooth as you like.
5. Cool And Store:
Once it’s completely cool, transfer the sauce to a clean jar or bottle. Keep it in the fridge.
Nutrition Facts Of Bodacious BBQ Sauce
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 100 |
| Total Fat | 0.5g |
| Sodium | 450mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 24g |
| Sugars | 20g |
| Protein | 1g |
About This Bodacious BBQ Sauce
Bodacious BBQ Sauce is a flavourful blend of smoky, sweet, and spicy ingredients that create a rich and bold taste.
Its unique combination of molasses, brown sugar, liquid smoke, and habanero peppers gives it a deep, complex flavour with just the right amount of heat.
The main speciality of this sauce lies in its balance bringing together smoky, tangy, sweet, and spicy elements perfectly.
This Bodacious BBQ Sauce enhances any grilled meat or dish, making every bite packed with unforgettable, mouthwatering flavour.
Best Variations
➢ Sweet Apple Twist – Add ¼ cup of apple juice or applesauce for a fruity, sweeter version.
➢ Bourbon Kick – Stir in 2 tablespoons of bourbon during simmering for a deeper, smoky flavor.
➢ Tropical Heat – Mix in pineapple juice and a pinch of allspice for a Caribbean-style BBQ sauce.
➢ Coffee Infusion – Add 1 tablespoon of brewed espresso to enhance richness and depth.
➢ Smoky Chipotle – Replace habanero with chipotle peppers in adobo for a smoky, mild heat.
Serving Suggestions
Bodacious BBQ Sauce pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, ribs, burgers, and pulled pork, adding bold flavour to every bite.
Use it as a glaze during the final minutes of grilling or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce. It’s also delicious drizzled over roasted vegetables, used as a pizza base, or stirred into baked beans for extra flavour.
Spread it on sandwiches or wraps to give them a smoky, spicy kick that takes them to the next level.
Pro Tips And Tricks
➣ Simmer the sauce over low heat to prevent burning and allow the flavors to fully develop.
➣ Balance sweetness and heat by adjusting brown sugar and chili elements to match your preference.
➣ Stir frequently while cooking to avoid sticking and ensure an even consistency.
➣ Let the sauce cool before storing to maintain its texture and flavor.
➣ Use a blender for a smooth, restaurant-quality finish.
Storage And Shelf Life
Cool the Bodacious BBQ Sauce completely before storing. Pour it into a clean, airtight glass jar or container and place it in the refrigerator. It will keep its flavour and quality for up to two weeks.
For extended storage, freeze the Bodacious BBQ Sauce in small portions using freezer safe containers or an ice cube tray. Thaw in the fridge when ready to use.
Always use clean utensils when scooping to prevent spoilage. Discard the Bodacious BBQ Sauce and do not use when there is any change in colour, smell, texture, or if mold appears.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Spicy Is Bodacious BBQ Sauce?
It has a medium heat level, thanks to the habanero and sriracha. You can adjust the spice by reducing or increasing the amount of chili ingredients.
Can I Make It Without Molasses Or Honey?
Yes, you can substitute with maple syrup or more brown sugar for sweetness.
Is This Sauce Vegan?
It can be made vegan by using vegan Worcestershire sauce and skipping honey.
Do I Need To Blend The Sauce?
Blending is optional. It creates a smoother texture but isn’t required if you prefer a chunkier style.
Conclusion
I’m so glad to share this easy and delicious Bodacious BBQ Sauce recipe with you! It was a fun and flavourful success that I truly enjoyed making.
I hope you feel inspired to try it yourself it’s simple to prepare and packed with bold, mouthwatering flavour. Once you make it, I’d love to hear how much you enjoyed it too.
If You Love BBQ Sauce Recipe Try These Out!
Starnes BBQ Sauce | Rich, Simple & Delicious
Honey Gold BBQ Sauce: Southern Inspired
Tamarind BBQ Sauce || Tangy Flavor
Fireball Whiskey BBQ Sauce || Sweet, And Spicy
Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce | A Southern Staple
Bodacious BBQ Sauce
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Grater or microplane
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup molasses or honey as an alternative
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons tomato sauce
- ⅛ cup 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon grated horseradish
- 1 small habanero pepper minced (or 1 tbsp sriracha for less heat)
- 2 tablespoons grated onion
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
- Pinch of hickory salt or smoked salt
- 1 tablespoon sriracha hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
Instructions
Cook The Base:
- Heat a bit of oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Toss in the grated onion, garlic, and either minced habanero or a squeeze of sriracha. Cook for 2–3 minutes, just until everything smells great and starts to soften.
Add The Rest:
- Pour in the ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, red wine vinegar, tomato sauce, Dijon mustard, chili powder, horseradish, liquid smoke, hickory salt, chili sauce, soy sauce, and more sriracha if you like it spicier. Give it all a good stir so everything’s well mixed.
Let It Simmer:
- Turn the heat down low and let the sauce bubble gently without a lid for about 20–25 minutes. Stir now and then, and keep an eye on it it should thicken up nicely.
Blend It (If You Want):
- If you prefer a smooth sauce, let it cool for a bit, then blend it using a regular blender or a stick blender until it’s as smooth as you like.
Cool And Store:
- Once it’s completely cool, transfer the sauce to a clean jar or bottle. Keep it in the fridge.
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 100 | Total Fat: 0.5g | Sodium: 450mg | Total Carbohydrates: 24g | Sugars: 20g | Protein: 1g“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!”