Grandmas Molasses BBQ Sauce Recipe is a rich, smoky, and sweet homemade barbecue sauce made with molasses, ketchup, spices, and vinegar for deep southern flavor.
I made this Grandmas Molasses BBQ Sauce Recipe after watching how traditional sauces were created in old country kitchens, filled with deep flavor and patience.
Inspired by those moments, I decided to show up and share step by step how this rich, smoky, and sweet sauce comes together beautifully.
What Makes This Grandmas Molasses BBQ Sauce Recipe Special?
This Grandmas Molasses BBQ Sauce Recipe is special because it combines deep, rich molasses sweetness with tangy apple cider vinegar and bright lemon juice, creating a balanced and layered flavor.
Smoked paprika, cayenne, and garlic powder add warmth and subtle heat, while Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce contribute depth and complexity.
The sauce thickens to a luscious consistency that clings beautifully to meats, enhancing ribs, chicken, and burgers with a nostalgic, homemade taste that evokes comforting, traditional Southern cooking.
How To Prepare Grandmas Molasses BBQ Sauce Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Course: Sauce / Condiment
Cuisine: American (Southern style BBQ)
Difficulty: Easy
Yield: Makes about 3 cups
Equipment Needed
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Airtight glass jar or bottle for storage
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- ½ cup unsulphured molasses
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon Tabasco or hot sauce
- ¼ cup water
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ cup distilled white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
1. Mix The Base:
In a medium saucepan, add ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, both types of vinegar, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and water. Stir everything together until it’s well blended.
2. Add The Seasonings:
Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, cayenne, chili powder, and a few drops of Tabasco. Stir well so all the spices are evenly mixed.
3. Start Cooking:
Set the pan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir often so it doesn’t stick to the bottom or burn.
4. Let It Thicken:
When it starts to bubble, lower the heat and let it cook uncovered for about 15 to 20 minutes. Stir every few minutes until the sauce thickens and looks smooth and glossy.
5. Taste And Adjust:
Give it a taste and tweak it to your liking add a little extra salt, vinegar, or hot sauce if you want more punch.
6. Cool And Store:
Take the pan off the heat and let the sauce cool completely. Pour it into a clean glass jar or bottle and keep it in the fridge. It’ll stay good for up to two weeks.
Nutrition Facts Per Serving
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 70 |
| Total Fat | 0g |
| Sodium | 220mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Sugars | 16g |
| Protein | 0g |
Grandmas Molasses BBQ Sauce Recipe
Grandmas Molasses BBQ Sauce Recipe stands out for its rich, old-fashioned flavor and perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and tangy notes.
The deep sweetness of molasses blends beautifully with the tang of apple cider vinegar and the gentle heat of spices like cayenne and smoked paprika.
This homemade sauce captures the essence of traditional Southern cooking, offering a smooth, flavourful glaze that enhances grilled meats, chicken, or ribs.
Its comforting, nostalgic taste makes it a beloved family barbecue favourite.
Amazing Serving Ideas
1. Brush over grilled ribs for a sticky, flavourful glaze that caramelises beautifully.
2. Toss roasted or grilled chicken in the sauce for a rich, tangy coating.
3. Use as a dipping sauce for crispy fries, onion rings, or chicken tenders.
4. Drizzle over pulled pork sandwiches to add depth and sweetness.
5. Mix into baked beans or slow cooked vegetables to enhance savoury dishes with a smoky, sweet flavor.
Tips And Variations
➢ Use dark or black strap molasses for a deeper, richer sweetness and a more robust flavor.
➢ Add a teaspoon of liquid smoke to enhance the smoky, grilled taste without needing a smoker.
➢ Stir in finely chopped onions or sauteed garlic for an extra layer of savoury depth.
➢ Adjust the heat by increasing cayenne or Tabasco sauce for a spicier kick.
➢ Blend in a small amount of honey or maple syrup for a smoother, slightly milder sweetness.
How To Make Grandmas Molasses BBQ Sauce Recipe Tastier?
To make Grandmas Molasses BBQ Sauce Recipe tastier, adjust the balance of sweet and tangy flavours carefully.
Add a touch more smoked paprika or cayenne for gentle heat that enhances depth. Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the richness, while extra Worcestershire sauce deepens the savoury notes.
Simmer the sauce slowly to allow flavours to meld fully. Tasting and adjusting salt, sugar, or hot sauce gradually ensures each batch reaches a bold, rich, and satisfying flavor that lingers beautifully.
How to Store Leftovers?
Leftover Grandmas Molasses BBQ Sauce Recipe should be cooled completely before storing. Transfer the sauce into a clean, airtight glass jar or bottle
.Keep it in the refrigerator, where it stays fresh for up to two weeks. For longer storage, freeze portions in small containers or ice cube trays.
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before using. Proper storage preserves the rich, smoky, and sweet flavours of the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make This Sauce Ahead Of Time?
Yes, it can be prepared a day or two in advance to allow the flavours to deepen.
Can I Adjust The Spiciness?
Yes, increase or reduce cayenne, chili powder, or hot sauce to taste.
Is It Suitable For All Meats?
It works well with chicken, ribs, pork, or beef, adding a rich, smoky sweetness.
Can I Use Other Types Of Molasses?
Unsulphured molasses is best, but light or dark molasses can be substituted depending on desired sweetness and intensity.
Conclusion
My easy and enjoyed delicious success making this Grandmas Molasses BBQ Sauce Recipe truly brought back the taste of homemade comfort.
The rich sweetness and smoky depth made every bite special. I hope you feel inspired to try this recipe yourself because it is simple to make and full of flavor.
Now you will make it soon and tell me how delicious it turns out in your own kitchen.
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Grandmas Molasses BBQ Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Airtight glass jar or bottle for storage
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- ½ cup unsulphured molasses
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon Tabasco or hot sauce
- ¼ cup water
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ cup distilled white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
Mix The Base:
- In a medium saucepan, add ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, both types of vinegar, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and water. Stir everything together until it’s well blended.
Add The Seasonings:
- Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, cayenne, chili powder, and a few drops of Tabasco. Stir well so all the spices are evenly mixed.
Start Cooking:
- Set the pan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir often so it doesn’t stick to the bottom or burn.
Let It Thicken:
- When it starts to bubble, lower the heat and let it cook uncovered for about 15 to 20 minutes. Stir every few minutes until the sauce thickens and looks smooth and glossy.
Taste And Adjust:
- Give it a taste and tweak it to your liking add a little extra salt, vinegar, or hot sauce if you want more punch.
Cool And Store:
- Take the pan off the heat and let the sauce cool completely. Pour it into a clean glass jar or bottle and keep it in the fridge. It’ll stay good for up to two weeks.
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 70 | Total Fat: 0g | Sodium: 220mg | Total Carbohydrates: 18g | Sugars: 16g | Protein: 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!”