Hickory and Brown Sugar BBQ Sauce is a smoky, sweet, made with hickory liquid smoke and brown sugar, enhancing grilled meats with rich, deep, and flavourful notes.
I love how the deep smoky flavor of hickory blends with the sweetness of brown sugar. This Hickory And Brown Sugar BBQ Sauce tastes incredible on ribs, pulled pork, or even grilled chicken.
I first got inspired while watching an old barbecue show filmed in Tennessee. The way they layered smoke and sweetness stayed in my mind.
I wanted that same depth at home. The true specialty of this sauce is its balance sweet, smoky, tangy, and bold. Now I will show step by step how I make it.
What Does Hickory And Brown Sugar Taste Like?
Hickory and brown sugar combine to create a rich, smoky, and sweet flavor that’s perfect for barbecue sauces.
The hickory adds a strong, authentic smoky taste that gives the sauce depth and character. Brown sugar brings a deep caramel like sweetness that balances the smoky intensity.
Together, they create a harmonious blend where the smokiness is softened by the sweetness, often with subtle molasses notes from the brown sugar.
This combination makes the Hickory And Brown Sugar BBQ Sauce bold, flavorful, and irresistibly delicious.
How To Prepare This Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Course: Sauce / Condiment
Cuisine: American (Southern Style BBQ)
Difficulty: Easy
Yield: Makes about 2 cups of BBQ sauce
Equipment Needed
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Airtight jar or bottle for storage
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- ¼ cup hickory liquid smoke
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon additional black pepper (for added kick)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
1. In a medium saucepan, add the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, white vinegar, hickory liquid smoke, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard.
2. Whisk in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper (both measures), and salt until fully combined. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
3. Let the sauce simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken slightly as it cooks. Remove from heat and let cool. Transfer to a clean jar or bottle.
Nutrition Facts Per Serving
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 70 kcal |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Sodium | 290 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 17 g |
| Sugars | 16 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
Serving Suggestions
Brush Hickory and Brown Sugar BBQ Sauce over grilled chicken, ribs, or pork chops during the final minutes of cooking for a caramelised finish.
Stir into shredded pork or beef for flavorful sandwiches. Serve as a dipping sauce for chicken tenders, fries, or roasted vegetables.
Mix into baked beans or meatloaf for added depth. Use as a burger topping to elevate taste. Pour over grilled tofu or temper for a bold, smoky twist on plant based dishes.
Tips And Tricks For Perfect Hickory And Brown Sugar BBQ Sauce
➢ Use high quality liquid smoke for a natural and rich hickory flavor.
➢ Stir the sauce frequently while simmering to prevent burning and ensure even thickness.
➢ Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar depending on your taste preference.
➢ Let the sauce cool before storing to help flavors develop fully.
Healthy Nutrition Benefits Hickory And Brown Sugar BBQ Sauce.
➤ Contains antioxidants from spices like garlic powder and smoked paprika.
➤ Brown sugar provides natural energy through carbohydrates.
➤ Apple cider vinegar may support digestion and help balance blood sugar levels.
➤ Adds flavor without heavy calories, encouraging healthier homemade meals over processed options.
How To Make Hickory And Brown Sugar BBQ Sauce Tastier?
To enhance Hickory and Brown Sugar BBQ Sauce, start by adding a splash of honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness.
Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked chili powder to introduce a subtle heat. Freshly ground black pepper and a little grated ginger can boost flavor depth.
Allow the sauce to simmer longer to deepen its richness. Stir in a small amount of bourbon or apple juice to add complexity.
These tweaks bring out bold, layered tastes that elevate the Hickory And Brown Sugar BBQ Sauce.
Why You Will Choose Hickory And Brown Sugar BBQ Sauce?
Hickory and Brown Sugar BBQ Sauce stands out because of its bold, balanced flavor. The smoky richness of hickory pairs beautifully with the deep sweetness of brown sugar, creating a unique taste experience.
This Hickory And Brown Sugar BBQ Sauce enhances the flavor of grilled or smoked meats without overpowering them.
Its smooth texture and well rounded profile make every bite satisfying. Choosing this sauce means adding a delicious, homemade touch that brings warmth and depth to your meals. It’s a choice that consistently delivers great flavor.
How Do You Preserve Hickory And Brown Sugar BBQ Sauce?
Store Hickory and Brown Sugar BBQ Sauce in a clean, airtight container to maintain freshness. Keep it refrigerated to slow down spoilage and preserve flavour.
Avoid leaving the sauce at room temperature for long periods. Before sealing, let the sauce cool completely to prevent condensation inside the container.
Use a clean spoon each time to prevent contamination. Proper storage helps the Hickory And Brown Sugar BBQ Sauce stay fresh for up to two weeks, ensuring it retains its rich, smoky, and sweet taste every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make This Sauce Ahead Of Time?
Yes, the flavours actually improve after sitting for a day or two in the fridge.
Can I Adjust The Sweetness?
Absolutely. You can add more or less brown sugar to suit your taste.
Is This Sauce Gluten Free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten free Worcestershire sauce and ketchup.
Can I Use This Sauce For Slow Cooking?
Yes, it works great as a marinade or finishing sauce for slow cooked meats.
How Spicy Is This BBQ Sauce?
This recipe is mild, but you can add cayenne or hot sauce for heat.
I hope you enjoyed this easy and delicious Hickory and Brown Sugar BBQ Sauce recipe as much as I did making it.
The bold, smoky sweet flavor turned out better than expected, and I hope you feel inspired to try it too. It’s simple to make and brings amazing taste to any grilled dish.
Now it’s your turn to make it soon and experience the same flavourful joy. Don’t forget to let me know how delicious it turned out after you give it a try!
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Hickory And Brown Sugar BBQ Sauce
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium saucepan, add the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, white vinegar, hickory liquid smoke, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard.
- Whisk in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper (both measures), and salt until fully combined. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Let the sauce simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken slightly as it cooks. Remove from heat and let cool. Transfer to a clean jar or bottle.
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 70 kcal | Fat: 0 g | Sodium: 290 mg | Carbohydrates: 17 g | Sugars: 16 g | Protein: 0 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!”