Hog Wild BBQ Sauce is a bold, tangy, and sweet barbecue sauce with smoky spices, perfect for glazing grilled meats, especially chicken wings and pork.
I made this sauce from years of experience crafting homemade barbecue, learning through trial, error, and passion.
I remember watching an old Southern cook make a version of this sauce on TV, and that moment stuck with me. It sparked the inspiration.
Now, I’m here to show up and walk through every step of how to make this Hog Wild BBQ Sauce right at home.
About This Recipe
This Hog Wild BBQ Sauce is all about deep, layered flavour sweet, tangy, smoky, and just the right touch of heat. It’s a sauce that sticks to the meat and caramelizes beautifully when grilled.
The main specialty of this sauce lies in the balance between the molasses-rich sweetness and the bold spices like smoked paprika and cayenne.
It brings a backyard BBQ feel to any dish. Whether slathered on wings or brushed over ribs, this sauce always delivers that homemade, kicked up flavour that stands out.
How To Prepare Hog Wild BBQ Sauce?
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Makes approximately 2 cups of BBQ sauce
Course: Sauce / Condiment
Cuisine: American (Southern BBQ)
Difficulty: Easy
Equipment Needed
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Airtight jar or container (for storage)
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for added sweetness)
- ¼ cup molasses
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional for Serving; 3–4 pounds chicken wings (flats and drumettes separated; wing tips reserved for stock or discarded)
How To Make Hog Wild BBQ Sauce?
Step 1. Mix The Base:
Pour the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and honey (if you’re using it) into a medium saucepan. Set it over medium heat and stir everything together until it’s smooth.
Step 2. Add The Seasoning:
Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir well so the spices blend in fully.
Step 3. Let It Simmer:
Bring the sauce just to a gentle boil, then turn the heat down low. Let it simmer uncovered for about 15 to 20 minutes. Give it a stir every now and then it should start to thicken up a bit.
Step 4. Taste And Adjust:
Once it’s cooked down a little, give it a taste. Need more heat? Add a pinch more cayenne. Want it sweeter? A bit more honey will do. Tangier? Add a splash more vinegar.
Step 5. Cool It Down And Store:
Take the pan off the heat and let the sauce cool completely. Once it’s at room temp, pour it into a jar or sealed container. Pop it in the fridge it’ll thicken even more as it chills.
Nutrition Facts Per Serving
| Nutrition | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Calories | 70 |
| Fat | 0g |
| Carbohydrates | 17g |
| Sugars | 15g |
| Sodium | 300mg |
| Protein | 0g |
Usage Suggestions Hog Wild BBQ Sauce
1. Marinate: Coat chicken, pork, or ribs in the sauce for at least an hour before cooking to infuse flavor.
2. Baste: Brush the sauce onto meats during grilling or baking to create a sticky, flavorful glaze.
3. Mix: Stir into pulled pork or shredded chicken for added moisture and taste.
4. Glaze: Use as a finishing glaze on grilled vegetables or tofu for a smoky twist.
5. Sandwich Spread: Spread on buns or bread to enhance burgers and sandwiches with rich BBQ flavor.
Secrets To Perfect Hog Wild BBQ Sauce
➢ Balance Your Flavors: Combine tangy vinegar, sweet molasses, and smoky paprika for a harmonious taste.
➢ Simmer Slowly: Let the sauce cook gently to deepen the flavors and thicken naturally.
➢ Adjust Heat Carefully: Use cayenne pepper to add just the right kick without overpowering.
➢ Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh spices and good ketchup make a big difference.
➢ Taste as You Go: Keep tasting and tweaking seasoning to match your personal preference perfectly.
What Is Special About Hog Wild BBQ Sauce?
Hog Wild BBQ Sauce stands out for its bold, homemade flavour that brings together a rich blend of smoky, sweet, and tangy elements.
Molasses and brown sugar create a deep sweetness, while apple cider vinegar adds just the right amount of bite. Smoked paprika and cayenne give it a kick that lingers.
It’s thick enough to cling to meat and transforms when grilled, forming a caramelized coating full of character. This sauce brings real Southern BBQ energy to every bite and leaves a lasting impression.
How To Make More Delicious Hog Wild BBQ Sauce?
To make a more delicious Hog Wild BBQ Sauce, start by using high-quality ingredients like rich molasses and fresh apple cider vinegar.
Slowly simmer the sauce to allow the flavour to meld and the sweetness to deepen. Adjust the spices carefully add extra smoked paprika for smokiness or a pinch more cayenne for heat.
Stir frequently to prevent burning and achieve the perfect thickness. Let the sauce cool before using, which helps the flavour develop even further for an irresistible, bold BBQ taste.
How To Store The Finished Hog Wild BBQ Sauce?
Store finished Hog Wild BBQ Sauce in a clean, airtight container to keep it fresh longer. Refrigerate the sauce immediately after it cools to room temperature.
Proper refrigeration helps maintain its rich flavor and prevents spoilage. The sauce can last up to two weeks in the fridge.
For longer storage, freeze the sauce in small portions using freezer-safe containers or bags. Thaw frozen sauce slowly in the refrigerator before reheating gently to preserve its bold taste and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make Hog Wild BBQ Sauce Ahead Of Time?
Yes, it tastes even better when made a day ahead to allow the flavours to meld.
Can I Adjust The Spiciness?
Absolutely! Add more or less cayenne pepper depending on your heat preference.
Is This Sauce Gluten-Free?
Yes, as long as your Worcestershire sauce and ketchup are gluten-free, this sauce is safe.
Can I Use This Sauce For Other Meats?
Definitely! It works great with pork, beef, chicken, and even grilled veggies.
Conclusion
This Hog Wild BBQ Sauce was an easy and delicious success that I truly enjoyed making. The flavours came together just right, and the process was simple from start to finish.
I hope you feel inspired to try it yourself it’s easier than you think. Now it’s your turn to make it soon, and don’t forget to let me know just how delicious it turns out for you after you try it.
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Hog Wild BBQ Sauce
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Airtight jar or container (for storage)
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard or yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey optional, for added sweetness
- ¼ cup molasses
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to taste
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional for Serving; 3–4 pounds chicken wings flats and drumettes separated; wing tips reserved for stock or discarded
Instructions
Step 1. Mix The Base:
- Pour the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and honey (if you’re using it) into a medium saucepan. Set it over medium heat and stir everything together until it’s smooth.
Step 2. Add The Seasoning:
- Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir well so the spices blend in fully.
Step 3. Let It Simmer:
- Bring the sauce just to a gentle boil, then turn the heat down low. Let it simmer uncovered for about 15 to 20 minutes. Give it a stir every now and then it should start to thicken up a bit.
Step 4. Taste And Adjust:
- Once it’s cooked down a little, give it a taste. Need more heat? Add a pinch more cayenne. Want it sweeter? A bit more honey will do. Tangier? Add a splash more vinegar.
Step 5. Cool It Down And Store:
- Take the pan off the heat and let the sauce cool completely. Once it’s at room temp, pour it into a jar or sealed container. Pop it in the fridge it’ll thicken even more as it chills.
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 70 | Fat: 0g | Carbohydrates: 17g | Sugars: 15g | Sodium: 300mg | 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!”