Nashville BBQ Sauce is a bold, sweet, spicy, and smoky Southern-style sauce made for grilling, dipping, or marinating meats.
I made this delicious Nashville BBQ Sauce after being inspired while watching a show about Southern cooking where it was featured.
The rich color and deep flavor caught my attention. This sauce stands out for its balance of heat and sweetness, with a smoky finish from optional liquid smoke.
I decided to recreate it in my kitchen. Now I will show up and show step by step how to prepare this flavorful and unforgettable BBQ sauce.
What Is Special About Nashville BBQ Sauce?
Nashville BBQ Sauce stands out through its bold balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavours. Made using ingredients like ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, and cayenne pepper, it brings a deep Southern character to every bite.
The addition of molasses and liquid smoke gives it a rich, smoky depth that sets it apart from other sauces. Known for its thick texture and vibrant colour, this Nashville BBQ Sauce delivers strong flavour that enhances grilled meats, sandwiches, or anything needing a kick of Southern heat.
How To Prepare Nashville BBQ Sauce?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Course: Sauce / Condiment
Cuisine: American (Southern, Nashville Style)
Difficulty: Easy
Yield: Makes about 2 cups
Equipment Needed
- Medium saucepan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or spoon for stirring
- Airtight jar or bottle for storage
Ingredients
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons liquid smoke
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard powder
- 1 teaspoon chilli powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
How To Make Nashville BBQ Sauce?
1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, molasses, brown sugar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and optional liquid smoke.
2. Stir in the mustard powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chilli powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
3. Taste the sauce and adjust cayenne pepper or sugar to balance sweetness and heat as desired. Let the sauce cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container or bottle.
Notes
Feel free to adjust the cayenne pepper if you want your sauce milder or hotter. If you want a thicker sauce, simmer a little longer, but remember it will thicken more as it cools.
Nutrition Facts Of Nashville BBQ Sauce
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 60 |
| Fat | 0g |
| Sugars | 13g |
| Protein | 0g |
| Sodium | 250mg |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
Expert Tips Nashville BBQ Sauce
● Use high quality ketchup for a richer base flavor.
● Simmer the sauce slowly to deepen the taste and thicken the texture.
● Adjust cayenne pepper based on heat preference without overpowering the sweetness.
● Cook on low heat to let flavors develop without burning the sugars.
● Stir occasionally while cooking to prevent burning and ensure even blending of ingredients.
Best Variations
➢ Add bourbon for a rich, smoky twist and deeper complexity.
➢ Mix in crushed pineapple for a fruity, tangy sweetness.
➢ Stir in hot sauce to increase the heat level without changing the texture.
➢ Use maple syrup instead of honey for a different kind of natural sweet ness.
➢ Blend in chipotle peppers for a smoky, spicy kick and thicker body.
Amazing Serving Ideas
➣ Brush over grilled chicken thighs or wings during the final minutes of cooking for a rich, caramelized glaze.
➣ Spread inside a BBQ chicken pizza base before adding cheese, red onions, and jalapenos.
➣ Mix into baked beans or mac and cheese for a smoky, spicy flavor boost.
➣ Drizzle generously on pulled pork sandwiches stacked high on toasted brioche buns.
➣ Use as a dipping sauce for crispy chicken tenders, sweet potato fries, or onion rings.
How To Make With More Delicious Nashville BBQ Sauce?
Making Nashville BBQ Sauce more delicious involves balancing sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors carefully. Start by choosing quality ingredients like real brown sugar and fresh spices.
Slowly simmer the Nashville BBQ Sauce to deepen the flavor and thicken the texture. Adding a touch of molasses enhances richness, while liquid smoke provides authentic smoky notes.
Adjust cayenne pepper for preferred heat levels. Stir the Nashville BBQ Sauce regularly during cooking to prevent burning and ensure even blending, resulting in a bold, flavorful sauce that complements grilled meats perfectly.
Proper Storage Nashville BBQ Sauce?
Store Nashville BBQ Sauce in a clean, airtight glass jar or bottle once it has fully cooled. Keep it refrigerated to maintain freshness and flavor.
The Nashville BBQ Sauce will last up to two weeks when stored properly. Always use a clean spoon to prevent contamination.
Shake or stir before each use, as natural separation may occur over time. Avoid leaving the Nashville BBQ Sauce at room temperature for extended periods to ensure safety and preserve its bold, smoky spicy character.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Liquid Smoke Be Omitted From The Recipe?
Yes, liquid smoke is optional and can be skipped if a less smoky flavour is preferred.
Is This Sauce Suitable For Vegetarians?
Yes, all ingredients are plant based and suitable for vegetarians.
Can This Sauce Be Used As A Marinade?
Absolutely, it works well as a marinade to infuse meats with bold flavour.
What Gives Nashville BBQ Sauce Its Unique Flavour?
The combination of vinegar, brown sugar, and spices creates a bold, tangy, and slightly sweet taste.
Is This Sauce Good On Foods Other Than Meat?
Yes, it can be used on vegetables, sandwiches, or as a dipping sauce.
Nashville BBQ Sauce was an easy and delicious success that I truly enjoyed making. The flavors came together beautifully, and it added the perfect touch to my meals.
I hope you feel inspired to try this simple recipe in your own kitchen. It’s quick to prepare, full of bold taste, and brings out the best in grilled or roasted dishes.
Now it’s your turn to make it soon and tell me how much you enjoyed it after tasting your own batch of this flavorful BBQ sauce.
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Guajillo BBQ Sauce || Complex Flavour
Maple BBQ Sauce: Sweet And Savory
Aloha BBQ Sauce || Hawaiian Style
Cherry Bourbon BBQ Sauce | Full Of Flavor
Swineapple BBQ Sauce (Southern-Style)
Nashville BBQ Sauce
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, molasses, brown sugar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and optional liquid smoke.
- Stir in the mustard powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chilli powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Taste the sauce and adjust cayenne pepper or sugar to balance sweetness and heat as desired. Let the sauce cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container or bottle.
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 60 | Fat: 0g | Sugars: 13g | Protein: 0g | Sodium: 250mg | Carbohydrates: 15g“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!”