Nashville BBQ Sauce
Nashville BBQ sauce combines tangy vinegar, sweet brown sugar, smoky spices, and a spicy kick to create a bold Southern flavour. Ideal for grilling and dipping, this sauce enhances meats and vegetables alike. Easy to make and store, it brings a unique balance of heat and sweetness, capturing the essence of Nashville’s famous barbecue tradition.
Equipment
- 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
Instructions
- 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
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.