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Brown Sugar BBQ Sauce

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This homemade Brown Sugar BBQ Sauce is a sweet, smoky, and tangy sauce that elevates grilled meats, vegetables, and snacks. With simple pantry ingredients and just 20 minutes of cooking, it’s quick, customizable, and far better than store-bought versions.

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: About 2 cups 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups light brown sugar, packed

  • 1 ¼ cups ketchup

  • ½ cup apple cider vinegar

  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard

  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika

  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  • Add ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar to a medium saucepan. Stir until sugar dissolves.

  • Add yellow mustard, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk well.

  • Place saucepan over medium heat. Bring mixture to a light simmer.

  • Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  • If sauce is too thick, add 1–2 tablespoons of water or a splash of apple cider vinegar.

  • Taste and adjust sweetness or tanginess as needed.

  • Remove from heat, let cool, and transfer to a jar.

  • Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

For a spicy version, add cayenne pepper or chili powder. This sauce works as a glaze, marinade, or dipping sauce.

  • Author: Layla
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes