Homemade Barbecue Sauce Recipe with Brown Sugar (Easy Food Processor Method)

Homemade Barbecue Sauce Recipe with Brown Sugar You Can Make in Minutes

I'll admit it, barbecue sauce was always one of those things I bought without giving it much thought.

There was usually a bottle sitting in the fridge door. When it ran out, I'd buy another one.

Then I looked at the ingredients one afternoon and realised I already had most of them sitting in the cupboard.

A few minutes later I'd made my own.

It was thicker, smokier and had a proper homemade taste that didn't disappear the second it hit your food.

Since then, it's become one of those recipes I make whenever the jar starts getting low.

If you've got a food processor, it couldn't be much easier.

Why Make Your Own Homemade Barbecue Sauce Recipe with Brown Sugar?

The biggest advantage is that you're in control.

Want it sweeter? Add a little more brown sugar.

Prefer it smoky? Increase the smoked paprika.

Like a bit of heat? A pinch more chilli powder does the job.

You're not stuck with whatever flavour someone else decided to bottle.

It also works out surprisingly well if you've already got the ingredients at home.

Ingredients

• 200ml tomato ketchup

• 60g soft light brown sugar

• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tablespoon tomato purée

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon fine salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ¼ teaspoon chilli powder (optional)

Equipment

• Food processor

• Measuring spoons

• Spatula

• Small saucepan

• Clean glass jar or airtight container

Method

Add every ingredient to your food processor.

Blend for around 30 seconds until the sauce is smooth and everything has mixed together.

Pour the mixture into a small saucepan.

Heat gently over a low heat for about 5 to 10 minutes, stirring every now and then.

The brown sugar melts into the sauce, the tomato becomes slightly richer and all the spices begin to come together.

Leave the sauce to cool before pouring it into a clean jar.

That's it.

Taste Before You Store It

One of the best things about making your own homemade barbecue sauce recipe with brown sugar is that you can adjust it before it goes into the fridge.

If it tastes a little too sweet, add another splash of apple cider vinegar.

If you'd like a deeper smoky flavour, stir in another pinch of smoked paprika.

If you enjoy spicy food, a little extra chilli powder or a dash of hot sauce works well.

Everyone seems to have their own idea of the perfect barbecue sauce, so don't be afraid to make it your own.

How Long Does Homemade Barbecue Sauce Last?

Because this homemade barbecue sauce recipe with brown sugar doesn't contain the preservatives you'll find in shop-bought bottles, it won't last as long.

Keep it in a clean, sealed jar in the fridge.

It's best eaten within a few days.

Always use a clean spoon when serving.

If the sauce develops mould, an unusual smell or changes colour, throw it away and make a fresh batch.

A Few Easy Ways to Change the Flavour

Once you've made this recipe a couple of times, it's easy to experiment.

Try adding:

• A teaspoon of honey for extra sweetness.

• A little maple syrup instead of some of the brown sugar.

• Chipotle powder for a smoky kick.

• A splash of fresh lemon juice for a sharper finish.

• A pinch of cayenne pepper if you enjoy more heat.

Small changes can give you a completely different barbecue sauce without starting again from scratch.

This homemade barbecue sauce recipe with brown sugar has become one of those recipes that's always worth making.

It takes about ten minutes.

Most of the ingredients are cupboard staples.

And once you've tasted it, there's a good chance you'll start checking the fridge before adding barbecue sauce to your shopping list again.