This Paula Deen BBQ Sauce is an easy and tangy recipe, which is made with brown sugar and ketchup. It’s the perfect homemade BBQ sauce, a no-fuss take on the classic that’s ready in just 5 minutes.
Paula Deen BBQ Sauce Ingredients
A simple, classic list for a perfectly balanced sauce.
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¾ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- ¼ cup water
- ½ tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 ¼ tablespoons dry mustard
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¾ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 dash hot pepper sauce (like Tabasco)
How To Make Paula Deen BBQ Sauce
A step-by-step guide to the easiest BBQ sauce you’ll ever make.
- Combine Ingredients: Place the brown sugar, ketchup, red wine vinegar, water, and Worcestershire sauce into a blender.
- Add Seasonings: Add the dry mustard, paprika, salt, pepper, and a dash of hot sauce to the blender.
- Blend Until Smooth: Secure the lid and blend on high speed until the sauce is completely smooth and all the sugar has dissolved.
- Optional Simmer: For a thicker, more intensely flavored sauce, pour the blended mixture into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium heat and cook for 1 minute. Let it cool before using.

Recipe Tips
For the perfect, tangy-sweet BBQ sauce every time.
- How to make the sauce thicker? While this is a great no-cook sauce, simmering it is the key to a thicker consistency. As the recipe note suggests, bringing it to a boil for a minute and then letting it cool will thicken it up beautifully and meld the flavors even more.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! This BBQ sauce is perfect for making ahead. The flavors will get even better as it sits in the refrigerator. It’s a great recipe to make a big batch of and keep on hand.
- How can I adjust the sweetness or tang? This sauce is easily customizable. If you prefer a less sweet sauce, you can cut back on the brown sugar. For a more savory, “steak sauce” style, add a little more Worcestershire sauce.
- How spicy is this BBQ sauce? As written, with just a dash of hot sauce, it’s very mild. You can easily increase the heat by adding more hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the blender.
What To Serve With BBQ Sauce
The perfect pairings for this versatile, classic sauce.
This all-purpose homemade BBQ sauce is fantastic for slathering, dipping, and grilling. It’s perfect with:
- Pulled pork or chicken sandwiches
- Grilled or baked chicken wings
- A rack of slow-cooked ribs
- As a dipping sauce for chicken tenders or french fries
- Brushed onto burgers on the grill
How To Store BBQ Sauce
Keeping your homemade sauce fresh.
- Refrigerate: Pour the cooled BBQ sauce into a resealable container, like a glass jar or an empty ketchup bottle. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Paula Deen BBQ Sauce Nutrition Facts
An estimated guide per 2-tablespoon serving.
- Calories: 65 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Protein: 0.5 g
- Fat: 0.2 g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
No, you don’t! You can use it straight from the blender as a delicious, quick, no-cook sauce. However, simmering it for a minute as suggested in the optional step will result in a better texture and a more intense flavor.
Yes. While red wine vinegar adds a nice flavor, you could easily substitute it with an equal amount of apple cider vinegar for a slightly fruitier tang.
Yes. You can simply whisk all the ingredients together vigorously in a large bowl until the sugar has completely dissolved and the sauce is smooth.
Try More Recipes:
- Paula Deen Alfredo Sauce Recipe
- Paula Deen Chicken in White Wine Sauce Recipe
- Paula Deen Spaghetti Sauce Recipe
Paula Deen BBQ Sauce Recipe
Description
An incredibly easy, tangy, and sweet homemade BBQ sauce that comes together in a blender in just 5 minutes. Perfect for grilling, dipping, and slathering on all your favorites.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients—brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, water, Worcestershire, and all seasonings—in a blender.
- Blend on high speed until the sauce is completely smooth.
- Optional Step: For a thicker, richer sauce, pour the blended mixture into a saucepan, bring to a boil for 1 minute, and then let it cool.
- Use immediately or transfer to a resealable container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- Simmering the sauce after blending is an optional but recommended step for the best flavor and texture.
- This sauce is easily customized; adjust the brown sugar, vinegar, or hot sauce to suit your personal taste.
- For a super quick cleanup, you can whisk everything together in a single bowl instead of using a blender.
- The sauce will thicken as it cools, especially after being simmered.
