🔥 Homemade BBQ Sauce
Better Than Sweet Baby Ray's!
📌 In This Article
🔥 The BBQ Story
"I think canning is my therapy from this broken world! I have been thinking of all kinds of things to can! I just got through canning homemade Bbq sauce that tastes pretty darn close if not better than sweet baby Ray's!"
There's something therapeutic about canning. In a world that feels broken, standing over a pot of bubbling sauce brings a sense of peace and purpose.
And when that sauce tastes as good as Sweet Baby Ray's — or even better? That's pure satisfaction.
💬 The verdict: "I just got through canning homemade Bbq sauce that tastes pretty darn close if not better than sweet baby Ray's!"
This recipe comes in two sizes: a small batch for quick use, and a large canning batch that makes about 6 half-pints for your pantry. Either way, you'll never buy store-bought again.
📋 Two Recipes in One
🥫 Small Batch
- Perfect for quick use
- No canning needed
- Stores in fridge
- 15 minutes total
🏺 Large Canning Batch
- Shelf-stable for 1 year
- Water bath canned
- Perfect for gifts
- 20 minute processing
📦 Ingredients
🥫 Small Batch
- 1 1/4 cups ketchup
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 1/2 tsp ground mustard
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4-1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 1/8 cup water
🏺 Large Canning Batch
- 5 1/3 cups ketchup
- 3 cups dark brown sugar
- 1 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 (6oz) can pineapple juice
- 1 1/3 cup water
- 1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp liquid smoke
- 4 tbsp dry mustard powder
- 4 tbsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp + 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp + 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tbsp citric acid
💡 Pro tip: "Let me know if you would like the recipe! 😉"
📝 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Combine Ingredients
- Add water along with all the ingredients to a saucepan.
- Whisk until smooth and all lumps are worked out.
💡 Pro tip: "Whisk well to avoid lumps, especially the cornstarch!"
Step 2 – Bring to a Boil
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Stir frequently to prevent scorching.
⚠️ Important: "Stir constantly — sugar syrup can burn easily!"
Step 3 – Simmer and Thicken
- When it starts bubbling, reduce heat so it just simmers.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes until it thickens.
- If using cornstarch slurry, add it and simmer until desired thickness.
💡 Pro tip: "The sauce will thicken further as it cools, so don't overcook it!"
Step 4 – Serve or Can
For Small Batch:
- Serve immediately or store in the fridge.
For Large Canning Batch:
- Clean and sterilize your jars, lids, and rings.
- Pour hot sauce into hot jars.
- Leave 1/2 inch headspace.
- Remove air bubbles with a bubble remover.
- Wipe rims clean with vinegar.
- Add lids and rings — finger-tight.
- Process in a boiling water bath for 20 minutes.
💡 Pro tip: "Water bath them for 20 minutes — they'll be shelf-stable for a year!"
Step 5 – Enjoy!
- Brush on meats or poultry when grilling.
- Use as a sauce for pizza.
- Use as a base for dips and dressings.
💡 Pro tip: "This sauce is amazing on everything — chicken, ribs, burgers, you name it!"
🥫 How to Store Your BBQ Sauce
- 🧊 Small batch (fridge): Up to 2 weeks
- 🏠 Canned batch (pantry): Up to 1 year
- 🎁 Great gift: Beautiful in a jar with a ribbon!
💡 Pro tip: "Label your jars with the date so you know when they were canned."
💡 Pro Tips for Perfect BBQ Sauce
- 🔥 Use good ketchup: It's the base — quality matters.
- 🍬 Use dark brown sugar: It gives that signature Sweet Baby Ray's flavor.
- 🔥 Smoked paprika is key: It adds the smoky flavor.
- 🌶️ Control your heat: Adjust cayenne to your taste.
- ⏱️ Don't overcook: It thickens as it cools.
- 🫙 Use new lids: Old lids may not seal properly.
- 🏷️ Label everything: Date and contents on every jar.
💡 Pro tip: "I think canning is my therapy from this broken world!"
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Can I use this as a marinade?
Yes! It's perfect for marinating chicken or ribs.
❓ How long does canned BBQ sauce last?
Up to 1 year when properly canned and stored.
❓ Can I make this spicier?
Add more cayenne pepper or some hot sauce.
❓ Can I use apple cider vinegar instead of pineapple juice?
Yes! It works great.
❓ Is this really like Sweet Baby Ray's?
It's pretty darn close — maybe even better!
❓ Can I reduce the sugar?
You can, but it will change the flavor.
❓ What's the best way to use this?
Grilled chicken, ribs, burgers, pizza, and more!
❓ Can I add liquid smoke?
Yes! This recipe already includes it for that smoky flavor.
❓ Is canning really therapy?
Yes! There's something peaceful about making food for your family.
❓ Will I ever buy store-bought BBQ sauce again?
Probably not! Homemade is so much better!
📄 Printable Recipe Card
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║ HOMEMADE BBQ SAUCE ║
║ Better Than Sweet Baby Ray's! ║
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YIELD: ~2 cups (small) or ~6 half-pints (large)
TIME: 15 minutes | PROCESS: 20 min (large batch)
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SMALL BATCH (~2 cups)
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- 1 1/4 cups ketchup
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 1/2 tsp ground mustard
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4-1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 1/8 cup water
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LARGE CANNING BATCH (~6 half-pints)
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- 5 1/3 cups ketchup - 1 tbsp citric acid
- 3 cups brown sugar - 2 tbsp honey
- 1 1/4 cup molasses - 1/2 cup ACV
- 1 (6oz) can pineapple juice - 2 tbsp liquid smoke
- 1 1/3 cup water - 4 tbsp dry mustard
- 1/2 cup Worcestershire - 4 tbsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp cornstarch - 1 tbsp +1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp +1 tsp salt - 2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp onion powder - 1 tsp cayenne pepper
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INSTRUCTIONS
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1. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan. Whisk until smooth.
2. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes until thickened.
4. Serve immediately or water bath can for 20 minutes.
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THERAPY IN A JAR! 🏺
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"I think canning is my therapy from this broken world!
I just got through canning homemade BBQ sauce that
tastes pretty darn close if not better than
sweet baby Ray's!" 🔥❤️
© CanningRebels — Homemade BBQ Sauce
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