Dr Pepper Barbecue Sauce is a sweet and tangy homemade barbecue sauce that's made with Dr Pepper.
Some things, like barbecue sauce, are so easy to come by and so inexpensive that making your own sauce may seem like more trouble than it's worth. Let me assure you that making this Dr Pepper Barbecue Sauce is completely worth the little bit of time that it takes to make it.
It's rich and sweet and a little spicy. And since you're making it, you can adjust the seasonings to your liking.
Plus, it's incredibly easy to make. Just stir it up, let it simmer, and you have sauce!
Once you take the time to make this Dr Pepper Barbecue Sauce, you may never go back to bottled sauce again!
Ingredients and substitutions
- Ketchup: Regular tomato ketchup works well.
- Brown sugar: Light or dark brown sugar will work.
- Liquid smoke: You can use any variety of liquid smoke.
- Ancho chile powder: I like the mild, smoky flavor of ancho chile powder. Feel free to use chili powder if you prefer.
- Garlic powder: Not garlic salt.
- Kosher salt: Or ¼ teaspoon table salt.
- Dr Pepper: I use regular Dr Pepper.
How to make Dr Pepper barbecue sauce
Add all the ingredients to a saucepan, and stir until combined.
Let the sauce simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until it begins to thicken, stirring occasionally.
Taste and adjust the seasonings with additional salt and pepper, if desired.
Let sauce cool until room temperature.
Storage
Store the barbecue sauce covered in the fridge. The sauce will keep for up to 2 weeks in the fridge.
Recipes that go well with this sauce
This sauce goes well with pork (pulled pork), beef, or chicken. It's also delicious on brisket, and ribs.
More sauce and marinade recipes!
If you’ve tried this Dr Pepper barbecue sauce recipe, don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave me a comment below. I love to hear from people who've made my recipes!
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Dr Pepper Barbecue Sauce
Ingredients
- ½ cup ketchup
- ½ cup brown sugar packed
- ½ cup cider vinegar
- â…“ cup Worcestershire sauce
- 6 ounce can tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons liquid smoke
- 1 teaspoon ancho chile powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 12 ounce can Dr Pepper
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to a saucepan, and stir until combined.
- Let the sauce simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until it begins to thicken, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust the seasonings with additional salt and pepper, if desired.
- Let sauce cool until room temperature.
- Cover, and store, refrigerated, for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- Ketchup: Regular tomato ketchup works well.
- Brown sugar: Light or dark brown sugar will work.
- Liquid smoke: You can use any variety of liquid smoke.
- Ancho chile powder: I like the mild, smoky flavor of ancho chile powder. Feel free to use chili powder if you prefer.Â
- Garlic powder: Not garlic salt.Â
- Kosher salt: Or ¼ teaspoon table salt.Â
- Dr Pepper: I use regular Dr Pepper.Â
- Nutrition facts are estimates.
Nutrition
Originally published 6/15/16. Updated with step-by-step photos, tips, and additional information 6/24/21.
Natalie
I've used this recipe for years. Whenever I make it, people always ask for the recipe.
Kate
I'm so glad you like it!