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    Home » Sauces and Seasonings » Dr Pepper Barbecue Sauce

    Dr Pepper Barbecue Sauce

    Published: Jun 24, 2021 · Modified: Jul 1, 2021 by Kate · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Dr Pepper Barbecue Sauce is a sweet and tangy homemade barbecue sauce that's made with Dr Pepper.

    Dr Pepper barbecue sauce in a glass jar.

    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 for Dr Pepper barbecue sauce in dishes.

    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

    Dr Pepper barbecue sauce ingredients in a skillet.

    Add all the ingredients to a saucepan, and stir until combined.

    Dr Pepper barbecue sauce in a skillet.

    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.

    Jar of Dr Pepper barbecue sauce next to a pan and a dish cloth.

    Let sauce cool until room temperature.

    Dr Pepper Barbecue Sauce in a glass jar next to a white spoon.

    Storage

    Store the barbecue sauce covered in the fridge. The sauce will keep for up to 2 weeks in the fridge.

    Dr Pepper barbecue sauce pouring off a spoon into a jar.

    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!

    • Homemade Kansas City Style BBQ Sauce
    • Steak Marinade
    • Chicken 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!

    You can FOLLOW ME on PINTEREST FACEBOOK or INSTAGRAM even more delicious food.

    Dr Pepper barbecue sauce in a glass jar.

    Dr Pepper Barbecue Sauce

    Dr Pepper Barbecue Sauce is a sweet and tangy homemade barbecue sauce
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Sauce
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes
    Servings: 8 servings
    Calories: 119kcal
    Author: Kate @ I Heart Eating

    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
    US Customary - Metric

    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. 
    • Garlic powder: Not garlic salt. 
    • Kosher salt: Or ¼ teaspoon table salt. 
    • Dr Pepper: I use regular Dr Pepper. 
    • Nutrition facts are estimates.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 119kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 1g | Sodium: 586mg | Potassium: 393mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 25g | Vitamin A: 485IU | Vitamin C: 6.8mg | Calcium: 34mg | Iron: 1.5mg
    Tried this recipe? Rate it below. Mention @i_heart_eating on Instagram & tag #ihearteating!

     Originally published 6/15/16. Updated with step-by-step photos, tips, and additional information 6/24/21.

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    About Kate

    Kate got her first cookbook when she was five years old, and she hasn't stopped cooking since then! Her delicious recipes have been featured on Food Network, MSN, Better Homes & Gardens, Buzzfeed, The Huffington Post, and more. When she's not cooking or baking, she can be found on her mini farm with her husband and her five kids.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Natalie

      February 15, 2022 at 1:15 pm

      5 stars
      I've used this recipe for years. Whenever I make it, people always ask for the recipe.

      Reply
      • Kate

        February 15, 2022 at 2:04 pm

        I'm so glad you like it!

        Reply

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    I’m Kate Dean- mom to five young kids, recipe developer, and photographer. Here at I Heart Eating®, I share my family’s favorite tried-and-true recipes.

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