I didn’t realize that there were different types of barbecue until I was an adult.
I spent most of my growing up years in Kansas City, and, for me, “barbecue” just meant Kansas City-style barbecue.
I’ve come to appreciate other kinds of barbecue, but Kansas City-style is still my favorite. I love a good thick, tangy, sweet, tomato sauce – like this Homemade Kansas City Style Barbecue Sauce.
Since we go through so much barbecue sauce, I’ve started making my own when I have the time. It’s really simple to throw together, and it’s make with ingredients that I always have on hand.
Also, one of the great things about making your own sauce is that you can adjust it to suit your tastes. My older daughter is picky when it comes sauces, but she loves this recipe.
Give it a try, and I hope you’ll love it, too!
If you’ve tried this homemade Kansas City style 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 SUBSCRIBE to receive my latest recipe newsletters or FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST for even more delicious food.
Homemade Kansas City Style Barbecue Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 cups ketchup
- 1/3 cup molasses (not blackstrap)
- 1/3 cup dark brown sugar
- 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon ancho chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Couple dashes Chipotle Tabasco
- 2 teaspoons liquid smoke (or to taste)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, stir together all of the ingredients except liquid smoke.
- Bring to boil over medium-low heat, whisking regularly.
- Once at a boil, reduce heat to low, and let simmer 30 minutes, stirring regularly.
- Stir in liquid smoke to taste.
- Let cool to room temperature.
- Transfer to a container, and store, covered, in the fridge for up to 1 month.
April Spelman says
This recipe was easy to make and it is delicious! My first attempt at making my own sauce was a hit. Everyone loved it!
Kate says
Yay!! I’m so glad to hear that! =)
Paula Baickle says
Delishious as is.
Kate says
Thanks! I’m so glad to hear that! =)
Lesley Panzram says
I can’t wait to try your bbq ribs and both bbq style sauces !! They look awesome !! But being on the other side of the world downunder, I have to ask ‘What is liquid smoke?’ please.
Kate says
Thank you!! Liquid smoke is a flavoring that adds smoked flavor to foods. It’s commonly used in foods such as barbecue sauce or in recipes such as slow cooker barbecue meats to give them smoked flavor. In the US, it’s usually sold right by the barbecue sauces, and I know Amazon carries it. Hope that helps!
Pitmaster @ BBQonMain.com says
Hey Kate, this sauce is tasty. I’ve been on a Carolina bbq sauce kick lately, I’ve been looking for a good KC style recipe to try and change things up. Thanks for sharing!
Kate says
Hi! Thank you! I’m glad that you enjoyed the sauce. =) Thanks for commenting!
Garry says
Tried BBQ sauce today followed recipe exactly as is and it Is just great! Will be saving this recipe for sure. Thank you very much for sharing this with us.
Kate says
I’m so glad that you liked it! Thank you for taking the time to come back and leave a comment!
Viktor says
Easy and super yummy, thank you!
Kate says
Thanks! Glad you liked it!
M says
At what point do you add the liquid smoke?
Kate says
After you’ve let it simmer and removed it from the heat. I’ve fixed the instructions to reflect that. Thanks!
M says
Thank you!
Kate says
Thank you for letting me know that that direction was missing!