Kansas City Barbecue Sauce

Kansas City Barbecue Sauce

Thick, tangy-sweet tomato sauce simmered low and slow with molasses and spice.

Total 40 min Makes 16 oz Calories 70/serving

Dietary

Pescatarian, Wheat free, Dairy free, Nut free, Halal, Kosher

This classic Kansas City style sauce balances ketchup's sweetness with brown sugar, molasses, and a splash of vinegar for tang. Simmering thickens it into a glossy, clingy sauce perfect for brushing on ribs, chicken, or burnt ends. Keep a jar in the fridge for weeknight grilling or slow-cooked barbecue.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups ketchup
  • 1/2 cup molasses
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup water

Method

  1. In a 6-quart saucepan, whisk together the ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne, salt, and water until smooth.

  2. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring often to prevent scorching.

  3. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until thickened and glossy.

  4. Remove from heat and let the sauce cool to room temperature; it will continue to thicken slightly as it cools.

  5. Transfer the sauce to a clean jar or airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use.

Rate this recipe

★ 4.4 (1)

Kansas City Barbecue Sauce

This classic Kansas City style sauce balances ketchup's sweetness with brown sugar, molasses, and a splash of vinegar for tang. Simmering thickens it into a glossy, clingy sauce perfect for brushing on ribs, chicken, or burnt ends. Keep a jar in the fridge for weeknight grilling or slow-cooked barbecue.

40 min 16 oz 70 cal

Ingredients

  • 2 cups ketchup
  • 1/2 cup molasses
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup water

Method

  1. 1

    In a 6-quart saucepan, whisk together the ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne, salt, and water until smooth.

  2. 2

    Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring often to prevent scorching.

  3. 3

    Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until thickened and glossy.

  4. 4

    Remove from heat and let the sauce cool to room temperature; it will continue to thicken slightly as it cools.

  5. 5

    Transfer the sauce to a clean jar or airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use.