Kansas City Barbecue Sauce Recipe
If there’s one secret to unforgettable backyard cookouts, it’s a from-scratch Kansas City Barbecue Sauce. This gorgeously thick, sweet, and smoky sauce is the soul of any barbecue, clinging beautifully to ribs, chicken, or even roasted veggies. Crafted with a few pantry staples and a little simmering time, it packs big, bold flavor into every drop. Whether you’re a pitmaster or a casual griller, this recipe is here to elevate your next meal with that irresistible Kansas City flair.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Kansas City Barbecue Sauce is chosen for a reason: together, they create that signature balance of sweet, tangy, spicy, and smoky. Here’s how every element pulls its weight to make your sauce unforgettable.
- 1 cup ketchup: The base that brings sweetness and a gorgeous, glossy texture.
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes: Adds a touch of richness and deep tomato flavor for extra body.
- 3/4 cup brown sugar: Gives sweetness and a caramel note that defines Kansas City style.
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar: The zingy kick that balances out all that sweet.
- ¼ cup molasses: Offers dark, bittersweet undertones and that classic BBQ sauce depth.
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika: Brings a smoky backbone without needing a smoker.
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder: Boosts savory flavor and brings everything into focus.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a gentle, earthy warmth that rounds out the blend.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: For just a hint of heat and that unmistakable barbecue aroma.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances every other ingredient and balances the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds sharpness and brings the sauce to life.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes: For a gentle background heat that lingers on the palate.
How to Make Kansas City Barbecue Sauce
Step 1: Gather and Combine Ingredients
Start by assembling all your ingredients so they’re within arm’s reach. Pour the ketchup, crushed tomatoes, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, molasses, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes into a medium-sized saucepan. Whisk everything together thoroughly to break up any clumps and ensure the flavors marry from the get-go. This first step is all about layering those classic Kansas City Barbecue Sauce flavors right from the start.
Step 2: Simmer the Sauce
Set your saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally to keep the sugars from sticking. Let the sauce bubble away for about 10 minutes; you’ll notice it starts to thicken and the color deepens to a luscious, brick-red shade. The aromas will have you peeking in for a taste long before it’s done! This step develops a rich, cooked-down flavor base that makes Kansas City Barbecue Sauce so delicious.
Step 3: Cool and Store
Once the sauce is simmered to your liking, take it off the heat and let it cool completely in the pan. This is the moment when all those bold flavors settle in together. When it’s cooled, transfer your Kansas City Barbecue Sauce to an airtight container. This amount makes about 2½ to 3 cups—plenty for your next grill session, and maybe even a mason jar gift for a lucky friend!
Step 4: Portion and Serve
For most uses, plan on around ¼ cup of sauce per serving, which means you’ll get between 10 to 12 hearty servings from this batch. Using it as a glaze, dip, or side sauce? You might stretch the batch to 14 servings—just enough to keep everyone licking their fingers. Now your homemade Kansas City Barbecue Sauce is ready to work its magic.
How to Serve Kansas City Barbecue Sauce
Garnishes
A sprinkling of fresh chopped parsley or a light dusting of extra smoked paprika can elevate the look and aroma of your finished Kansas City Barbecue Sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, scatter a few pickled jalapeño slices or a pinch of toasted sesame seeds on top before serving for a fun, modern touch.
Side Dishes
Serve your Kansas City Barbecue Sauce alongside classic dishes like creamy coleslaw, punchy baked beans, or buttered corn on the cob. This sauce plays especially well with sides that can mop up all that flavor, so warm cornbread or crispy fries are always welcome guests at the table.
Creative Ways to Present
Go beyond the squeeze bottle! Serve your sauce in a tiny cast iron skillet or a rustic mason jar with a basting brush for that smokehouse feel. For parties, try small ramekins or dip cups placed around a platter of grilled meats or veggies, so everyone can dunk, drizzle, and double-dip to their hearts’ content.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Kansas City Barbecue Sauce keeps beautifully in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to two weeks. This makes it an ideal make-ahead sauce—just prep a batch, and you’ll always have a jar ready for last-minute grilling dashes or impromptu weeknight dinners.
Freezing
If you want to make a big batch, Kansas City Barbecue Sauce is freezer-friendly. Pour cooled sauce into a freezer-safe jar or zip-top bag (don’t forget to leave a little room for expansion), label it, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to use.
Reheating
When you’re ready for another round of barbecue bliss, gently reheat Kansas City Barbecue Sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s thickened up in the fridge or freezer, add a splash of water or apple cider vinegar to reach your perfect pouring consistency.
FAQs
Can I make this Kansas City Barbecue Sauce spicier?
Absolutely! If you want more heat, feel free to add extra red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper. Taste as you go so you can dial in just the right level of kick for your crowd.
Is it possible to make this sauce vegan?
Yes, this recipe for Kansas City Barbecue Sauce is naturally vegan as written. Just double-check that your brown sugar isn’t processed with bone char if you need a strictly plant-based version.
What’s the best way to thicken the sauce if it seems too runny?
If your sauce is a bit thinner than you’d like, just let it simmer a few extra minutes, stirring occasionally. It will reduce and become thicker as it cooks, especially once it cools down.
Can I use this sauce as a marinade?
Definitely! This Kansas City Barbecue Sauce makes an amazing marinade for chicken, pork, or even tofu. Just remember to reserve a portion for basting or serving, especially if you’re using the marinade for raw meats.
Does this sauce work for grilling and oven-baking alike?
It’s fantastic for both! Brush the sauce onto meats or veggies during the final minutes of grilling or baking. It caramelizes beautifully under the broiler, too—just keep an eye on it so the sugars don’t burn.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about making your own Kansas City Barbecue Sauce from scratch, and sharing that first smoky, sweet bite with friends or family. Give this recipe a try and see why it’s such a crowd-pleaser—your next barbecue just got a major upgrade!
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Kansas City Barbecue Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 10–14 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Kansas City Barbecue Sauce recipe is a tangy, sweet, and smoky sauce that is perfect for slathering on grilled meats. Made with a blend of ketchup, crushed tomatoes, brown sugar, and a mix of flavorful spices, this sauce is a must-have for your next BBQ.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup Apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup molasses
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: In a saucepan, whisk together all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
- Step 2: Allow the sauce to cool completely. Transfer to an airtight container.
- Step 3: This recipe yields about 2½ to 3 cups of BBQ sauce. Use approximately ¼ cup per serving, yielding around 10 to 12 servings. If using sparingly, it can stretch to 14 servings.
Notes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/4 cup)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 0.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Kansas City, Barbecue Sauce, BBQ Sauce, Homemade Sauce, Grilling
