Tangy and super tasty, this Kansas City BBQ Sauce is a great gift recipe to make for friends and family.
Sauces are the sort of food that’s just better homemade, and BBQ sauce is no exception. Yes, there are some terrific store-bought BBQ sauces, and you may have your personal favorite. But homemade really is splendid! Summer is grilling and BBQ season and a great time to wow party guests with this sauce. You can even make a big batch, bottle it, tie it with a bow, and gift it to your buddies.
If you’ve never heard of Kansas City BBQ sauce, it’s known for being tomato-based and sweet. As in, very sweet! Hence the brown sugar and the molasses. You’re going to love the fresh flavor and aroma and the hearty feel of this sauce. Be sure to use quality ingredients, such as a rich organic ketchup, especially if you’re making this to give as gifts! Check the dates on your spices, too. They sort of lose their oomph when they’re past the date.
Is Kansas City BBQ Sauce Healthy?
I made sure to use less brown sugar in this sauce than similar recipes call for, but there is still a fair amount of sugar and sodium. Just remember to enjoy this sauce in moderation. Homemade sauce is usually a healthier option than store-bought, as you are skipping any ingredients added just for shelf life. You can start with the basic recipe and then tweak it until you have it exactly as you like it. As written, this recipe is vegan and gluten-free.
Is It “Ketchup” Or “Catsup”?
What is the difference, if any, between ketchup and catsup? Just the name. In Pittsburgh, we take our ketchup—and our pickles—seriously. Ketchup was historically always known as catsup, and initially, that’s how the Heinz company marketed it in 1876. But then, Heinz wanted to stand out and realized that many people used the term “ketchup.” So ketchup it became.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
This sauce will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for about 2 weeks. The vinegar helps preserve it.
Serving Suggestions
Kansas City BBQ sauce goes well with pulled pork, Pulled Chicken, and Baked Burgers, of course. But it also sweetens the game for Air-Fryer Salmon, Air-Fryer Shrimp, Soft Scrambled Eggs, and Home Fries. A personal favorite of mine is BBQ mushrooms. Start with this recipe for How To Cook Mushrooms, then let the shrooms simmer in the sauce for about 20 minutes on low.
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup dark brown sugar packed
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine ketchup, water, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and molasses. Stir to blend the ingredients well.
- Add smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper to the saucepan. Stir until all the spices are well incorporated.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the BBQ sauce to cool.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
Leave a Comment