Guide to Making Your Homemade BBQ Sauce

A savory hunk of meat lathered in BBQ sauce slow cooks on a grill.One of the reasons why Famous Dave’s has become, well, famous, is because of the incredible BBQ sauce that we serve. While we cannot tell you all of our secrets about our award-winning BBQ sauce, we can share some recipes and tips for making your own BBQ sauce at home. So, continue reading to discover everything you need to know to create a great BBQ sauce that everyone will enjoy. 

Tips on Making Your Very Own BBQ Sauce

If you want to make your own homemade BBQ sauce, we have got some tips to help you get started, so let’s take a look:

Start with a Classic

Our first piece of advice is to go for one of the classics. The majority of sauces you find in stores today mimic the thick, sweet, ketchup-based style of sauce from Kansas City. However, you may prefer the vinegary Eastern Carolina sauce if you want something tangier. Starting off with classics like this is a good way for you to find out what style of BBQ sauce you enjoy the most. 

Enjoy Playing Around with Different Spices and Ingredients

The great thing about BBQ sauce is that there are so many different variations and ways to enjoy this condiment. For example, you may want to add some hoisin to the mixture for a more Asian-inspired BBQ sauce. There are no rules. Have some fun by trying out different ingredients in your pantry and seeing the impact that they will have on the taste of your BBQ sauce. 

Consider Adding Fruit

A sweet, thick sauce is typically the best option when it comes to chicken wings and ribs. Rather than just going for a pure tomato paste, why not add some fruit to the mixture for different textures and flavors? From blackberries to guava paste, there are lots of exciting options. 

Switch up the Sweetener

Last but not least, varying the sweetener is a good place to start once you have got the basics nailed down. A classic choice is brown sugar. However, if you want more of a sweet-bitter, richer flavor, consider blackstrap molasses instead. From honey to maple syrup, there are many different ways to add some sweetness. 

BBQ Sauce Recipes that You Will Love

Now that you have some great tips on how to make your very own BBQ sauce, we are going to leave you with some tasty recipes that do not disappoint. One of the best ones is this BBQ sauce recipe from Nicky’s Kitchen Sanctuary. It only takes 10 minutes, making it an incredibly easy recipe, and we are sure that you will enjoy the incredible taste. Another BBQ sauce recipe to consider is this one from Gimme Some Oven. It takes a little bit longer (30 minutes), but we are sure that you will agree that it is worth it. Finally, we would recommend checking out this homemade BBQ sauce recipe from Add a Pinch. It is another recipe that is easy to make and delivers great results. 

Take a Break from Home Cooking and Enjoy Famous Dave’s Award-Winning Sauces in Person

We can all relate to trying something in the restaurant and then wanting to recreate it at home. Preparing and cooking sauces delivers a different experience for those who love it! When you are ready to set aside being an amaetur chef and let the pros take over, come in to enjoy Famous Dave’s award winning sauces and savory BBQ in person. Come into Famous Dave’s location nearest to you today.

Smokin' Deals Every Week at Famous Dave's

We all could use a break during the week. Between work, school, errands, and more, it can feel like the “go, go, go” mentality never ends. There’s no shame in wanting to break up the monotony by skipping out on making a home cooked...

Diet Friendly Grilling Recipes for Christmas

The holidays are here and this often means that your diet is thrown out the window in favor of sugar cookies and hearty meals with friends and family. Plenty of people love the idea of indulging all their cravings during the festive season. However,...

Spend Thanksgiving with Famous Dave's

Thanksgiving is known as the holiday meant to look back on everything you’re thankful for. Families, friends, and distant relatives gather around the table, enjoy a large home cooked meal, and share memories of good times and “back in...

Throw a Famous Dave's Catered Halloween Party

Halloween is just around the corner now and it’s time you started planning for any parties you might be throwing. Let’s get spooky! With the help of Famous Dave’s, you can make your Halloween party everyone’s favorite event...

Our Guide to Grilling

Grilling and hosting a BBQ is a fun and delicious way to entertain and feed your guests. However, there’s more to it than simply turning on the grill and hoping for the best. Instead, there is outdoor bbq and grilling advice to review that...

Labor Day Weekend: The Ultimate BBQ Recipes

Labor Day Weekend is the perfect excuse to throw a barbecue, so why not go all out this year? With the grill fired up you can cook up some of your favorites and maybe even try out some new dishes too. On the 4th of July, we brought you our round-up...

Tips & Tricks: The Best Way to Grill

The summer season will always provide the perfect opportunity to try some new bbq dishes and grill outdoors. From enjoying the sunshine with friends to just soaking in the beautiful day in front of you, grilling is a pastime that brings everyone...

The Side Dish Always Completes the Main Dish

No BBQ is complete without the proper side dish. Whether you’re looking to host a large backyard event or just sitting down with close friends and family, it’s important to have options for everyone. If you’re stumped on what to...

St. Patrick's Day BBQ Recipe Tips

St. Patrick’s Day is a celebration full of history and traditions. Dating back to the 9th century, the Roman Catholic feast day of St. Patrick is still observed by the people of Ireland every year on the 17th of March. But did you know the...

Tips for Cleaning and Maintaining Your BBQ Smoker

There’s nothing quite like a barbecue for bringing friends together and celebrating delicious flavors. The quality of the ingredients has a role to play, but the way you cook your food and look after your grill are also essential. In this...

Return to Work Celebration at Famous Dave's

There is no denying that the past year or so has been incredibly difficult for employees and businesses worldwide. Consequently, it is important to show some appreciation for everything your employees have had to go through and the loyalty they have...

Guide To Having A Family Rib Cook-Off

Nothing beats a tasty BBQ, and what better way to enjoy BBQ food than a family rib cook-off? If you’ve never held a cook-off before you’re probably wondering where to begin. To help you plan an amazing event, check out these five ideas...

Pick the Perfect Menu for Your Graduate's Party

With your graduate’s time in high school coming to a close, it is time to party! You have so many options to explore with the party to give them a last get-together with friends and family before everything changes. If you are on the lookout...

Easy, DIY, and Catered Snacks for Your Superbowl Party

What a wild year it has been for sports! From no sports to some sports to sports played in empty stadiums, 2020 was a year that gave us an entirely different experience with professional sports. Fortunately, things are getting better with COVID...

How to Throw a Great Outdoor Party in Winter

This year has been a tough time for seeing people. The many social distancing guidelines are important to keep people safe, but they also might have left you feeling disconnected. Luckily, during the summer getting together while being responsible...

How to Throw an Outdoor Halloween Party

The leaves have begun to change and the days are starting to end earlier. You know what that means, right?  It is getting spookier out there! Halloween draws closer, along with all the fun and excitement that go with it. The 2020...

Top 4 Tips for Fall Outings with Famous Dave's

With the recent shift in weather and the kids heading back to school (or maybe heading to their laptops for digital school), fall is finally here for the year. Some people feel the slightly cooler breeze and run indoors. Avoid that urge! Fall...

Top 5 Tips for How to Prep Your Grill for the Season

After a long winter and despite much social distancing, it is time to dust off your grill. If you have found that you put off firing up your grill for the season, you are not alone. But now is the time to start it up for you and your family to enjoy...

How to Prepare Your Memorial Day BBQ with Your Family

Memorial Day is quickly approaching. Now is the time to remember those our country has lost as well as celebrate the community and people we have at home. Starting with the community we have in our home, Memorial Day is a great family event. The...

8 Tips for Safe Winter Grilling: Do's and Don'ts

At this point, we have had a few snowfalls, the cold has been here for months, and spring is still a distant goal. Despite the weather, many die-hard barbequers have a craving that only the grill can satisfy. For our hardiest of friends, grilling is...

Operation Barbeque Relief

Famous Dave's is proud to be a Hall of Fame member for Operation Barbeque Relief A non-profit response team providing hot meals to those in need after disaster strikes The mission of Operation BBQ Relief is to provide compassion and to...
Sink Your Teeth Into This!
Want Free Stuff? Sign Up for Rewards!
Download our app and rack up "BONES" for every visit, unlocking exclusive offers. Plus, score a FREE burger or sandwich just by signing up! Join the Famous Nation for the latest news, special offers, and a delicious birthday treat!
Famous Nation Icon
Best BBQ
Cleveland's Scene
Magazine in 2010
Best Wings
Cleveland Hot
List 2016
Best BBQ
Cleveland Hot
List 2008-2018
Couples Choice
Weddingwire:
2014, 2015, 2017