If you are a fan of Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce, you will love the taste of this made from scratch BBQ sauce!
With (1) the first college football Saturday and (2) Labor Day coming up in the next few days, I thought it might be a good time to post this homemade BBQ sauce.
Since you make it yourself, you can avoid all the sketchy ingredients. (<- I’m looking at YOU, high fructose corn syrup!) This recipe uses basic pantry ingredients, and it comes together in a snap.
It is great on chicken, pork, veggies…the possibilities are endless.
Tools Used to Make This Recipe
Note: These are Amazon affiliate links.
- Sauce Pan
- Whisk
- Measuring spoons
- Storage container (2 cup capacity)
Copycat Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce
If this recipe looks good to you, please pin it and share it!
Copycat Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ Sauce {Made from Scratch}
You may never buy premade barbecue sauce again after you make this from scratch recipe that tastes just like Sweet Baby Ray's!
Ingredients
- 1 bottle bottle organic ketchup (I used Annie's 24-ounce bottle)
- 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1.5 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 Tablespoon dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke (you could add more if you prefer a smokier BBQ sauce)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a sauce pan, and whisk to combine.
- Simmer for about 5 minutes (or longer if you prefer a thicker texture).
- Store for up to two weeks in the refrigerator.
Recipe Video
Recipe Notes
Nutritional information is approximate and was calculated using a recipe nutrition label generator. Each serving is approximately 2 tablespoons and is approximately 1 PointPlus on Weight Watchers.
Makes about 2 cups total.
I hope you enjoy this recipe! Pin and share if you like it. Happy Labor Day, y’all!
Jen G says
If you’re thinking that sounds like too much ketchup, it is. I made a half batch and only used 3/4 of the ketchup (8oz instead of 12). I’m glad it was only a half batch. Next time I’ll try 1/4 of the ketchup and add more if it needs it
Terisa says
Why does it only last 2 weeks in frig? I need one that lasts a month or more.
Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy says
It could last longer than 2 weeks, depending on the freshness of your ingredients.👌🏻
Tammy says
It is great and I love that it has things that I can pronounce and I can eat thanks
Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy says
Yay, Tammy!
Jennifer Howard says
We’ve been keto for about 3 years, and always leary of rave reviews that you can’t tell the difference…My non-keto son loves Sweet Baby Ray’s the best, and often dislikes attempts I make at ketofied foods. This was amazing. He loved it, said it would fool any regular person, and was about as close to Sweet Baby Ray’s as you could get. We all enjoyed it, and after testing this it does not spike my glucose at all. It’s a win win, and will be staple in my fridge. Thank you so much!
Jennifer Howard says
Sorry for being unclear – I used a brown sugar subst, Erythritol/Monkfruit blend, and the result of this was amazing. I realize it was not intended to be a keto recipe.
Loretta Messer says
I used Truvia brown sugar because I’m on the ketogenic diet and my oldest daughter is a diabetic. She loves Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ. She didn’t know the difference until after she her ribs. She was surprised and delighted :o)
Loretta Messer says
Sorry, it was after she ate her ribs that I told is was a homemade copycat!
Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy says
Yay! That is so great to hear.💖
Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy says
I am so glad that you enjoyed it, Jennifer!💖 Thank you for taking the time to leave a review.🙏🏻
Marcia Sam says
What if you don’t have liquid smoke? What can you use as a substitute?
Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy says
Hi Marcia! You can leave it out, and it’ll still be good. Just won’t have a smoky flavor, but still very tasty.
Lynn says
Omit it then
VAnessa says
I can’t wait to make this! Does it freeze well?
Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy says
I have not frozen it, but a couple others have written in and said it freezes well. It may separate a little when it is thawed, just just stir it back together. Enjoy!
Suzanne says
Thanks for sharing! It would be fun to make as a gift and put in a pretty bottle!
Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy says
What a great idea!
Suzanne says
This looks so good! What a great way to make without the preservatives!
Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy says
Thanks Suzanne!
Shanda Klodzinski says
I went to the fridge to find out one of the children (or hubs) left an empty Sweet Baby Ray’s bottle in the door. All of the spices in your recipe are things I keep on hand. I had one cup of ketchup and a bottle of banana sauce to work with. I was already smoking meat when I discovered I did not have the liquid smoke so I set a cup under the drip pan to get some of that. your recipe is amazing!
Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy says
That is some great feedback! Glad you enjoyed it.💖
Cor says
What’s the lifespan this sauce can be kept for?
Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy says
Hi Cor! I estimate at least two weeks, just to be on the safe side. It is possible it may last longer.
Sylvia wojnicki says
Loved this recipe. I’m just wondering if all of the ingredients are stable at room temp, when I p[ut it all together and boil it, why will it only last 2 weeks in the fridge?
Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy says
Hi Sylvia! You could likely keep it longer than that. I’d say two weeks minimum.
maryann bova says
I had to substitute 1/2 tsp cumin in place of liquid smoke and added a tsp of texas pete.
perfection!