Kansas City BBQ Sauce Recipe

Last updated on: January 7, 2023

Kansas City BBQ sauce it’s one of the most famous and loved BBQ sauces out there. The primary flavor profile of this tomato-based sauce focuses on sweetness, tanginess, and heat.

You will find a lot of brands at the store but today we have an easy-to-follow homemade Kansas City BBQ sauce recipe for you.

This sauce goes well with everything but especially ribs and chicken wings. If you want to try it for something else and goes well, be sure to let us know!

Recipe

Ingredients

2 Cups Ketchup
5 oz A1 Sauce
5 oz Heinz 57 Sauce
3/4 cup Apple Juice
1/3 cup Worcestershire Sauce
1/3 cup Dark Corn Syrup
1/3 cup Honey
1/4 cup Molasses
1/2 teaspoon Liquid Smoke
1 Tablespoon Black Pepper
1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
2 Tablespoon Yellow Mustard (optional)

Method

The instructions for this sauce are easy, just be careful with the heat.

Boil the ingredients: Over medium heat, in a large saucepan. Start with the ketchup and then add the remaining ingredients. No particular order, make sure to stir as you add them.
Simmer: Whisk to combine all the ingredients while you bring the mix to a full simmer over medium heat.
Cool and refrigerate: Let it rest for 1 hour at very low heat or even room temperature. This will let the flavors integrate a little bit better. Transfer the sauce to a container and let it rest in the fridge for 24 hours.

Important information

The sauce can be bottled and stored in the refrigerator for up to 14 days.
This recipe is high in sugars like ketchup, honey, molasses, and dark corn syrup. Don’t let them in the smoker or grill for too long or they will burn.
If for whatever reason you want it thinner, add a little water. We definitely not recommended though. Kansas City BBQ sauce should be thick and sticky.

This sauce has a lot of history. It goes back to the early 1900s. If you have the time and want to learn a little history, check this article about the history behind the Kansas City-style barbeque.

The Bottom Line

So next time you are smoking ribs or chicken wings, give this Kansas City BBQ sauce a try. You won’t regret it! We are sure this will taste better than most sauces you buy at the store. With a few personal touches, this Kansas City BBQ sauce recipe can be your signature sauce at the next BBQ.

If you have your sauce ready and want to try it in some ribs, come and check our 321 Ribs recipe and method.

Javier Mendez

Javier is a tech geek who started grilling for family and friends. Years later he grills 3 or 4 times a week and co-owns TheSundayGrill.com where he shares some of what he knows and loves.