15 Classic Southern Barbecue Sauce Recipe The Spruce Eats They're Simply Irresistible!

Published on: Mar 30, 2024

Southern barbecue is more than just a style of cooking - it's a cultural tradition that has been passed down for generations. At the heart of this tradition lies a classic barbecue sauce recipe that is a staple in Southern cooking. This tangy, sweet and smoky sauce is the perfect accompaniment to any type of meat, from ribs to pulled pork. In this article, we will explore the history of southern barbecue sauce and provide you with a tried and true recipe that will have you licking your fingers and craving more.

Jump to Recipe

1 of 20

South Carolina Barbecue Sauce

Main Ingredients: Mustard, Apple Cider Vinegar, Light Brown Sugar

14 Homemade BBQ sauce recipes that might make you throw out the bottles

Carolina Vinegar BBQ Sauce - A Southern Soul

Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce (aka South Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce) is an ...

North Carolina BBQ Sauce | Kevin Is Cooking

This tangy and flavorful South Carolina-style barbecue sauce is perfect for adding a punch of flavor to your beer can chicken recipe. Made with a base of mustard, vinegar, and spices, this sauce is a staple in the South and pairs perfectly with the smoky flavor of beer can chicken. Mustard lovers will rejoice in this bold and tangy sauce, perfect for glazing over your chicken during cooking and serving on the side for dipping.

2 of 20

Georgia Barbecue Sauce

Main Ingredients: Apple Cider Vinegar, Yellow Mustard, Ketchup, Dark

Amazon.com : The Sauce Company Georgia's Barbeque Sauce, Vinegar, 16 ...

30. Old Hickory Barbecue. Savannah georgia Barbecue Sides, Barbecue ...

Original Barbecue Sauce Kc Masterpiece 18 oz delivery | Cornershop by Uber

Georgia is known for its delicious barbecue and this sauce is no exception. Made with a base of ketchup, brown sugar, and spices, this tangy and slightly sweet sauce is perfect for slathering on your beer can chicken. The brown sugar adds a hint of sweetness that balances out the tanginess of the ketchup, making for a well-rounded sauce that adds a burst of flavor to any chicken dish.

3 of 20

Tangy Carolina Barbecue Sauce

Main Ingredients: Apple Cider Vinegar, Ketchup, Brown Sugar, Yellow

Chipster Diaries: Lays Tangy Carolina BBQ

4 BOTTLES Heinz Carolina Vinegar Style Tangy BBQ Sauce, 18.6 oz Dip ...

This tangy and spicy Carolina barbecue sauce is perfect for those who like a little heat with their chicken. Made with a base of ketchup, vinegar, and spices, this sauce packs a punch of flavor and adds a nice tanginess to your beer can chicken. The combination of vinegar and ketchup creates a perfect balance of tanginess and sweetness, while the spices add a kick of heat and depth of flavor.

4 of 20

Southern-Style Barbecue Sauce

Main Ingredients: Butter, Finely Chopped Onion, Green Pepper, Garlic

Southern Classic BBQ Sauce | Showcase of Citrus

Texas-Style Barbecue Sauce | KeepRecipes: Your Universal Recipe Box

Southern-Style Molasses Barbecue Sauce » Not Entirely Average

For the Love of Food: Southern Style Barbecue Pulled Pork Tacos

This classic Southern-style barbecue sauce is a must-try for any beer can chicken recipe. Made with a base of ketchup, brown sugar, and spices, this sauce is both sweet and savory, making it a crowd-pleaser. The brown sugar adds a rich sweetness to the sauce, while the spices add depth and complexity, making for a flavorful and well-rounded sauce that pairs perfectly with your chicken.

5 of 20

Southern Cola Barbecue Sauce

Main Ingredients: Soda, Lemon Juice, Orange Juice, Worcestershire Sauce

Classic Southern BBQ Sauce - BBQ & Grilling

Southern Cola Barbecue Sauce - Butter Be Ready

Coca Cola Barbecue Sauce - An Alli Event

For a unique twist on traditional barbecue sauce, try this Southern cola barbecue sauce. Made with a base of ketchup, cola, and spices, this sauce has a sweet and tangy flavor that is perfect for adding a pop of flavor to your beer can chicken. The cola adds a hint of sweetness and carbonation to the sauce, creating a unique and delicious taste that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

6 of 20

North Carolina Vinegar Barbecue Sauce

Main Ingredients: Apple Cider Vinegar, Tomato Paste, Light Brown Sugar

Barbecue Sauce Recipe: North Carolina Vinegar Sauce | Recipe | Barbecue ...

North Carolina BBQ Sauce | Carolina bbq sauce, North carolina bbq sauce ...

8 locally made barbecue sauces to try before summer fades | Barbecue ...

George's - Best vinegar based BBQ sauce. | Vinegar based bbq sauce, Bbq ...

This North Carolina-style vinegar barbecue sauce is a must-try for any beer can chicken recipe. Made with a base of vinegar, spices, and a touch of hot sauce, this sauce is tangy and slightly spicy, perfect for adding a kick of flavor to your chicken. The vinegar adds a tanginess that is balanced out by the spices and hot sauce, creating a well-rounded and delicious sauce that complements the smoky flavor of the chicken.

7 of 20

Carolina-Style Barbecue Sauce

Main Ingredients: Yellow Mustard, Sugar, Light Brown Sugar, Cider

Western South Carolina-Style Barbecue Sauce Recipe | CDKitchen.com

North Carolina Barbecue Sauce Recipe | CDKitchen.com

Carolina Style Barbecue Chicken - Recipe Girl

This classic Carolina-style barbecue sauce is a staple in the South and is a must-have for your beer can chicken recipe. Made with a base of ketchup, vinegar, and spices, this sauce is sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy, making it a well-rounded and flavorful addition to any chicken dish. The combination of ketchup and vinegar creates a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess, while the spices add a kick of heat and depth of flavor.

8 of 20

Spicy Bourbon Barbecue Sauce

Main Ingredients: Ketchup, Bourbon, Dijon Mustard, Dark Molasses, Cold

Cherry Bourbon Barbecue Sauce - Cooking with Curls

Spicy Bourbon BBQ Sauce [Video] | Recipe [Video] in 2021 | Spicy ...

If you like a little heat with your chicken, this spicy bourbon barbecue sauce is a must-try. Made with a base of ketchup, bourbon, and spices, this sauce has a rich and complex flavor with a spicy kick. The addition of bourbon adds a depth of flavor and richness to the sauce, while the spices provide a nice balance of heat and flavor that pairs perfectly with the smoky taste of beer can chicken.

9 of 20

South Carolina Mustard Barbecue Sauce

Main Ingredients: Yellow Mustard, Honey, Brown Sugar, Apple Cider

South Carolina-Style Mustard BBQ Sauce - My Homemade Roots

Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce Recipe - Chili Pepper Madness

South Carolina Mustard Barbecue Sauce - Our Best Bites

Mustard-Based South Carolina BBQ Sauce - Pinch me, I'm eating

This South Carolina-style mustard barbecue sauce is perfect for those who love a bold and tangy flavor. Made with a base of mustard, vinegar, and spices, this sauce is a staple in the South and pairs perfectly with beer can chicken. The mustard adds a bold and tangy flavor to the sauce, while the vinegar and spices add depth and complexity, creating a well-rounded and delicious sauce for your chicken.

10 of 20

Carolina Barbecue Sauce

Main Ingredients: Apple Cider Vinegar, Dark Brown Sugar, Ketchup, Cayenne

Carolina BBQ Sauce | Recipe | Carolina bbq sauce, Bbq sauce, Recipes

Heinz Carolina Vinegar Style Tangy BBQ Sauce, 18.6 oz Bottle - Walmart.com

Carolina-Style Barbecue Sauce by The Redhead Baker

Trader Joe's Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce, Sweet & Smoky - Trader Joe's Reviews

This classic Carolina-style barbecue sauce is a must-try for any beer can chicken recipe. Made with a base of ketchup, vinegar, and spices, this sauce is sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy, making it a well-rounded and flavorful addition to any chicken dish. The combination of ketchup and vinegar creates a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess, while the spices add a kick of heat and depth of flavor.

11 of 20

Southern Pepper Sauce

Main Ingredients: Vinegar, Sugar, Salt, Olive Oil, Peppers

Southern Hot Pepper Sauce Recipe - PepperHead

Southern Pepper Sauce Recipe - Add a Pinch

Southern Hot Pepper Sauce - Blacks Going Vegan! : Blacks Going Vegan!

How to make Easy Southern Pepper Sauce for a tasty way to spice up any ...

This Southern-style pepper sauce is perfect for adding a little kick of flavor to your beer can chicken recipe. Made with a base of peppers, vinegar, and spices, this sauce has a spicy and tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the smoky taste of the chicken. The peppers add a nice heat to the sauce, while the vinegar and spices add depth and complexity, making for a flavorful and versatile sauce that can be used for both cooking and serving.

12 of 20

Peach Barbecue Sauce

Main Ingredients: Peaches, Olive Oil, Yellow Onion, Garlic, Apple Cider

Maple Peach Barbecue sauce is simple to make with ingredients already ...

Peach BBQ Sauce [4 Ingredient] - caramel and cashews

Maple Peach Barbecue Sauce - A Farmgirl's Kitchen

If you’re looking for a sweet and tangy sauce for your beer can chicken, this peach barbecue sauce is the perfect choice. Made with a base of peaches, ketchup, and spices, this sauce has a deliciously fruity and tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the smoky taste of the chicken. The addition of peaches adds a natural sweetness to the sauce, while the ketchup and spices provide a nice balance of tanginess and flavor.

13 of 20

Peach Bourbon Barbecue Sauce

Main Ingredients: Diced Onion, Olive Oil, Garlic Cloves, Peaches, Nutmeg

Bourbon Peach BBQ Sauce - A Family Feast®

Peach Bourbon BBQ Sauce | Showcase of Citrus

Peach Bourbon Barbecue Sauce - Cooking with Curls

Bourbon Peach BBQ Sauce Recipe | Cake 'n Knife

This peach bourbon barbecue sauce is a delicious twist on traditional barbecue sauce and is perfect for adding a burst of flavor to your beer can chicken recipe. Made with a base of peaches, bourbon, and spices, this sauce has a rich and complex flavor with a touch of sweetness. The addition of bourbon adds a depth of flavor and richness to the sauce, while the peaches add a natural sweetness that complements the smoky taste of the chicken.

14 of 20

Bourbon Peach Barbecue Sauce

Main Ingredients: Peaches, Sweet Onion, Canola Oil, Cider Vinegar

Peach-Bourbon BBQ Sauce | The Missing Lokness | Peach bbq sauce recipe ...

Bourbon Peach BBQ Sauce Recipe (Only 8 Basic Ingredients!) | Recipe ...

Rosie's NEW Peach Bourbon BBQ Sauce is a delicious blend of tomatoes ...

For a deliciously sweet and tangy sauce, try this bourbon peach barbecue sauce for your beer can chicken. Made with a base of bourbon, peaches, and spices, this sauce has a rich and complex flavor with a touch of sweetness. The bourbon adds a depth of flavor and richness to the sauce, while the peaches add a natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the smoky taste of the chicken.

15 of 20

Carolina Style Barbecue Sauce

Main Ingredients: Yellow Mustard, Sugar, Light Brown Sugar, Cider

Eastern North Carolina-Style Barbecue Sauce Recipe | CDKitchen.com

RECIPE | East Carolina-Style Vinegar Based Barbecue Sauce | still being ...

Site Unavailable | Carolina style bbq sauce, Bbq sauce, Bbq recipes

16 of 20

Eastern North Carolina Vinegar Barbecue Sauce

Main Ingredients: Apple Cider Vinegar, White Vinegar, Hot Sauce, Red

Eastern North Carolina Sauce | North carolina bbq sauce, Bbq sauce ...

Barbecue Sauce Recipe: North Carolina Vinegar Sauce | Recipe | Carolina ...

This Eastern North Carolina-style vinegar barbecue sauce is perfect for those who love a tangy and slightly spicy sauce. Made with a base of vinegar, spices, and a touch of hot sauce, this sauce is perfect for adding a kick of flavor to your beer can chicken. The vinegar adds a tanginess that is balanced out by the spices and hot sauce, creating a well-rounded and delicious sauce that complements the smoky flavor of the chicken.

17 of 20

Jalapeño Peach Barbecue Sauce With Broiled Pork Chops

Main Ingredients: Peaches, Yellow Onion, Garlic, Jalapenos, Ketchup

Peach Jalapeño Jam - Wyse Guide | Recipe | Peach jalapeno jam, Jalapeno ...

bbq brush slathering peach barbecue sauce onto a grilled pork chop in ...

Dr Pepper Jalapeño BBQ Sauce is a great sauce for grilling. A sweet and ...

This fizzy peach jalapeño mocktail is a delicious and refreshing drink ...

For a unique and flavorful sauce, try this jalapeño peach barbecue sauce on your beer can chicken. Made with a base of peaches, jalapeños, and spices, this sauce has a sweet and spicy flavor that is perfect for adding a burst of flavor to your chicken. The jalapeños add a nice kick of heat, while the peaches provide a natural sweetness that complements the smoky taste of the chicken.

18 of 20

South Carolina Golden Mustard Barbecue Sauce

Main Ingredients: Prepared Mustard, Cider Vinegar, Molasses, Turmeric

South Carolina Mustard Barbecue Sauce | Mustard bbq sauce, Barbecue ...

South Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce | Mustard bbq sauce, Bbq sauce, Recipes

22 Best Mustard Based Bbq Sauce - Best Recipes Ideas and Collections

This South Carolina-style golden mustard barbecue sauce is a tangy and flavorful addition to any beer can chicken recipe. Made with a base of mustard, vinegar, and spices, this sauce is a staple in the South and pairs perfectly with the smoky flavor of the chicken. The mustard adds a bold and tangy flavor to the sauce, while the vinegar and spices add depth and complexity, creating a well-rounded and delicious sauce that complements the chicken perfectly.

19 of 20

North Carolina Style Vinegar BBQ Sauce

Main Ingredients: Apple Cider Vinegar, Sugar, Ketchup, Honey, Kosher

Carolina Style BBQ Sauce Recipe ~ This Wife Cooks

22 Best north Carolina Vinegar Bbq Sauce - Best Recipes Ideas and ...

20 of 20

South Carolina-Style Mustard Barbecue Sauce

Main Ingredients: Mustard, Raw Honey, Hot Sauce, Apple Cider Vinegar

South Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce - Kevin Is Cooking

The Origins of Southern Barbecue Sauce

The History of Barbecue in the South

The origins of southern barbecue sauce can be traced back to the early 16th century, when Spanish explorers first introduced pigs to the Americas. As the pig population grew, so did the popularity of barbecue. This cooking method was embraced by Native American tribes who used it to preserve and flavor their meat. Eventually, African slaves brought over to the southern United States also adopted this cooking style and added their own unique spices and flavors, creating what we now know as southern barbecue.

The Evolution of Barbecue Sauce

Originally, barbecue sauce was simply a vinegar-based mixture used to baste and add flavor to the meat while it cooked over an open fire. However, as barbecue became more popular and spread throughout the South, different regions began to develop their own unique styles of sauce. In the Carolinas, a mustard-based sauce was favored, while in Memphis, a tomato-based sauce became popular. Eventually, all of these regional styles merged and evolved to create the classic southern barbecue sauce we know and love today.

The Perfect Classic Southern Barbecue Sauce Recipe

Ingredients

- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine all the ingredients.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce cook for 10-15 minutes, until it thickens.
4. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Remove from heat and let cool before using.
6. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Making it Your Own

One of the best things about southern barbecue sauce is how versatile it is. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients to create your own unique flavor. Some ideas to try include adding peach or pineapple juice for a fruity twist, or bourbon for a smoky and boozy flavor.

Final Thoughts

No matter how you choose to make it, southern barbecue sauce is a must-have for any barbecue lover. Its tangy, sweet and smoky flavors perfectly complement any type of meat and will have your taste buds singing. So, fire up the grill and give this classic southern recipe a try - your taste buds will thank you.