Southern BBQ sauce is a staple in many households and restaurants across the United States. With its rich and tangy flavor, it's no wonder why this sauce is loved by so many. One key ingredient that sets southern BBQ sauce apart from other variations is molasses. This sweet and sticky ingredient adds depth and complexity to the sauce, making it a must-have for any BBQ lover. In this article, we'll dive into the world of southern BBQ sauce and share a delicious recipe that incorporates molasses to take your BBQ game to the next level.
Looking to add some authentic Southern flavor to your beer can chicken? Try this homemade BBQ sauce recipe that is sure to impress your taste buds. Made with a blend of tangy vinegar, smoky spices, and just the right amount of sweetness, this sauce is the perfect complement to a juicy beer can chicken. Plus, it's easy to make and can be used as a marinade as well.
2of 20
Carolina Honey BBQ Sauce
Main Ingredients: Ketchup, White Vinegar, Apple Cider Vinegar, Molasses
For a sweet and sticky twist on traditional Carolina BBQ sauce, try adding honey to the mix. This recipe combines tangy vinegar, spicy red pepper flakes, and a generous amount of honey for a sauce that is perfect for basting your beer can chicken. The sweetness of the honey balances out the tanginess of the vinegar, creating a delicious and unique flavor profile.
3of 20
Southern Cola Barbecue Sauce
Main Ingredients: Soda, Lemon Juice, Orange Juice, Worcestershire Sauce
For a unique and flavorful BBQ sauce, try using cola as one of the main ingredients. This Southern-style sauce combines the sweetness of cola with the tanginess of ketchup and vinegar, creating a rich and delicious sauce that pairs perfectly with beer can chicken. Bonus tip: try using a cherry-flavored cola for an extra burst of flavor.
4of 20
Jalapeño Peach Barbecue Sauce With Broiled Pork Chops
Main Ingredients: Peaches, Yellow Onion, Garlic, Jalapenos, Ketchup
Looking for a spicy twist on traditional BBQ sauce? This jalapeño peach sauce is the perfect option. Made with fresh peaches, spicy jalapeños, and a touch of honey, this sauce is a delicious addition to beer can chicken. It also works well as a marinade for broiled pork chops, adding a sweet and spicy kick to your dinner.
5of 20
Peach-Bourbon BBQ Sauce
Main Ingredients: Peaches, Unsalted Butter, Smoked Paprika, Granulated
For a rich and flavorful BBQ sauce that will take your beer can chicken to the next level, try this peach-bourbon recipe. Made with fresh peaches, a hint of smoky bourbon, and a blend of spices, this sauce is a delicious combination of sweet and savory. It's perfect for basting your chicken or using as a dipping sauce.
6of 20
South Carolina Golden Mustard Barbecue Sauce
Main Ingredients: Prepared Mustard, Cider Vinegar, Molasses, Turmeric
In South Carolina, mustard-based BBQ sauce is a staple. This golden mustard sauce is tangy, slightly sweet, and has a bit of a kick from the addition of hot sauce. It's a perfect match for beer can chicken, adding a unique and delicious flavor that is sure to impress your guests.
7of 20
Southern Peach, Onion & Bourbon BBQ Sauce
Main Ingredients: Fresh Peaches, Vidalia Onion, Dark Molasses, Extra
For a flavorful and unique BBQ sauce, try this peach, onion, and bourbon recipe. The combination of sweet peaches, tangy onions, and rich bourbon creates a sauce that is both sweet and savory. It's the perfect addition to beer can chicken, adding a delicious depth of flavor.
8of 20
Copycat KFC "Georgia Gold" BBQ Sauce
Main Ingredients: Yellow Mustard, Apple Cider Vinegar, Molasses, Honey
If you love the tangy and sweet "Georgia Gold" BBQ sauce from KFC, then you'll love this copycat recipe. Made with a blend of mustard, honey, and spices, this sauce is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Use it to baste your beer can chicken for a delicious meal that tastes just like KFC.
9of 20
Spicy Bourbon Barbecue Sauce
Main Ingredients: Ketchup, Bourbon, Dijon Mustard, Dark Molasses, Cold
For a spicy twist on traditional BBQ sauce, try this recipe that incorporates bourbon and red pepper flakes. The bourbon adds a rich and smoky flavor, while the red pepper flakes add a nice kick of heat. This sauce is perfect for beer can chicken, adding a unique and delicious flavor that will have your taste buds dancing.
10of 20
North Carolina Bbq Sauce
Main Ingredients: Apple Cider Vinegar, Light Brown Sugar, Garlic Powder
In North Carolina, BBQ sauce is all about the vinegar. This recipe stays true to that tradition, using a blend of vinegar, ketchup, and spices for a tangy and flavorful sauce that is perfect for basting your beer can chicken. It's a simple and delicious sauce that is sure to become a family favorite.
11of 20
Homemade BBQ Sauce
Main Ingredients: Tomato Sauce, Tomato Paste, Apple Cider Vinegar, Honey
Sometimes, simple is best. This homemade BBQ sauce recipe is a classic, combining ketchup, brown sugar, and a blend of spices for a sauce that is sweet, smoky, and perfect for beer can chicken. It's easy to make and can be customized to your liking by adding more or less of your favorite spices.
12of 20
South Carolina Mustard Barbecue Sauce
Main Ingredients: Prepared Mustard, Cider Vinegar, Blackstrap Molasses
Similar to the golden mustard sauce mentioned earlier, this South Carolina mustard BBQ sauce is a staple in the region. Made with a blend of yellow mustard, vinegar, and spices, this sauce is tangy, slightly sweet, and has a nice kick of heat. It's the perfect complement to beer can chicken and adds a unique and delicious flavor.
13of 20
BBQ Sauce
Main Ingredients: Tomato Sauce, Molasses, Soy Sauce, Apple Cider Vinegar
Sometimes, you just can't beat the classic. This BBQ sauce recipe is simple, yet delicious, combining ketchup, vinegar, and a blend of spices for a sauce that is perfect for basting your beer can chicken. It's a versatile sauce that can also be used on ribs, pulled pork, and other BBQ favorites.
14of 20
Best Ever BBQ Sauce
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Garlic, Ketchup, Tomato Sauce, Tomato Paste
If you're looking for a BBQ sauce that lives up to its name, then this is the recipe for you. Made with a delicious blend of ketchup, honey, and spices, this sauce is perfect for basting your beer can chicken. It's sweet, tangy, and has just the right amount of heat, making it a crowd-pleaser at any BBQ.
15of 20
Classic BBQ Sauce
Main Ingredients: Ketchup, Brown Sugar, Cider Vinegar, Molasses
This classic BBQ sauce recipe is a must-have for any backyard BBQ. Made with a simple combination of ketchup, brown sugar, and a mix of spices, this sauce is perfect for basting your beer can chicken. It's also great for dipping, so make sure to have a big bowl on the side for your guests to enjoy.
16of 20
Best Ever Homemade BBQ Sauce
Main Ingredients: Ketchup, Apple Cider Vinegar, Minced Garlic
For a BBQ sauce that packs a punch of flavor, try this homemade recipe that combines ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and a variety of spices. It's sweet, tangy, and has a nice kick of heat from the addition of hot sauce. Use it to baste your beer can chicken or as a dipping sauce for a delicious and flavorful meal.
Main Ingredients: Ketchup, Dark Brown Sugar, Molasses, Apple Cider
If you're a fan of Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ sauce, then you'll love this homemade version. Made with a blend of ketchup, honey, and a mix of spices, this sauce is a close match to the popular brand. It's perfect for basting your beer can chicken or using as a dipping sauce for all your BBQ favorites.
18of 20
Homemade Kansas City Style BBQ Sauce
Main Ingredients: Tomato Sauce, Tomato Paste, Honey, Red Wine Vinegar
For a thick and rich BBQ sauce that is perfect for slathering on your beer can chicken, try this homemade Kansas City-style recipe. Made with a blend of ketchup, molasses, and spices, this sauce is sweet, smoky, and has a nice tang from the addition of apple cider vinegar. It's a delicious addition to any BBQ meal.
19of 20
Brown Sugar Barbecue Sauce
Main Ingredients: Brown Sugar, Ketchup, Molasses, Apple Cider Vinegar
For a sweet and smoky BBQ sauce that is perfect for basting your beer can chicken, try this brown sugar recipe. Made with a blend of ketchup, brown sugar, and a mix of spices, this sauce is easy to make and has a delicious depth of flavor. It's also great for using as a dipping sauce for chicken tenders or fries.
20of 20
Barbecue Sauce
Main Ingredients: Ketchup, Molasses, Cider Vinegar, Worcestershire Sauce
Last but not least, we have a classic BBQ sauce recipe that is perfect for any occasion. Made with a simple blend of ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and a mix of spices, this sauce is tangy, slightly sweet, and has just the right amount of heat. It's perfect for basting your beer can chicken and can also be used as a marinade for other meats.
The Importance of Molasses in Southern BBQ Sauce
One of the main reasons why molasses is an essential ingredient in southern BBQ sauce is because of its unique flavor. Made from sugar cane, molasses has a deep, rich taste that adds a hint of sweetness to the sauce. This sweetness is balanced out by the tangy and savory elements of the sauce, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Additionally, molasses also helps to thicken the sauce, giving it a sticky consistency that coats the meat and adds a beautiful glaze to it. It also helps to give the sauce a beautiful, dark color, making it visually appealing as well.
Molasses Variations for Different Flavor Profiles
While traditional southern BBQ sauce calls for dark molasses, there are other variations of this ingredient that can be used to create different flavor profiles. For a milder and sweeter sauce, you can use light molasses. This type of molasses is made from the first boiling of the sugar cane, resulting in a lighter and milder taste. If you prefer a more robust and intense flavor, then blackstrap molasses is the way to go. This type of molasses is made from the third boiling of the sugar cane and has a bold, almost bitter taste. Experimenting with different types of molasses can help you create a sauce that suits your taste preferences.
Molasses: The Secret Ingredient in Southern BBQ Sauce
In conclusion, molasses plays a crucial role in creating the perfect southern BBQ sauce. Its unique flavor, ability to thicken the sauce, and add a beautiful color make it an essential ingredient in any BBQ lover's kitchen. So why not try incorporating molasses into your next BBQ sauce recipe and see the difference it makes? Your taste buds will thank you.
