This Kansas City style BBQ sauce is the perfect finishing touch to your grilled foods. It’s rich, thick, sticky and sweet just like it should be!
Well, summer is in full force here now. The kids are out of school and I am grilling everything as the weather gets warmer and warmer. This recipe has become a new staple around my house. It’s one of my husband’s favorites, along with this Texas Style BBQ Sauce.
Sweet & Sticky Sauce:
I am calling this a Kansas City style BBQ sauce because it is that classic sweet and sticky goodness you expect. It has a decent amount of molasses in it, which gives the sauce that deep beautiful color. It also helps make it really thick which makes it perfect as a finishing or dipping sauce.
It’s actually a super simple recipe. Just combine all of the ingredients in a medium-sized saucepan and simmer for about 10 minutes! That’s it!
Ingredients:
- LIQUIDS: The base of this sauce is made up of ketchup, molasses, apple cider vinegar, yellow mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
- SEASONINGS: This delicious BBQ sauce comes together with seasonings you likely already have in your pantry, including onion powder, chili powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper.
- MEAT: What’s BBQ sauce without chicken or pork? Slather slow cooker BBQ pulled pork or chicken in this homemade Kansas City style BBQ sauce at your next backyard get together.
How to Make Kansas City Style BBQ Sauce:
MIX: First, fully combine all the ingredients in a medium sized saucepan.
SIMMER: Next, simmer the mixture on low for approximately 10 minutes.
STORE: Finally, remove from heat and pour into a heat-safe container (mason jars work well for this).
FAQs:
This will keep in the refrigerator for at least 2 weeks and probably even longer.
I like to store my BBQ sauce in mason jars because they are heat-safe. You could also let the sauce cool in the pan and then store it in empty ketchup or BBQ sauce bottles.
This style is generally heavier and sweeter. It’s less smokey and more sweet, thanks to the ketchup and molasses.
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Kansas City Style BBQ Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 cups (475ml) ketchup
- ½ cup (100g) packed dark brown sugar
- ⅓ cup (80ml) molasses
- ¼ cup (60ml) apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons onion powder
- 2 tablespoons prepared yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1½ teaspoons garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium sized saucepan combine all ingredients well.
- Simmer on low for 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and pour into a heat safe container (mason jars work well for this).
Notes
- STORAGE: This will keep in the refrigerator for at least 2 weeks and probably even longer.
- FREEZER FRIENDLY: Freeze cooled sauce in a freezer safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
O! My!! Goodness!! This sauce is DELICIOUS!! Served it on wings at a Super Bowl party. It was a hit. And so simple to make!! Can’t wait to try it in the smoker. Thanks!
Thank you so much!! I am so glad you liked the bbq sauce!
Have you ever canned this recipe
Hi Jen! Unfortunately I have not. Sorry I couldn’t be more help!
What type of molasses do you use? Table molasses or the the used for baking?
I used the molasses I use for baking.
Love this KC style BBQ sauce! I use “no salt added” ketchup so I can control the sodium for my husband who is on a low sodium diet. Now he can still have BBQ!
Hi Janet! I am so glad you liked the BBQ sauce and adapted it to suit your lifestyle!! Thank you so much for sharing!
Excellent, added some Chipotle chili pepper for a little more spice.!
That does sound good!! Thanks for sharing!!
Very good sauce, followed direction and played with flavour for my taste.
Thank you, I am so glad you liked it!
Just making this now. It’s winter and I want BBQ sauce! Making pulled pork in the crockpot tomorrow so I’m making the BBQ sauce tonight. Wish me luck for a double success. I love summer food in the winter. Keeps me from getting the Winter Blues in New England!
Lol, I like to grill in the winter to make me feel like it’s summer! I hope everything turned out well for you!
Made the recipe about a month ago and was told I couldn’t buy BBQ sauce anymore.
Lol, thank you so much!! I really appreciate it!! 🙂
To me, the only Kansas City sauce is Arthur Bryants
YAY Malinda!!! 🎉
Boy, did you really do loads of work around your house.
They say that when you are super energized that it’s a sign, it’s almost time, you are getting closer for baby.
How exciting for you and your family, please keep us posted if you can. 😊
I’m always on the look-out for a new BBQ sauce, I’m not so wild about most store bought bottles.
I know this one will be made very soon, it is grilling season after all.
Have a nice day!
Lol, it was much needed for sure!! Thank you so much and I hope you enjoy!!
Waiting for the new little one. The BBQ sauce sounds yummy