This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.
This homemade Honey BBQ Sauce adds the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors to your favorite saucy barbecue dishes. It is so easy to make and better than anything from a bottle!
Why You’ll Love This Honey BBQ Sauce
Delicious Details
- Cuisine Inspiration: American
- Primary Cooking Method: Stovetop
- Dietary Info: Gluten-free, Dairy-free
- Skill Level: Easy
Barbecue sauce is a very personal thing. With so many styles and variations, there really is something for everyone. In fact, when I make Instant Pot Ribs or my husband puts a brisket on the smoker, I usually set out a selection of sauces so each person can choose their favorite.
Most of the time, I prefer something tangy and a little bit spicy. Because, while a sweet sauce is just right for some dishes, some can be just a little too sugary. That’s why I love this Honey BBQ sauce recipe, and here’s why you will too…
- Just the right sweetness. It is sweetened with honey, brown sugar, and natural, no-sugar-added apple juice. So it’s not just pure sugar, but ingredients that also add to the depth of flavor and give it a balanced, robust sweetness. And the mustard and apple cider vinegar tone it down for the perfect tangy bite.
- No ketchup. That is usually the first ingredient in so many barbecue sauce recipes. But when you start with tomato paste, you have complete control over the sweetness and spices. It does mean you have to add a couple of extra ingredients to get the right flavor and texture, but it is totally worth it because then you have the freedom to adjust every component to your taste buds’ preferences.
- Naturally gluten free. Since you know each and every ingredient, you can feel confident that you will be enjoying a gluten free BBQ sauce. This isn’t the case with some brands you buy in the store.
What You’ll Need
Here’s a quick rundown of the ingredients to make this honey BBQ sauce, plus options for substitutions. Scroll down to the recipe card for the full amounts and step-by-step instructions.
- Shallots. Mince them very small. You can also use red onion.
- Olive Oil. Or another oil like avocado will work.
- Apple Juice. Be sure to use 100% apple juice.
- Tomato Paste. You’ll need a 6-ounce can.
- Honey. For a slightly different flavor, try maple syrup.
- Apple Cider Vinegar.
- Brown Sugar. Light or dark brown sugar can be used. The dark version will give it a deeper flavor.
- Mustard. While I usually use yellow or brown mustard, Dijon or whole grain mustard work too, and add a slightly different flavor.
How to Make Honey BBQ Sauce
The full quantities and directions are in the recipe card, but it is super simple to make, as you’ll see in this brief overview.
- Saute the shallots: Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over low heat. Add the shallots and saute for about 5 minutes until translucent and tender.
- Add the remaining ingredients: Add the apple juice, tomato paste, honey, vinegar, brown sugar, and mustard and mix until combined.
- Simmer till thickened: Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring often. Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for 15 minutes, or until it’s thickened to your desired consistency.
Proper Storage
You have several options for safely storing your honey barbecue sauce.
- Refrigerator – After letting it cool for at least 10 minutes, I like to transfer my Honey Barbecue Sauce to glass mason jars. It’s your choice on the size. I usually pour it all into a pint jar, but you can use multiple smaller jars too. You can also use an airtight plastic storage container, but I do recommend glass because it will cause plastic ones to discolor and absorb the odors. Store your tightly sealed jars or containers in the refrigerator. It will keep for 1-2 weeks.
- Freezer – Let your sauce cool partially for up to an hour, then transfer to the refrigerator to cool completely. Unlike refrigerating the sauce, when freezing, you will want to avoid glass and either store it in plastic containers or freezer storage bags. You can even freeze it in ice cube trays, then put the frozen cubes into zip top bags. Then place the containers or bags in the freezer. You can freeze BBQ sauce for up to 6 months. After this time it will still be safe to eat, but it might suffer from freezer burn or a change in the flavor. When you are ready to enjoy it, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator. You can also run cool water over the container.
- Canning – Another option for extending the shelf life is to can your Honey BBQ Sauce. You can find information on how to do that here.
Tips & Variations
You’ll love some of these options for your homemade BBQ sauce:
- Swap the sweetener: Turn this recipe into a Maple BBQ Sauce by replacing the honey with real maple syrup.
- Try a fall twist: Use apple cider instead of the juice for a more intense apple flavor in the Honey Barbecue Sauce recipe.
- Make it tropical: Try pineapple juice instead of apple for your summer barbecues.
- Spice it up: Add some chopped jalapeno or other spicy peppers when you saute the shallots. Or for a different type of heat, try adding fresh ginger.
What to Make with Honey BBQ Sauce
Try this recipe in place of bottled BBQ sauce in any of your favorite saucy barbecue recipes like these:
More Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipes
- For extra smoky flavor, we love Bourbon BBQ Sauce.
- Balsamic BBQ Sauce adds a unique tangy element that can’t be beat.
- When we want something different, it’s all about Carolina Mustard Barbecue Sauce.
Honey BBQ Sauce
Add the perfect balance of sweet and tangy to your favorite barbecue dishes with this homemade Honey BBQ Sauce. It is so easy to make and better than anything from a bottle. And there is no ketchup in this recipe!
Servings: 32 servings (makes about 2 cups)
Equipment
- Stove
Ingredients
- 3 Tablespoons shallots or onions, finely chopped
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups 100% apple juice (no sugar added)
- 6 oz. can tomato paste
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 Tablespoons mustard
Instructions
- Heat a medium-sized saucepan over low heat. Add the oil and shallots (or onions) and cook for about five minutes, until translucent and tender, stirring occasionally.
- Add the apple juice, tomato paste, honey, vinegar, brown sugar and mustard and mix well.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring often.
- Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for 15 minutes, or until it's thickened to your desired consistency.
- Allow the sauce to cool for at least 10 minutes. Then use right away or store in an airtight jar or container in the refrigerator for up to 1 to 2 weeks.
Notes
Serves 6-8.
Nutrition Facts
Honey BBQ Sauce
Amount Per Serving (2 Tablespoons (approximately))
Calories 44
Calories from Fat 9
% Daily Value*
Fat 1g2%
Saturated Fat 1g5%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 1g
Sodium 54mg2%
Potassium 77mg2%
Carbohydrates 9g3%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 8g9%
Protein 1g2%
Vitamin A 82IU2%
Vitamin C 1mg1%
Calcium 6mg1%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Disclaimers: Please discuss your individual dietary needs (i.e. gluten free) with a physician. Even when not specified, be sure to verify all ingredients are gluten free, if needed, by reading labels on all packaging and/or confirming with the manufacturer this varies by brand and can change at any time. Nutrition information shown is an estimate and not guaranteed to be accurate.
Did you make this?
Leave a rating below and tag @cupcakesandkalechips on Instagram and hashtag it #cupcakesandkalechips
