Making your own barbecue sauce at home is easier than you might think! This homemade gluten free BBQ sauce recipe is made with simple ingredients for a bold, smokey flavor that pairs perfectly with chicken wings, baby back ribs, pork chops, and more.
Unlike store-bought barbecue sauce, the best part about this healthy homemade sauce is the wholesome ingredients, and you get to control the sweetness and spice!
Jump to:
Quick Info About This Recipe
- Type: condiment, sauce
- Cuisne: American
- Time: 15 minutes
- Number of ingredients: 5
- Diets & Allergens: Gluten Free, Dairy Free Contains: anchovy
- Equipment needed: none
You'll Also Love This
If you're in the mood for barbecue, you will also love these pork ribs in the air fryer!
We may receive a small commission on certain products or services mentioned in this post. Please read our full Disclosure Policy for more information.
Helpful Product Links for This Recipe
About the Ingredients
- Ketchup (we used Heinz Simply)
- Apple-cider vinegar
- Light-brown sugar (you can also use dark brown sugar if you prefer)
- Worcestershire sauce (we used gluten-free Lea & Perrins brand from Costco)
- Smoked paprika (this gives the sauce a wonderful color and smoky flavor)
Be sure to see the printable recipe card below for the full ingredients list with measurements, instructions and tips!
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1: Put all the ingredients in a small saucepan. Heat them over medium heat until they start to simmer.
Step 2: Cook and stir occasionally until the sauce gets thicker, which usually takes about 10 minutes.
Step 3: You can store the sauce in the fridge in a sealed container for up to one week.
Time Saving Shortcuts
- Make a double batch and store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge to have on hand.
- Blend all ingredients before heating to speed up cooking time.
- If making a big batch, you can use a smaller slow cooker to let the sauce simmer without constant stirring. Just stir occasionally.
- To make a thinner sauce with a hint of extra sweetness, you can add a little maple syrup.
Expert Tips
- Use a good-quality tomato ketchup without high fructose corn syrup.
- Make sure to simmer over medium to medium-low heat to let the flavors blend without burning the sauce.
- Experiment with adding a little bit of liquid smoke to enhance the smokey flavor.
- Stir occasionally while warming to prevent sticking and achieve a smooth consistency.
- Taste as you go and adjust the balance of sweetness and acidity with a little extra sugar or extra apple cider vinegar as needed.
Substitutions & Variations
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for extra heat.
- Add a tang: Stir in a spoonful of mustard powder for a tangy kick.
- Make it sweet: Use balsamic vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar for a sweeter flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Appetizer: drizzle the bbq sauce on these loaded tater tots
- Side: dip these avocado fries in the sauce
- Snack: dip these gluten-free corndogs in the BBQ.
Storage & Reheating
To store: Keep in a mason jar or any airtight container in the refrigerator for about two weeks. Let it cool before storing.
To freeze: After it's cooled, pour it into freezer bags or a freezer-safe container. Label with the date and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before using.
To reheat: Warm over medium heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. For quick reheating, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
FAQ
Many barbecue sauce ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but not all store-bought options are safe. Some contain malt syrup, malt vinegar, or added flavorings that may include gluten.
Carefully reading labels, checking ingredients, and checking for a gluten-free certification label are important when choosing a safe BBQ sauce.
I would not suggest using tomato sauce instead of ketchup because it will not have the same consistency.
Simmering longer over medium-low heat will naturally thicken it. If needed, stir in a small amount of tomato paste and adjust the flavors as needed.
This gluten-free version works well with gluten-free chicken tenders, barbecue chicken, pork chops, and even as a dipping sauce for fries, sweet potato fries, or gluten-free chicken nuggets.
More Yummy Recipes
If you love recipes that are great for dipping, you'll also love this easy Mexican corn dip!
Please comment and rate below if you loved this recipe, and don't forget to share with friends and family!
Join Substack for a FREE meal plan and gluten free chat!
Printable Recipe Card
Want to Save This Recipe?
Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get immediate access to new recipes as soon as they post.
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Gluten Free Supper.
Easy Homemade Gluten Free BBQ Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- Small Glass Condiment Containers with Lids
- Glass Jars with Airtight Lids
Ingredients
- ¾ cup ketchup we used Heinz Simply
- ¼ cup apple-cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons light-brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce we used gluten free
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
Instructions
- Put all the ingredients in a small saucepan. Heat them over medium heat until they start to simmer.¾ cup ketchup, ¼ cup apple-cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons light-brown sugar, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- Cook and stir occasionally until the sauce gets thicker, which usually takes about 10 minutes.
- You can store the sauce in the fridge in a sealed container for up to one week.
Krizel says
I'm excited to try this recipe soon! I'm sure my family will love this! Thanks for sharing!
Jessica Jeannine Clark says
You're welcome. I hope you love it!
Bush says
This recipe was so good! I paired it with the smoked ribs I made last weekend and even my kids loved it!
Jessica Jeannine Clark says
Yay! I am so glad you liked it!
Sonia says
this is the BEST GF bbq recipe I've tried. Just love it!
Jessica Jeannine Clark says
I am so glad you liked it!