Skip to content
Nothing says summer like firing up the grill and slathering your favorite meats with a rich, sweet and tangy honey BBQ sauce. After years of buying store-bought options loaded with high fructose corn syrup (even popular brands like Sweet Baby Ray's), I finally decided to create my own healthier version that doesn't compromise on flavor. This homemade honey BBQ sauce recipe has become my signature summer condiment, perfect for everything from ribs to honey BBQ wing sauce, and I'm excited to share it with you!
Try this Blueberry Ketchup next!
Why Make Your Own Honey BBQ Sauce?
When you make your own barbecue sauce, you control exactly what goes into it. No mysterious ingredients or excessive preservatives—just pure, natural flavors that complement everything from chicken wings to pulled pork. Plus, the depth of flavor you'll achieve with fresh ingredients simply can't be matched by mass-produced options.
The natural sweetness from honey and brown sugar not only tastes amazing but also helps tenderize meats while adding a gorgeous glaze. Unlike commercial sauces that rely on corn syrup, this recipe uses pure honey (though maple syrup can work as a substitute in a pinch) and blackstrap molasses for that perfect consistency and rich flavor profile.
Try out different types of honey when you make this reicpe
Understanding Each Ingredient's Role
What makes this honey BBQ sauce truly special is how each ingredient contributes to the perfect balance of flavors. Let's explore them by category:
Sweet Base (Natural Sweeteners)
- Bee Inspired Honey: The star of the show! Provides natural sweetness, helps thicken the sauce, and creates that signature sticky glaze when caramelized. It adds complexity that simple sugars can't match.
- Blackstrap molasses: Adds deep, rich sweetness with mineral notes and helps thicken the sauce. It gives classic BBQ sauce that distinctive dark color and robust flavor.
- Coconut sugar: Offers caramel notes with less processing than regular sugar, complementing the honey and molasses while adding its own unique flavor profile.
- Brown sugar: Though not in my base recipe, many barbecue sauce recipes include brown sugar for its molasses-rich sweetness. You can substitute some of the coconut sugar with brown sugar if you prefer a more traditional flavor profile.
- Maple syrup: Another natural sweetener option that works beautifully in honey BBQ sauce when you want a subtle woodsy note.
Acidic Elements (Tanginess & Balance)
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Provides essential acidity that balances sweetness while helping preserve the sauce and cutting through the richness of grilled meats.
- Prepared mustard: Adds tanginess and depth while helping emulsify the sauce. The vinegar in mustard also acts as a preservative, extending shelf life.
- Artisan ketchup: Provides tomato base, thickness, and acidity. Using a high-quality version without corn syrup (like Sir Kensington's) makes a noticeable difference in flavor.
Umami & Depth Builders
-
Worcestershire sauce: This fermented condiment brings umami complexity with its blend of vinegar, molasses, anchovies, tamarind, and spices—the secret ingredient that makes people wonder what makes your sauce so good.
Aromatics & Spices
- Fresh minced garlic: Offers that irreplaceable aromatic flavor foundation with more vibrant flavor than powdered versions.
- Garlic powder: While fresh garlic provides brightness, garlic powder can be added for a more mellow, roasted garlic flavor that permeates the entire sauce.
- Fresh ground ginger: Brings subtle warmth and slight spiciness that complements the sweetness while adding aromatic complexity.
- Paprika: Contributes beautiful red color and mild, sweet pepper flavor. Using smoked paprika adds an extra dimension of smokiness that mimics long-cooked BBQ.
- Ground cinnamon: Just a touch adds warmth and complexity that rounds out the flavor profile, pairing beautifully with honey and molasses.
- Herbs of Provence: This herb blend (typically rosemary, thyme, savory, and lavender) adds subtle floral and earthy undertones that elevate the sauce beyond basic BBQ.
- Cayenne pepper: For those who enjoy a bit of heat in their honey BBQ wing sauce, a pinch of cayenne creates a perfect sweet-heat balance.
- Chili powder: Adds a southwestern complexity and mild heat while complementing the sweetness of the honey.
- Onion powder: Provides a savory base note and depth that fresh onions can't quite match in a smooth sauce.
Seasoning Elements
- Salt & Freshly ground black pepper: Enhances all other flavors and balances sweetness. Even small amounts make a huge difference in the overall taste profile.
- Johnny's Salt: This specialty blend (without MSG) adds additional savory notes and seasoning beyond basic salt.
How to Make Honey BBQ Sauce
Simply whisk all ingredients together in a medium bowl until well blended. For the best flavor development, I recommend transferring the mixture to a saucepan over medium heat, bringing it to a gentle boil, then reducing to low and simmering for about 20 minutes. This allows all those wonderful ingredients to meld together and intensify. Stir occasionally until you reach your desired consistency.
Some cooks prefer to add garlic powder and onion powder instead of fresh garlic for a more uniform texture, especially when creating a smooth honey BBQ wing sauce. Either approach works beautifully depending on your preference and how you plan to use your barbecue sauce.
Once done, let it cool completely before transferring to a sealed glass container. This magical concoction will keep in your refrigerator for 1-2 months in an airtight container.
Benefits of Homemade Honey BBQ Sauce
Unlike store-bought varieties, this homemade honey BBQ sauce offers several advantages:
- Natural ingredients: No high fructose corn syrup or artificial preservatives
- Customizable flavor: Easily adjust the sweetness, tanginess, or heat to your preference
- Versatility: Works as a marinade, dipping sauce, or glaze
- Health benefits: Honey contains beneficial antioxidants and antibacterial properties
- Cost-effective: Makes approximately 2 cups at a fraction of the price of premium BBQ sauces
Creative Ways to Use Your Honey BBQ Sauce
This versatile barbecue sauce isn't just for summer grilling! Here are some ideas to enjoy it year-round:
- Brush it on grilled chicken thighs during the last few minutes of cooking
- Use as a honey BBQ wing sauce for the ultimate game day snack
- Drizzle over a block of cream cheese and serve with crackers for an easy appetizer
- Mix with pulled pork for amazing sandwiches
- Add to slow-cooker meatballs for a crowd-pleasing party dish
- Spread on a pizza crust instead of tomato sauce for a BBQ chicken pizza
- Glaze roasted vegetables for a sweet and tangy side dish
- Use as a dipping sauce for sweet potato fries or onion rings
- Brush on salmon fillets before baking for a sweet-savory main dish
Make It Your Own!
A recipe truly becomes yours when you add your personal touch. Here are some ways to customize this honey BBQ sauce:
- Spice it up: Add more cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a spicier honey BBQ wing sauce that still maintains that perfect sweet-heat balance
- Vary the honey: Try different varieties like clover, wildflower, or orange blossom for subtle flavor changes
- Smoke it out: Add a few drops of liquid smoke for that authentic BBQ pit flavor
- Sweet variations: Substitute maple syrup for some of the honey or try dark brown sugar instead of coconut sugar
- Fruity twist: Mix in some pureed pineapple or peach for a fruity barbecue sauce variation
- Boozy version: Add a splash of bourbon or whiskey for depth (the alcohol cooks off)
Many home cooks tell me they've been able to create something even better than Sweet Baby Ray's with this recipe as a starting point. The beauty of homemade barbecue sauce is that you can adjust the ingredients to match your exact taste preferences!
I've even used this sauce for indoor cooking when the weather doesn't cooperate. It's perfect for a slow cooker brisket or as a finishing sauce for indoor-grilled meats.
Winter BBQ: Why Not?
Some might think I'm crazy, but I love hosting winter barbecues! I simply clear a path to the grill and bring it closer to the house. There's something magical about enjoying that classic summer flavor during the cold months—it's like a mini vacation for your taste buds! This honey BBQ sauce brings that summer joy to any season.
If you give this honey BBQ sauce a try, I'd love to see your creations! Take a photo and share it on Instagram with #beeinspired. There's nothing better than seeing how others enjoy this recipe!
