Honey BBQ Sauce

5 from 1 vote

ByMadison Wetherill
1 Comment

Homemade Honey BBQ Sauce is a sweet, smoky staple you’ll want to keep on hand all grilling season. It comes together in minutes with pantry staples and has just the right balance of tangy vinegar, rich tomato, and golden honey. Brush it onto ribs, burgers or grilled veggies — or use it as a dipping sauce for just about anything.

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A spoon scoops red, honey barbecue sauce from a glass jar on a marble countertop.

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Honey BBQ Sauce Recipe

I’ve always had a soft spot for BBQ — it’s the perfect mix of sweet, smoky and tangy. Whether it's pulled pork, beef brisket or chicken wings, there’s something magical about the sauces.

Depending on where you live, there's vinegar-based, mustard-based and mayo-based... and then there's the classic. This Honey BBQ Sauce is the perfect variation.

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You'll love how the honey caramelizes on the grill, adding a sticky, flavorful glaze to chicken, ribs or even veggies. This homemade version has become my go-to because it’s quick to make with ingredients you always have on hand.

You can control the sweetness and spice, and it tastes so much fresher than anything from a bottle. If you’re a BBQ lover too, you’re going to want to keep a jar of this in your fridge at all times!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

You’ll quickly fall for this honey BBQ sauce recipe, and here’s why:

  • You'll love this Honey BBQ Sauce because it’s made with simple ingredients!
  • It comes together in just 20 minutes.
  • It's packed with bold, sweet-and-smoky flavor.
Top-down view of labeled ingredients in bowls and jars, including honey, lemon, tomato paste, water, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder.

Ingredients

You only need a few simple ingredients to make this honey BBQ sauce recipe. Here's what to grab at the grocery store:

  • Tomato paste
  • Water
  • Honey
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Lemon juice
  • Smoked paprika
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Black pepper
  • Salt
A glass jar filled with thick red honey barbecue sauce. A gold spoon is scooping some sauce from the jar.

Variations and Substitutions

Vegan version: Use maple or agave nectar, or even brown sugar, instead of honey. Also, for the Worcestershire sauce, use soy sauce or coconut aminos for a similar umami kick.

Instead of tomato paste, use ketchup for a milder, sweeter flavor (and reduce added honey slightly).

Hot honey BBQ sauce: Use chipotle powder if you want more heat.

How to Make Honey BBQ Sauce

Learn how to make this honey BBQ sauce with this easy guide. Let’s get started!

A pot containing a mixture of tomato paste, spices, and liquid. A jar of honey with a dipper is next to the pot on a marble surface.
A pot filled with thick, dark red barbecue sauce being stirred with a whisk, placed on a marble surface.
  1. Bring mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently.
  1. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce has thickened to desired consistency.
A spoon holds a scoop of thick, red honey barbecue sauce above a saucepan filled with more of the sauce.

Tips for Success

These pro tips will help you make the perfect Honey BBQ Sauce every time:

  • Stir often while the sauce simmers to prevent sticking or burning, especially as it thickens.
  • Taste as you go and adjust the sweetness or tanginess with a splash of honey or vinegar.
  • Let the sauce cool before storing—it will thicken slightly more as it cools.
Jar of thick, dark honey barbecue sauce with a spoon, on a marble surface next to a honey dipper and a jar of liquid.

What to Serve With Honey BBQ Sauce

You're going to want to put this honey BBQ sauce on everything!

  • Dipping sauce: Use it for French fries and chicken nuggets. Anything you wanna dip!
  • Grill sauce: Brush it on grilled meats like these chicken drumsticks or chicken wings.
  • Sandwich condiment: Spread it onto fluffy buns with pulled pork or chicken to make the ultimate BBQ Chicken Sliders.
A jar filled with honey barbecue sauce, featuring a wooden spoon and a honey dipper with drizzled honey nearby, on a marble surface.

FAQ

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes! It keeps well in the fridge for up to a week in an airtight container and the flavor gets even better over time.

Can I freeze it?

Absolutely — just let it cool completely, then freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge and stir well before using.

Is this sauce spicy?

No, it’s mild and sweet with a smoky kick, but you can add cayenne or chipotle powder if you want more heat. Hot honey is another option, too!

Jar of thick, dark honey barbecue sauce with a spoon, on a marble surface next to a honey dipper and a jar of liquid.

Honey BBQ Sauce

Sweet, tangy and smoky, this Honey BBQ Sauce is perfect for summer grilling or adding a flavorful twist to your favorite weeknight meals. Makes 1¾ cups.
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 14 servings
Author: Madison Wetherill

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 cup tomato paste 6 oz can
  • 1 cup water
  • ½ cup honey
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce or coconut aminos
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

  • Bring mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently.
  • Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce has thickened to desired consistency.

Nutrition

Serving: 2tablespoons

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