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This Hickory BBQ Sauce is a homemade recipe that’s perfect for summer, with a balance of sweet, savoury, and smoky flavours in every batch. Brush it over chicken, burgers, ribs, and more for a sauce that instantly brings backyard grilling to life.
For more delicious sauce recipes, try my Scotch Bonnet Sauce and Browning Sauce next.
This is the best BBQ sauce recipe because it hits all the right notes. It has a punch of brown sugar for sweetness, balanced with the bold kick of liquid smoke that gives you that fire pit flavour right at home.
We used to always buy bottles of Sweet Baby Ray’s, but once I started making my own hickory barbecue sauce, we realized we could easily skip storebought. This sauce has truly become a family favourite. I love that I can whip up a fresh batch whenever the craving hits!
What is hickory sauce?
Hickory sauce is a barbecue sauce with a smoky flavour from hickory wood or liquid smoke. It combines ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, and spices for a sweet and savoury finish.
What is the difference between hickory and original barbecue sauce?
Original barbecue sauce leans on a sweet and tangy balance. Hickory barbecue sauce builds on that base but adds a rich smokiness from hickory, giving it a bolder taste.
Ingredients
- Tomato Ketchup: Acts as the base of the sauce, giving it body and a tangy tomato flavour that blends well with sweet and smoky notes.
- Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the sauce thicken slightly while caramelizing for richer depth.
- Water: Loosens the sauce when heated so it coats meat evenly without being too thick.
- Natural Hickory Liquid Smoke: Infuses that signature smoky hickory taste without needing a grill.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Brings brightness and tang, balancing out the sweetness of the sugar and ketchup.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds savoury depth and umami, enhancing the overall flavour profile.
- Seasonings: Paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt give the sauce its savoury backbone. Together they add warmth, spice, and balance so the sauce isn’t overly sweet.
How to Make Hickory BBQ Sauce
I start by adding all of the ingredients to a small saucepan and bringing it to a gentle boil. Once it reaches a high simmer, I give it a good stir so everything begins to blend together.
Next, I turn the heat down to medium-low and let the sauce cook for about 8 to 10 minutes. I stir often and keep an eye on it because I don’t want the sugars to burn.
When it’s done, I take it off the heat and let it cool slightly before using. From there, I either brush it right onto chicken, ribs, or burgers, or store it in an airtight container for later.
Tips for the Best BBQ Sauce
- Stir often. BBQ sauce can burn quickly because of the sugar content, so keep it moving to prevent sticking.
- Simmer gently. Low and slow cooking helps the flavours meld together without overpowering the sauce.
- Balance sweet and tangy. Taste as you go and adjust the sugar or vinegar to get the flavour just right.
- Let it rest. Allowing the sauce to cool slightly before using gives it a thicker, smoother texture.
- Store it properly. Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge so the sauce stays fresh for up to a week.
Storage
Store the sauce in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to one week. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before using if you prefer it warm.
How to Use Hickory BBQ Sauce
- Brush over grilled chicken, ribs, or burgers for a smoky finish.
- Toss with pulled pork or shredded chicken for sandwiches.
- Use as a dipping sauce for fries, nuggets, or roasted veggies.
- Stir into baked beans for extra flavour.
- Glaze tofu or roasted vegetables for a meat-free option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Hickory BBQ sauce isn’t usually very spicy. It leans more on sweet, tangy, and smoky flavours, with just a hint of warmth from black pepper and paprika.
A classic barbecue sauce combines a tomato base, sweeteners like brown sugar, vinegar for tang, and savoury seasonings such as garlic, onion, and paprika. Hickory versions also include liquid smoke for that deep, smoky flavour.
Yes, the sugars help it thicken as it simmers. Stir often to prevent burning and adjust with a splash of water if it gets too thick.
You can still make the sauce, but it won’t have that same smoky depth. Smoked paprika or chipotle powder can add a bit of smokiness as a substitute.
More BBQ Recipes
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Hickory BBQ Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- Small Saucepan
- Wooden Spoon or spatula
- Airtight jar or container
Ingredients
- Sauce
- 1 cup Tomato Ketchup
- 3/4 cup Brown Sugar
- 1/4 cup Water, if heating up prior
- 1 tbsp Natural Hickory Liquid Smoke
- 1/2 tsp Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 2 tsp Paprika
- 2 tsp Onion Powder
- 2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- 1/4 tsp Salt or to taste
Instructions
- Combine ingredients together in a small saucepan and bring to a high simmer.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for an additional 8-10 minutes. Stir often and adjust heat accordingly. You don’t want your sauce to burn!
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Apply to meat or store in an airtight container.
