Homemade BBQ Sauce

Sweet, tangy, with a touch of heat…this homemade BBQ sauce is the perfect pairing for any type of meat you want to throw on the grill this summer!

This post is SO LONG OVERDUE. I’m almost ashamed to even post it…

You may remember this little post I wrote about my Fool Proof {Fall Off The Bone} Ribs, back in June…of 2014. That’s right…2014…

I talked about this homemade BBQ sauce that I make, and said I’d get that post up to you, and I never did. #bloggerfail

I did email it to a few people that asked for it, but I never got around to posting it, until now that is. Just in time for BBQ season, only two years later. (hangs head in shame) Do you still love me? I really hope so…but if you need some convincing, this homemade BBQ sauce should seal the deal. 😉

Here’s how to make it…

Chop 2 slices of bacon into smaller pieces. Drizzle some olive oil into a pot and heat it up on medium heat. Add in your bacon and render the fat from it slowly so it doesn’t burn.
When bacon fat is completly rendered and your left with crispy bits in the pot, remove them with a slotted spoon to leave the fat behind. Lower the heat to medium low, and toss in your half an onion and smashed garlic cloves to cook for a few minutes in the bacon fat. Remove them once the garlic begins to turn golden.
Add in your ketchup, apricot preserves, molasses, dijon mustard, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and honey…give everything a good mix together and lower the heat to low.
Now add back in your onion, garlic, and add the fresh thyme sprigs, red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce slowly heat up together for about an hour so all the flavors marry.

making homemade bbq sauce via firsthomelovelife.com

I love making my own BBQ sauce not only because I can play around with the flavor variations but I can also control the amount of sugar and salt that goes into it. Play around with this recipe…For more tang, add more vinegar. For more sweetness, add more sugar or honey. If you want some more heat, add in some cayenne pepper or add more red pepper flakes. The variations are endless and completely customizable!