The Hidden Porch Champion Barbecue Sauce

Ingredients

• 2 cup ketchup
• 0.5 cup apple cider vinegar
• 0.5 cup dark brown sugar (Packed)
• 0.25 cup molasses
• 0.25 cup honey
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tbsp yellow mustard
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp sweet paprika
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper (Or more if you like a little kick)
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 0.5 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp liquid smoke (Optional)
• 1 tbsp bourbon (Optional)
• 1 tbsp peach preserves (Optional Hidden Porch Secret addition)
• 1 tbsp apple butter (Optional Hidden Porch Secret addition)
• 1 tsp espresso powder (Optional Hidden Porch Secret addition)

Steps

1. 1

   Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

2. 2

   Add the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, dark brown sugar, molasses, honey, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, sweet paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, kosher salt, cayenne pepper, chili powder, ground cumin, liquid smoke if using, and bourbon if using. Stir until everything is smooth.

3. 3

   Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Cook for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring every few minutes.

4. 4

   Taste the sauce and adjust it to your preference. Add a splash more apple cider vinegar for tang, a drizzle of honey for sweetness, or additional cayenne for heat.

5. 5

   For the optional Hidden Porch Secret variation, stir in the peach preserves, apple butter, and espresso powder.

6. 6

   Let the sauce cool completely before pouring it into a jar or bottle.

7. 7

   For the very best flavor, refrigerate the sauce overnight before using.

Notes

Store in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. Serve with ribs, chicken, pulled pork, brisket, burgers, or fries.

Nutrition per serving

• sauce
• barbecue
• American
• vegetarian
• gluten-free
• stovetop
• make-ahead
• meal-prep