The Great Smoky Mountain BBQ Sauce is thick and rich and is the perfect grilled of smoked meats. Customize the sweetness, tanginess, or spice level to match your taste! Better yet, the Blues Hog copycat recipe will give you delicious sauce at nearly half the cost of the bottled variety!
There is no denying that Blues Hog has taken the BBQ world by storm. Originally crafted by Bill Arnold, Blues Hog has become a staple among BBQ competition teams and is widely used for backyard cookouts. The Smoky Mountain BBQ Sauce has the perfect balance of tomato, vinegar, and spices that give it a unique depth of flavor that works on everything from BBQ ribs and pulled pork to smoked chicken and brisket.
Why You should make homemade BBQ sauce?
Making your own BBQ sauce is both budget-friendly and will give you control over the flavor. You can customize the sweetness, spice level, or smokiness to suit your tastes. Keep in mind that store-bought sauces often contain preservatives and corn sweeteners, while homemade sauces use fresher ingredients.
Ingredients
Please refer to the recipe card below for full list of ingredients and exact measurements.
- Ketchup
- Apple cider vinegar
- Dark brown sugar, packed
- Granulated sugar
- Worcestershire sauce
- Yellow mustard
- Hickory liquid smoke
- Tamarind pulp or paste (substitute with an equal amount of lemon juice)
- Paprika
- Onion powder
- Chipotle chili powder (substitute with 1/8-1/4 teaspoon of cayenne)
- Garlic powder
- Black pepper
- Butter
How to Make Smoky Mountain BBQ Sauce
- Combine the ingredients: Combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugars dissolve, about 2 minutes.
- Add the seasonings: Mix in Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, liquid smoke, tamarind pulp (or lemon juice), paprika, onion powder, chipotle chili powder (or cayenne), garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Simmer the sauce: Simmer the BBQ sauce over medium-low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken as it cooks.
- Finish with butter: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the butter for a silky finish and a richer flavor.
- Use or store: Let the sauce cool for 10 minutes before using, or cool completely before transferring it to a mason jar or airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 7-10 days.
How to use Great Smoky Mountain BBQ Sauce
- BBQ Glaze: Brush or pour it onto ribs, chicken, or pork in the final 10 minutes of cooking for a glossy, caramelized finish.
- Table Sauce: Serve as a condiment for smoked meats like brisket or pulled pork sandwiches, or use it on grilled burgers and in BBQ beans.
- Side Sauce: Use the BBQ sauce as is or mix 1/4 cup of it with 1/2 cup mayonnaise to make a creamy dipping sauce for chicken tenders, french fries, fried pickles, and onion rings.
Recipe Variations
- Kick up the spice: Double the amount of chipotle chili powder or cayenne called for in the recipe. Or, add a few squirts of Yellow Bird habanero sauce for an extra depth of spicy flavor.
- Sweeten it: Add 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup or 1 tablespoon of blackstrap molasses for a rich caramel taste.
- Add a little fruit: Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of apricot or blueberry jelly to add a subtle fruit flavor.
More Recipes!
- 1 1/2 cups ketchup
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/3 cup dark brown sugar packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons yellow mustard
- 1 1/2-2 teaspoons hickory liquid smoke
- 1 teaspoon tamarind pulp or paste substitute with an equal amount of lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder substitute with 1/8-1/4 teaspoon of cayenne
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter
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Combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugars dissolve, about 2 minutes.
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Mix in Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, liquid smoke, tamarind pulp (or lemon juice), paprika, onion powder, chipotle chili powder (or cayenne), garlic powder, and black pepper.
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Simmer the BBQ sauce over medium-low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken as it cooks.
-
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the butter for a silky finish and a richer flavor.
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Let the sauce cool for 10 minutes before using, or cool completely before transferring it to a mason jar or airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 7-10 days.
Calories: 509kcal | Carbohydrates: 118g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 2002mg | Potassium: 787mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 102g | Vitamin A: 1306IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 92mg | Iron: 2mg
