Kansas City Barbecue Sauce

By
Derrick Riches
Derrick Riches
Derrick Riches
Derrick Riches is a grilling and barbecue expert. He has written two cookbooks.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 05/18/21
Barbeque ribs

Pam McLean / Photographer's Choice RF / Getty Images

Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 30 mins
Total: 40 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
116 Calories
0g Fat
30g Carbs
1g Protein
Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label
×
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Amount per serving
Calories 116
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0g 0%
Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 667mg 29%
Total Carbohydrate 30g 11%
Dietary Fiber 1g 3%
Total Sugars 23g
Protein 1g
Vitamin C 3mg 14%
Calcium 46mg 4%
Iron 1mg 5%
Potassium 316mg 7%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

This variation of the traditional Kansas City BBQ Sauce is a thick sweet sauce with a touch of heat to give it a little kick. This is a great barbecue sauce on BBQ Ribs.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 cup (300 milliliters) ketchup

  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) water

  • 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) cider vinegar

  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) dark brown sugar

  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) molasses

  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) onion powder

  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) garlic powder

  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) ground black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) celery salt

  • 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) ground allspice

  • 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) cayenne pepper

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

  2. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly for 5 minutes.

  3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should be good and thick. 

  4. Remove pot from heat and allow the sauce to cool for 10 to 15 minutes before using it. If making ahead of time, cool sauce for 30 minutes and then store in an airtight container.

  5. Enjoy!

Tip

Keep in refrigerator for 5 days after initial preparation. Warm sauce on the stovetop or in the microwave before using it. The sauce should be warm, but not too hot. Use on ribs or as instructed or serve as a side sauce.