Whether your grilling, slow cooking or just adding a bit of kick to your bag lunches, the right barbecue sauce is essential for country-style dishes. If you manage to find the right one—the kind with the right amount of sweetness, tang, smokiness and powerful flavor—you’re set. But have you been to the grocery store lately? (Of course, you have!) There are more barbecue sauces than you could ever imagine. Don’t waste your time trying bottle after bottle of OK sauce—rely on our Test Kitchen who put 10 big names to the test.
What Makes the Best Barbecue Sauce?
While sampling all these sauces (blindly, of course so we weren’t biased), our Test Kitchen kept these qualities in mind:
- Flavor: While there are lots of variations on barbecue sauce, a good all-purpose sauce should be tangy, a bit sweet (but not overly so) and taste good enough to lick off your fingers.
- Texture: A good barbecue sauce should be smooth and thick enough to coat everything from ribs to grilled chicken. It shouldn’t be overly sticky or gooey.
- Appearance: How does the sauce look? Does it look like something delicious enought to put on your pulled pork sandwich?
Our Test Kitchen Preferred Barbecue Sauce
Best People-Pleasing Barbecue Sauce: Sweet Baby Ray’s
Everyone needs a great bottle of barbecue sauce that’s not only delicious, but that perfect blend of flavors to please everyone at the potluck. This sauce is Sweet Baby Ray’s. This classic brand offered a mildly sweet barbecue flavor with just a hint of vinegar. Sweet Baby Ray’s sauce also offered just the lightest touch of heat, too—perfect for adding just a little pep to your grill-out.
All in all, it’s the right balance here: Nothing too overpowering so you won’t blow Grandma away with heat, but you’ll also get nods of approval from your favorite foodie.
Best Sweet and Savory Blend: 365 Everyday Value Barbecue Sauce
365 Everyday Value (a Whole Foods and Amazon exclusive) impressed our judges with its perfect balance of flavors. This BBQ gave us rich and sweet molasses balanced out with savory, smoky flavors. The hint of smoke here is nice so you get that flame-grilled taste even if you haven’t fired up the ol’ grill.
Texture-wise, the Test Kitchen found this Whole Foods brand to be right in the middle—not too thick or thin. This makes it easy to brush onto chicken or spread onto a sandwich without having to worry about it either dripping off. This brand was just a touch on the sweeter side overall—if you prefer something with a bit more bite, check out our second pick.
Best Tangy Barbecue Sauce: Austin’s Own
For folks looking for a sauce with a bit of a vinegar kick, grab a bottle of Austin’s Own. This barbecue sauce gave us a lot to work with: tangy vinegar, sweet honey, smoke and just a touch of heat. This brand also gained some extra points for its homemade appearance—we couldn’t get enough of the big pepper flakes inside (pssst… for homemade renditions of BBQ sauce, try these recipes).
This sauce is a bit thinner than most bottled barbecue sauces. That’s not a problem when you’re mopping it over wings on the grill, but it’s worth noting if you plan on using it in recipes where you need a substantial sauce.
What to Make with Barbecue Sauce
It might be a silly question to ask what to make with barbecue sauce. The obvious answer is barbecue! But there’s a lot more to the condiment than just grilling. A good bottle of BBQ can make for some tasty slow cooker meals, like pulled pork. For a quick appetizer, just toss some meatballs in your slow cooker with some barbecue sauce and watch as your guests gobble them down. Better yet, check out our 50+ recipes that call for our best sauce.
1 / 53
Country-Style Barbecue Ribs
These get a good sear under the broiler, then go into the slow cooker to become fall-apart tender. Enjoy them with great sides, or shredded on a bun. Either way, they're the most amazing ribs you'll ever have. —Shannon Copley, Upper Arlington, Ohio Not sure which brand of BBQ sauce to buy? Check out the brands our editors and the Taste of Home Test Kitchen recommend.
Slow-Cooker BBQ Baked Beans
I was under doctor’s orders to reduce the amount sodium I was eating, but I just couldn't part with some of my favorite foods. After many experiments I came up with this potluck favorite—now everyone's happy! —Sherrel Hendrix, Arkadelphia, Arkansas
BBQ Chicken and Apple Bread Pudding
To me, bread pudding is the epitome of comfort food, and it's simply too good to reserve only for dessert. This sweet and savory twist on the classic is a delicious new way to enjoy an old favorite. —Shauna Havey, Roy, Utah
Grilled Marinated Ribeyes
These juicy steaks are a favorite meal of ours when we go camping. Let them sit in tangy, barbecue-inspired marinade overnight and you've got a rich and hearty dinner ready to grill up the next day. —Louise Graybiel, Toronto, Ontario
Slow-Cooked Mesquite Ribs
When we're missing the grill during winter, these tangy ribs give us that same smoky barbecue taste we love. They're so simple, and fall-off-the-bone delicious, too! —Sue Evans, Marquette, Michigan
Tangy Barbecue Sandwiches
Since I prepare the beef for these robust sandwiches in the slow cooker, it's easy to fix a meal for a hungry bunch. The savory homemade sauce assures I come home with no leftovers. —Debbi Smith, Crossett, Arkansas
Barbecued Onion Meat Loaves
Onion soup mix and stuffing are the surprise ingredients in these incredibly simple mini meat loaves. They're definite family-pleasers. —Nicole Russman, Lincoln, Nebraska
Barbecue Chicken Cobb Salad
I turned barbecue chicken into a major salad with romaine and carrots, sweet peppers and avocados. That’s how I got my family to eat more veggies. —Camille Beckstrand, Layton, Utah
Tropical Sweet and Spicy Pork Tenderloin
When we crave something sweet and spicy, pork tenderloin cooked with chipotle, barbecue sauce and pineapple really delivers. —Cynthia Gerken, Naples, Florida
BBQ Chicken Sliders
Brining the meat overnight helps make these BBQ chicken sliders taste exceptionally good. Plus, they're so tender, they melt in your mouth. —Rachel Kunkel, Schell City, Missouri
Glazed Chicken Wings
I received the recipe for these yummy baked chicken wings from a cousin on Vancouver Island during a visit there a few years ago. They're an appealing appetizer, but also a favorite for Sunday lunch with rice and a salad. —Joan Airey, Rivers, Manitoba
Tasty Pork Ribs
I like to serve these tender, country-style ribs over rice. The tantalizing aroma and zippy Cajun barbecue sauce are sure to make this dish a favorite at your house.—Michelle Rominger, Albia, Iowa
Barbecued Chicken Pizzas
So fast and so easy with refrigerated pizza crust, these saucy, smoky pizzas make quick fans with their rustic, hot-off-the-grill flavor. They're perfect for impromptu cookouts and summer dinners on the patio. —Alicia Trevithick, Temecula, California
Sloppy Joe Biscuit Cups
I’m a busy teacher and mom, so weekday meals with shortcuts are a huge help. I always have to share the recipe when I take these to school. —Julie Ahern, Waukegan, Illinois
Quick Barbecued Beans
Baked beans are a simple, classic recipe, and cooking them on the grill adds great smoky flavor. —Millie Vickery, Lena, Illinois
Polynesian Pulled Chicken
I love the aroma of pork as it cooks but don't eat pork, so I make a pulled chicken with coconut and pineapple for a Polynesian twist. —Becky Walch, Manteca, California
Skillet BBQ Beef Potpie
Beef potpie is a classic comfort food, but who's got time to see it through? My crowd-pleaser is not only speedy but an excellent way to use leftover stuffing. —Priscilla Yee, Concord, California
Fruit-Glazed Pork Chops
Here’s a fast and simple way to grill chops in half an hour. Other fruit preserves can be easily substituted. These are also nice broiled in the oven. —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah
Shredded Barbecue Chicken over Grits
There’s nothing like juicy meat over steaming grits. And the pumpkin in these grits makes them taste like a spicy, comforting bowl of fall flavors. Your family will come running to the table for this one. —Erin Renouf Mylroie, Santa Clara, Utah
Slow-Cooked Pork Barbecue
You need only five ingredients to fix this sweet and tender pork for sandwiches. Feel free to adjust the sauce ingredients to suit your family's tastes. —Connie Johnson, Springfield, Missouri
BBQ Chicken & Smoked Sausage
My party-ready barbecue recipe works like a dream for weeknights, too. With just a few minutes of prep time, you still get that low-and-slow flavor everybody craves (thanks, slow cooker!). Throw in minced jalapenos for extra oomph. —Kimberly Young, Mesquite, Texas
Baby Back Ribs
Slow-cook the ribs during the day and they will be ready to finish on the grill when you get home. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Dr Spicy BBQ Pork
I served this at my son’s graduation party and kept it warm in a slow cooker after roasting it in the oven. The pork is superb by itself or piled high on rolls. For a classic combo, serve it with warm biscuits and coleslaw. —Michelle Gauer, Spicer, Minnesota
Barbecued Pork Chop Supper
I start these slow cooker BBQ pork chops in the morning and enjoy a tasty supper later with no last-minute work. We just get to eat! —Jacqueline Jones, Round Lake Beach, Illinois
Barbecue Brats & Peppers
We live in brat country, and this barbecue-style recipe feeds a crowd. The sauce gives it a welcome change from the same old grilled bratwurst. — Maria Zrucky, Kronenwetter, Wisconsin
Barbecued Chicken Pizza
This pizza starts with a prepared bread shell and barbecue sauce, plus leftover cooked chicken. I simply assemble and bake. Often, I cut the pizza into small bite-size pieces and serve it as an appetizer at parties or potluck dinners.—Patricia Richardson, Verona, Ontario
Tender Barbecued Chicken
After a long day at work, a slow-cooked meal is a great help. One of my family's favorites is this moist slow-simmered chicken. For an appealing look, choose a darker brown barbecue sauce. —Jacqueline Blanton, Gaffney, South Carolina
Barbecue Chicken Tostadas
Lots of my recipes start out as fun ways to use leftovers—like this one! My kids love tostadas, so this day-after-cookout dinner was a big hit. —Lauren Wyler, Dripping Springs, Texas
Barbecue Chicken Sliders
Thanks to rotisserie chicken, these cheesy, smoky sliders are a snap to make on a busy day. The special barbecue sauce really takes it up a notch. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Autumn Apple Chicken
I'd just been apple picking and wanted to bake something new with the bounty. I decided on apple chicken by throwing them in the slow cooker with some barbecue sauce. The dish fills my whole house with the most delicious smell. —Caitlyn Hauser, Brookline, New Hampshire
BBQ Brats
In Wisconsin, brats are a food group! We are always looking for new ways to cook them. This recipe is easy and a hit at any tailgate party or cookout, any time of year. —Jessica Abnet, DePere, Wisconsin
Mini Barbecue Meat Loaves
I gave classic meat loaf a tasty twist by adding barbecue sauce. My kids usually get bored with beef entrees, but they keep asking for this dish. It's become a dinner staple at my house. —Vicki Smith, Okeechobee, Florida
Quick Hawaiian Pizza
Our family never quite liked the taste of canned pizza sauce, so one time I tried mixing some barbecue sauce into spaghetti sauce to add some sweetness. I’ve made my pizzas with this special and easy sauce ever since, and my family loves it! —Tonya Schieler, Carmel, Indiana
BBQ Country-Style Ribs
Quick to prep for the slow cooker, this dish goes great with a salad and fresh side. My family practically cheers whenever I make this! —Cheryl Mann, Winside, Nebraska
Pulled Pork Doughnut Hole Sliders
This slider recipe was created by accident when we had a surplus of root beer from a party. Now we can't have barbecue any other way! —Eden Dranger, Los Angeles, California
Three-Bean Baked Beans
I got this recipe from an aunt and made a couple of changes to suit our tastes. With ground beef and bacon mixed in, these satisfying beans are a big hit at backyard barbecues and church picnics. I'm always asked to bring my special beans. —Julie Currington, Gahanna, Ohio
Honey Chipotle Ribs
Nothing's better than having a sauce with the perfect consistency for slathering. Here's one that'll ensure a lip-smacking feast. Make the sauce up to a week ahead. —Caitlin Hawes, Westwood, Massachusetts
Bacon & Cheddar Chicken
Cheese and bacon don’t usually come “light.” But this tasty recipe keeps the fat and calories low and flavor high. This family friendly chicken bacon recipe can easily be doubled to serve a larger group. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle Idaho
Barbecued Strawberry Chicken
When it’s time to impress family and friends, we serve barbecued chicken garnished with strawberries. It’s easier than anyone would ever guess. —Bonnie Hawkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin
Barbecue Chicken Quesadillas
When my kids were small, I'd stuff leftover chicken into these oven-baked quesadillas. I often grab rotisserie chicken instead. —Pam Martin, Canandaigua, New York
Sweet & Smoky Pulled Pork Sandwiches
My primo pork is smoky, tender and tastes like it came from a barbecue joint. Without much help from me, it basically shreds itself. —Lauren Adamson, Layton, Utah
Apple Barbecue Chicken
My husband and I had just moved to Dallas when I first made this recipe. Everything was new—new city, new home—but this dish felt familiar and comforting. —Darla Andrews, Schertz, Texas
Dilly Turkey Melt
This is a hearty grilled sandwich with a distinctive and delicious combination of ingredients. The pickle slices add a bit of fun, and the barbecue sauce provides a hint of sweetness that's irresistible. —Henry Mujica, North Riverside, Illinois
Skillet Chicken with Barbecue Onion
Barbecue chicken is a sure bet with guests, but it’s also messy at times. My recipe lets you savor that flavor without a pile of napkins. —Evelyn Cleare, Miami, Florida
Barbecue Chicken Pizza
My husband and I love this BBQ chicken pizza recipe, especially when we take it up a notch by adding other toppings that we love, including smoky bacon and creamy Gorgonzola. My mouth starts to water just thinking about it! —Megan Crow, Lincoln, Nebraska
Slow Cooker Peach BBQ Ribs
For eat-the-whole-rack ribs, start with a rub of chili powder, cumin, paprika and cayenne. Then slather on sweet peachy sauce. Keep the napkins coming. — Sue Ryon, Shorewood, Wisconsin
BBQ Bacon Burger
Every family has a burger of choice, and this is ours. It's stacked tall with bacon and crunchy onion rings. —Paula Homer, Nampa, Idaho
Barbecue Turkey Meat Loaf
I have no trouble getting my girls to lend a hand with this turkey loaf. And topping it with my husband’s favorite barbecue sauce always gets him to clean his plate! —Robyn Young, Indianapolis, Indiana
BBQ Chicken Pizza Roll-Up
These slices make a fab, filling snack with loads of sweet and tangy flavor. —Tracey Birch, Queen Creek, Arizona
"Secret's in the Sauce" BBQ Ribs
A sweet, rich sauce makes this BBQ ribs recipe so tender that the meat literally falls off the bones. And the aroma is wonderful. Yum! —Tanya Reid, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Beef Barbecue
We like to keep our freezer stocked with plenty of beef roasts. When we're not in the mood for pot roast, I fix these satisfying sandwiches instead. The meat cooks in a tasty sauce while I'm work. The meat cooks in a tasty sauce while I'm at work. Then I just slice i thinly and serve it on rolls. —Karen Walker Sterling, Virginia
Honey-Beer Braised Ribs
Braised in beer with a sweet honey finish, these tender, flavor-rich ribs will be the talk of the table. Serve them with baked potatoes, green beans and a salad for a memorable meal. —Terry Serena, McMurray, Pennsylvania
Root Beer Pulled Pork Sandwiches
My husband is a huge fan of pulled pork sandwiches, so my sister shared this incredibly easy recipe with me. At potlucks and family dinners, nobody can get enough of this root beer-braised version. —Carolyn Palm, Radcliff, KentuckyOne of our Test Kitchen’s favorite ways to use their preferred sauces is to make slow-cooked country ribs. They’re a delicious way to get a taste of summer (even in the cold months). We promise you’ll be licking your fingers when you’re done.
The post Our Test Kitchen Found the Best Barbecue Sauces appeared first on Taste of Home.
Lisa Kaminski