Summer is upon us, and for many, that means one thing: BBQ season! There’s nothing quite like the smell of a grill firing up, the sound of sizzling meat, and the taste of a perfectly seasoned dish. As someone who loves to explore different flavors, I have compiled a list of 12 BBQ sauces that I, and to be honest, all Weber fans will be dying to use this summer. These sauces, ranging from sweet and tangy to smoky and spicy, are sure to elevate your grilling game. So, if you’re ready, let’s get into it!
Classic Kansas City BBQ Sauce
At number one is the classic, homemade staple in any BBQ lover’s repertoire. The Kansas City BBQ sauce is thick, sweet, and tangy, so why wouldn’t I fall totally in love with it? Made with molasses, brown sugar, and a tomato base, this sauce is perfect for slathering on ribs or pulled pork. On top of this, it is a rich, balanced flavor and a crowd-pleaser at any BBQ gathering. To make this, you can take your inspiration from Skinny Taste’s simple recipe.
Memphis Style BBQ Sauce
My second favorite BBQ Sauce for Summer is this Memphis Style sauce inspired by Tara Teaspoon’s recipe. I completely love this sauce especially because it is known for its thinner consistency and tangy, slightly sweet profile. On top of this, vinegar and mustard play prominent roles, making it ideal for slow-smoked pork or any other of your favorites. In general, this sauce brings a delightful zing that complements any smoky meat perfectly.
Alabama White Sauce
Alabama White Sauce is another unique BBQ sauce that stands out among the others—plus, it has this creamy, tangy flavor that’s incomparable to others. Made from mayonnaise, vinegar, and black pepper, you can totally make this recipe by following the guide from House Of Nash Eats. While I’d normally pair this sauce with chicken, you are free to experiment with other pairings. Nonetheless, its unexpected, refreshing taste is a must-try for anyone looking to expand their BBQ horizons.
Texas BBQ Sauce
Now, Texas BBQ sauce is bold, smoky, and slightly spicy, which is perfect for the days when I just want to go big! This sauce, with its recipe provided by Hey Grill Hey, often includes beef drippings, Worcestershire sauce, and a kick of chili powder, making it a perfect match for brisket or beef ribs. Plus, speaking of which, you have got to try our perfectly smoked baby back ribs since it is a perfect match for this bold Texas red sauce.
South Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce
Are you looking for something out of the usual, then this sauce is the way to go! The South Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce offers a delightful departure from the usual tomato-based BBQ sauces and if you follow the recipe by Our Best Bites, the result will be a tangy and slightly sweet deliciousness with a mustard base. I especially pair this sauce with pork, which brings a bright, zesty flavor that cuts through the richness of the meat. However, you can always try other things (including chips! ‘Cause, why not?)
North Carolina Vinegar Sauce
Moving up north to the North Carolina Vinegar Sauce, this sauce is a staple in the Carolinas (plus, it is also red). As for taste, it is characterized by a sharp, tangy flavor, so if this is your plate of ribs, go get it. Made primarily from vinegar, red pepper flakes, and a touch of sugar, you can have your sauce ready by following the recipe from Kevin Is Cooking. This sauce is perfect for cutting through the richness of pulled pork, and it provides a delicious contrast as well.
Sweet and Smoky Chipotle BBQ Sauce
For those who love a bit of heat with their sweetness, Sweet and Smoky Chipotle BBQ Sauce is a winner. The smoky chipotle peppers by Real Food Whole Life adds a depth of flavor, while brown sugar and molasses provide a sweet balance. For serving inspiration, I can tell you boldly that this sauce works wonderfully on chicken wings or pork chops.
Honey Bourbon BBQ Sauce
I mean, who doesn’t like honey? Now, merge that sticky sweetness with Bourbon and you have the best-ever BBQ sauce that I can’t wait to use again this summer! The Honey Bourbon BBQ Sauce combines the rich, caramel-like sweetness of honey with the robust, slightly smoky flavor of bourbon and you can get a complete recipe from Chiles and Smoke. This luxurious sauce takes you no time to make and it is perfect for glazing ribs or chicken, adding a sophisticated touch to your BBQ spread.
Pineapple Jalapeno BBQ Sauce
Again with an unusual sauce, say hello to the fruity one. So, if you’re looking to add a tropical twist to your BBQ, Copper Table’s Pineapple Jalapeno BBQ Sauce is the way to go. Not only can I say it is the most delicious vibrant sauce to take with you on a BBQ-inspired picnic, this sweet pineapple also pairs beautifully with the spicy kick of jalapeno, creating a vibrant, flavorful sauce that’s excellent on grilled shrimp or pork.
Korean BBQ Sauce
Another favorite of mine is the Korean BBQ Sauce (also sometimes called the Bulgogi sauce). This sauce brings a delicious fusion of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors especially when you think about the ingredients, which include soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and pear puree. Note that if you have an allergy to soy, then this may not be the best bet for you. However, if you are clear on all the ingredients, you should definitely try this recipe. To make this, follow the recipe by Allrecipes and you’ll have the perfect sauce for marinating beef short ribs or chicken thighs.
Maple Chipotle BBQ Sauce
The eleventh sauce I am dying to try this summer is The Kitchen Whisperer’s Maple Chipotle BBQ Sauce, which offers a delightful blend of sweet and smoky flavors. The rich sweetness of maple syrup balances the smoky heat of chipotle peppers, making it a versatile sauce for everything from ribs to roasted vegetables. Plus, it’s a great vegetarian sauce if you’re wondering.
Peach BBQ Sauce
Last, but certainly not the least favorite is the Peach BBQ Sauce! As one of my summer favorites, it is like combining the sweet, juicy flavors of ripe peaches with a tangy BBQ base. This sauce (with recipes from No Spoon Necessary) not only adds a fruity, refreshing twist to grilled chicken or pork, but it also captures the essence of summer in every bite.
So, now that you have seen all of my 12 favorites, tell me which of them you have tried and which you surely want to try. When you do, don’t forget to post a comment about how it turned out (which I can say, would be amazing). Also, if you have other sauces that you think I should try out, let me know in the comments.
Also check out some of our BBQ recipes and share some of your own in the comments or on social media.
Happy Grilling!
