Easy homemade BBQ sauce perfect for dipping, slathering on sandwiches or dousing on burgers! Root Beer BBQ Sauce gets a rich flavor from the root beer added to the sauce! What will you pile this barbecue sauce on first?
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Root Beer BBQ Sauce
Root Beer BBQ SauceThis simple root beer BBQ sauce is bold, versatile, and ready in minutes. The root beer adds depth and caramel notes that make it especially good on pork chops, grilled chicken, burgers, or as a dipping sauce for strips and wings. It uses common pantry ingredients and comes together quickly on the stove — the only special item you may need is a bottle of root beer.
It’s fantastic spooned over a cheesy burger with onion rings and bacon, and it also shines on grilled chicken drumsticks and pork chops. I made shredded grilled chicken sliders and tossed the pulled chicken in this sauce — they were tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. It’s a great option for summer gatherings and backyard parties when you want something homemade without a lot of fuss.
This was my first time making homemade BBQ sauce, and I was surprised at how easy it was. Saute a bit of onion, add the rest of the ingredients, simmer until slightly thickened, and you’re done. The molasses and root beer create a rich, slightly sweet base balanced by lemon and spices. If you enjoy trying variations, consider Texas-style, Hawaiian, Dr. Pepper, or even a balsamic-based BBQ sauce next — balsamic adds lovely tang if you like that flavor profile.
Root Beer Barbecue Sauce
Root Beer Barbecue SauceIf you want more BBQ ideas, tell me which styles you’d like to see and I’ll try them next. There are so many directions to explore — from sweet and tangy to smoky and spicy.
Ingredients to Make Root Beer BBQ Sauce
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely diced
- 2/3 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup root beer
- 2 Tbsp unsulfured molasses
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
How to Make Root Beer BBQ Sauce
This sauce is quick and forgiving. Start by heating the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent — about 3–5 minutes.
Add the ketchup, root beer, molasses, lemon juice, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat as needed and simmer for about 10–15 minutes, until the sauce has reduced slightly and thickened to your preferred consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Let the sauce cool slightly before using. It’s perfect for slathering on sandwiches, brushing on grilled meat, or serving as a dipping sauce. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–5 days.
More BBQ Recipes
- 30 Minute Homemade BBQ Sauce
- Easy Homemade Dr. Pepper BBQ Sauce
- Carolina Mustard Barbecue Sauce
- Sweet & Tangy BBQ Sauce
Root Beer BBQ Sauce
10 mins
25 mins
35 mins
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 c. yellow onion, finely diced
- 2/3 c. ketchup
- 1/2 c. root beer
- 2 Tbsp unsulfured molasses
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice, fresh
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Warm the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the ketchup, root beer, molasses, lemon juice, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a simmer.
- Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has slightly thickened, about 10–15 minutes. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve over sandwiches, burgers, grilled meats, or use as a dip. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–5 days.
Nutrition Information
Carbohydrates: 11 g,
Fat: 1 g,
Sodium: 333 mg,
Sugar: 9 g
Nutrition data is an estimate. For precise information consult a nutritionist or use a dedicated calculator if you need exact counts.