Pete’s BBQ Sauce Recipe is a rich, tangy sauce with a buttery taste, a touch of sweetness, and plenty of savory flavor. I love how simple pantry staples like ketchup, wine vinegar, and sugar come together to make a homemade barbecue sauce with real character.
Pickapeppa sauce adds a little extra depth, while liquid smoke brings that familiar smoky flavor. The sauce goes great with grilled chicken, ribs, burgers, and more.
Now, let me show you how to make this tasty barbecue Pete’s BBQ Sauce Recipe at home, step by step.
About This Pete’s BBQ Sauce Recipe
Pete’s BBQ Sauce Recipe stands out for its rich buttery base, tangy vinegar kick, and distinctive smoky flavor. Its main specialty is the blend of melted butter, Lipton Onion Soup Mix, liquid smoke, and Pickapeppa sauce, which gives the sauce a savory depth with a touch of sweetness.
I like how these ingredients work together without making the flavor too sharp or too sweet. The Pete’s BBQ Sauce has a smooth, slightly thick texture that pairs beautifully with ribs, grilled chicken, burgers, and pulled pork for a flavorful homemade barbecue meal.
How To Prepare Pete’s BBQ Sauce Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Course: Sauce
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: American
Yield: Approximately 2 cups
Servings: 16 servings
Kitchen Utensils
- Medium saucepan
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Whisk
- Heat resistant spatula
Ingredients
- 1 cup (240 g) ketchup
- 1 stick (113 g) butter
- ¼ cup (60 g) wine vinegar
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons (30 g) Worcestershire sauce
- 1 envelope Lipton Onion Soup Mix (about 28 g, depending on the package)
- ½ teaspoon (1.2 g) ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon (1.5 g) salt
- ¼ cup water, as needed to adjust the consistency
- 2 tablespoons (30 g) Dijon mustard
- A few drops of liquid smoke
- 2 tablespoons (30 g) Pickapeppa sauce

Instructions
Step 1
Add the ketchup, butter, wine vinegar, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard to a medium saucepan. Set it over medium low heat and stir until the butter melts. Keep stirring so the sugar starts to dissolve and the sauce comes together smoothly.
Step 2
Add the Lipton Onion Soup Mix, black pepper, salt, and Pickapeppa sauce. Stir everything well so the seasonings spread throughout the sauce. For a smoky barbecue flavor, add a few drops of liquid smoke. Start with a small amount, since the flavor can become strong quickly.
Step 3
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then turn the heat to low. Let it cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring every so often to keep it from sticking to the bottom of the pan. The sauce should thicken slightly as the flavors blend. Keep the heat low to help the butter stay mixed into the sauce.
Step 4
Give the sauce a taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking. Stir in a little water if it seems too thick. Take the pan off the heat and let the sauce cool slightly before serving. Brush it over ribs, chicken, or pork, or spoon it onto burgers for a rich, tangy barbecue flavor. Store any leftover sauce in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator.
Nutrition Facts Per Serving
| Nutrition | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Calories | 95 kcal |
| Fat | 6.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g |
| Cholesterol | 15 mg |
| Sodium | 350 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 8 g |
| Fiber | 0.2 g |
| Sugars | 6 g |
| Protein | 0.5 g |

Why Do I Personally Like This Recipe
I like this Pete’s BBQ Sauce Recipe because it brings sweet, tangy, buttery, and savory flavors together in a way that works so well for barbecue meals.
The ketchup gives it a rich tomato taste, while the wine vinegar adds a little tang. Butter helps mellow the sharp flavors, and the onion soup mix adds a savory touch.
Pickapeppa sauce and Dijon mustard bring a little extra kick. I also like that I can adjust the thickness and smoky flavor to suit my taste.
Hints And Tips For Successful This Recipe
1. Melt the butter gently and let the sauce simmer over low heat. This helps the ingredients blend without scorching the sugar or separating the butter.
2. Stir the sauce regularly while it cooks, especially around the edges and bottom of the saucepan. This keeps the texture smooth and prevents sticking.
3. Liquid smoke has a strong taste, so start with a couple of shakes. Add a little more at a time until the flavor suits your preference.
4. Taste the sauce before adding extra salt. The onion soup mix and Worcestershire sauce already contain salt, while the sugar and vinegar balance sweetness and tang.
5. Let the sauce simmer until it reaches your preferred thickness. Add water a tablespoon at a time if it becomes too thick, and allow it to cool slightly before serving.
What Goes Well With This Sauce
Pete’s BBQ sauce pairs well with grilled chicken, pork ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, and juicy beef burgers. I also like the idea of serving it alongside smoked brisket or brushing a little over chicken wings during the final minutes of grilling.
For a meatless option, try Pete’s BBQ Sauce Recipe on grilled mushrooms, roasted potatoes, or vegetable skewers. The tangy, buttery flavor adds a nice touch to these dishes.
Serve extra Pete’s BBQ Sauce Recipe on the side for dipping fries, onion rings, or crispy chicken tenders.
Recipe Variations
1. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce for extra heat. I recommend starting small and adjusting until the spice level suits your taste.
2. Replace some of the granulated sugar with honey. This gives the sauce a mellow sweetness that pairs nicely with grilled chicken and pork.
3. Add a few drops of liquid smoke or a small amount of smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky flavor.
4. Stir in ½ teaspoon of garlic powder while the sauce simmers. The garlic adds a savory note that works well for ribs, burgers, and grilled vegetables.
5. Increase the Dijon mustard by 1 tablespoon and add a small splash of wine vinegar. This variation has a sharper taste that complements pulled pork and grilled sausages.
How To Make This Sauce Even More Delicious
Add a small splash of wine vinegar if you want a little more tang. It cuts through the buttery sweetness and gives the sauce a brighter flavor.
For a deeper barbecue taste, stir in a tiny bit of liquid smoke, then add more if needed. A teaspoon of brown sugar works well if you like your sauce on the sweeter side, with a mild molasses flavor that blends nicely with the ketchup and vinegar.
For a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce. It gives the sauce a nice kick with ribs, grilled chicken, or pulled pork.
How To Store Leftovers
Store leftover Pete’s BBQ Sauce Recipe in a clean, airtight container once it has cooled. I recommend keeping it in the refrigerator and using it within 4 days for the best quality.
Keep the lid tightly closed to protect the flavor and prevent contamination. When you’re ready to serve Pete’s BBQ Sauce Recipe again, warm the amount you need in a saucepan over low heat, stirring gently.
Add a little water if the Pete’s BBQ Sauce Recipe becomes too thick during storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does Pete’s BBQ Sauce Taste Like?
It has a tangy tomato flavor, buttery richness, mild sweetness, and savory notes from onion soup mix, Worcestershire sauce, and Pickapeppa sauce.
Can I Make This Sauce Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can prepare it ahead and refrigerate it in a clean, airtight container. The flavors may blend as the sauce rests.
Can I Make This Sauce Without Liquid Smoke?
Yes, liquid smoke is optional. Leave it out if you prefer a milder flavor, or add a little smoked paprika for a smoky note.
How Can I Make The Sauce Thicker?
Simmer the sauce over low heat for a few extra minutes, stirring frequently. Allow some moisture to evaporate until it reaches your preferred consistency.
Can I Adjust The Sweetness Of This BBQ Sauce?
Yes, reduce the sugar for a tangier taste or add a small amount more if you prefer extra sweetness. Taste as you go.
Conclusion
I hope this Pete’s BBQ Sauce Recipe brings you the same joy and cooking success that I enjoy when preparing homemade sauces.
The Pete’s BBQ Sauce Recipe is easy to make, and I hope it inspires you to give it a try in your own kitchen soon. Serve Pete’s BBQ Sauce Recipe alongside your favorite barbecue dishes and enjoy the homemade goodness.
When you prepare this Pete’s BBQ Sauce Recipe, come back and leave a comment telling me how it turned out and how much you enjoyed the flavor. Happy cooking!
For More Delicious Sauce Recipes Try These
Easy St. Louis BBQ Sauce Recipe
Best Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce Recipe
Simple Cherry Bourbon BBQ Sauce Recipe
Sugar Free BBQ Sauce Recipe For Healthy
Easy Carolina Vinegar BBQ Sauce Recipe

Pete’s BBQ Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Whisk
- Heat resistant spatula
Ingredients
- 1 cup 240 g ketchup
- 1 stick 113 g butter
- ¼ cup 60 g wine vinegar
- ¼ cup 50 g granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons 30 g Worcestershire sauce
- 1 envelope Lipton Onion Soup Mix about 28 g, depending on the package
- ½ teaspoon 1.2 g ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon 1.5 g salt
- ¼ cup water as needed to adjust the consistency
- 2 tablespoons 30 g Dijon mustard
- A few drops of liquid smoke
- 2 tablespoons 30 g Pickapeppa sauce
Instructions
Step 1
- Add the ketchup, butter, wine vinegar, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard to a medium saucepan. Set it over medium low heat and stir until the butter melts. Keep stirring so the sugar starts to dissolve and the sauce comes together smoothly.
Step 2
- Add the Lipton Onion Soup Mix, black pepper, salt, and Pickapeppa sauce. Stir everything well so the seasonings spread throughout the sauce. For a smoky barbecue flavor, add a few drops of liquid smoke. Start with a small amount, since the flavor can become strong quickly.
Step 3
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then turn the heat to low. Let it cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring every so often to keep it from sticking to the bottom of the pan. The sauce should thicken slightly as the flavors blend. Keep the heat low to help the butter stay mixed into the sauce.
Step 4
- Give the sauce a taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking. Stir in a little water if it seems too thick. Take the pan off the heat and let the sauce cool slightly before serving. Brush it over ribs, chicken, or pork, or spoon it onto burgers for a rich, tangy barbecue flavor. Store any leftover sauce in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator.
Notes
Nutrition Facts Per Serving
Calories: 95 kcal | Fat: 6.5 g | Saturated Fat: 4 g | Cholesterol: 15 mg | Sodium: 350 mg | Carbohydrates: 8 g | Fiber: 0.2 g | Sugars: 6 g | Protein: 0.5 g
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