If all is going according to plan, we’re somewhere in west Texas right now. If that’s true (please please be true), we’ve toured scenic Joshua Tree National Park, sweated our way through Arizona (“but it’s a dry heat”), and driven through Lincoln National Forest in New Mexico. Up ahead are a few nights in Austin, where we plan to gorge ourselves on BBQ brisket and visit the Stevie Ray Vaughn statue. Then it’s Houston, where we’re visiting a college buddy, a night in the French Quarter of New Orleans, and then finally our new apartment in Nashville.
Whew. One super hot and sweaty, exciting and scenic, 2,000+ mile road trip. I’ll post a road trip recap once we’re all settled in, but you can check out my Instagram for some snippets along the way!
Because of the serious time we’re spending driving through Texas, I felt it was fitting to blog about B’s favorite BBQ sauce.
Also fitting is what a mismatch of geographical BBQ styles this barbecue sauce is. But really, it’s pretty spot-on given our history. B and I are from the East Coast, have lived on the West Coast, and are moving to the South. While this BBQ sauce isn’t a mix of NJ/MD/CA/TN, it’s got the vinegar-y base from North Carolina, brown sugar sweetness a la Kansas City, mustard from South Carolina, and even mayonnaise, giving a nod to Alabama’s take on a classic. BBQ sauce from all over – kind of like us!
This BBQ sauce is so flexible it’s ridiculous. It’s tangy from the vinegar, but you can tone it down if that’s not your style. The mayonnaise contrasts the spiciness, though you can increase or decrease the quantity depending on your preferences. And the mustard is up to you! While I love to blow out my sinuses on horseradish mustard on sandwiches, the horseradish type of hot wasn’t what I was going for here so I used dijon, which is what I recommend.
It’s also SO easy to make. Basically, combine all ingredients in a sauce pan and wait until it begins to simmer. Once it’s cool, stir in a few more things. Simple, right? We’ve used this sauce in a million ways – first as a marinade and serving sauce for grilled chicken drumsticks. Sooo, so good. We also used it as a spread on sandwiches, from turkey sandwiches to grilled cheeses. It’s a fab complement for both!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups ketchup
- 3 1/2 tbsp brown sugar
- 4 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp hot sauce
- 4 tsp garlic powder
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp liquid smoke optional
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 3 tbsp light mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp mustard I used dijon
Instructions
- In a small saucepan set over medium-low heat, add ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire, hot sauce, garlic powder, salt, and liquid smoke, if using. Stir well and allow mixture to begin to bubble around the edges, approx. 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
- Once BBQ sauce base has cooled, stir in white vinegar, mayonnaise, and mustard. Sauce can be used warm or cold. Refrigerate any unused portion.
Notes
Nutritional information is provided as an estimate. As it can vary due to many factors (brands used, quantities, etc.), we cannot guarantee its accuracy.
Consuelo - Honey & Figs says
I was going to wish for a nice trip, but since you’re home now, all that I have to hope is that you get your goodies back soon 😉 This bbq sounds stupendous indeed yum! xxx
Jessica @ Jessiker Bakes says
I hope your trip is going well and as planned! Thanks for leaving us with the bbq sauce because it sounds tasty!! I love how versatile it is!
Ashley says
Hope your road trip is going well!! I love trying different kinds of bbq sauce – it’s definitely a lot of the vinegar style here in NC but I still love all the different versions! This looks finger lickin’ good! hehe man I’m funny … or not : )
Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl says
I love BBQ sauce. I can just eat it with a spoon (not saying that has ever happened, hehehehe). I’m always into trying new recipes with us so I will definitely give yours a taste!
Helen @ Scrummy Lane says
I’m pretty sure all will be going according to plan and you will be living it up in Texas right now! And if not you will be having some other cool adventure. Isn’t it amazing what completely different lives all we food blogging friends live? There’s you doing your cool southern US road trip and me floating around between Australia and Europe … ha! New beginnings are great though, aren’t they?
The BBQ sauce sounds amazing. This is shameful, but I’ve only ever had it out of a bottle, so I think I should probably put that one right! Having driving! 🙂
Anna Johnston says
I love road tripping, its such a fun way to travel, not only do ya get to see all the wonderful things, its a really wonderful way to dream up amazing things & stuff you’d like to do with life, well thats what it does for me. I always feel so refreshed and ready for big change and challenges after a road trip. 🙂 Cant wait to see pics of your adventure, one of my blog buddies is in Texas (I know its a massive state) before meeting her, I didn’t really plan on visiting, now its right up top of the travel bucket list. Anyways, sounds like you are enjoying.
I love homemade BBQ sauce, its actually the only way I will eat it. Thanks for sharing lovely, travel safe, hope the new home is the best too!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
I hope you’re having a fantastic time on your road trip! Sounds like you’ve seen a lot already! This bbq sauce looks delicious! I’ve never made my own before, but your pictures are enticing me to try this, and soon! Pinned!
Kristi @ Inspiration Kitchen says
Oh my gosh – you said SSSSOOOO many of my favorite things in this post – vinegar, mustard, horseradish – and all of them I adore in BBQ sauce! This is definitely something I need to try. I am a huge lover of BBQ sauces and this sounds amazing. Pinned!
Natalie @ Tastes Lovely says
Hope your big move roadtrip is going well! I bet it’s fun seeing all different parts of the country. This bbq sauce sounds delicious. I’ve actually never made my own BBQ sauce, but you’ve totally inspired me : )
Tracey says
As someone who has made that cross-country move a coupe of times, I have to say, I’m a little jealous! It sounds like such an exciting adventure! Have a safe trip!
Deb says
Adding mayo to BBQ sauce is a new twist that’s ready for a try on one of our weekend grilling adventures! Have an amazing road trip!
Christine @ Cooking with Cakes says
love that this bbq sauce incorporate hot sauce and mayo, such an interesting combo but I bet it tastes bomb!!
Danielle says
Oh geez 2000 miles?! That’s a long road trip, but I’m sure you’re having fun!
This sauce looks delicious. I keep seeing BBQ sauces I really need to try one out! Pinning 🙂