The Best McDonalds BBQ Sauce Recipe

This dipping sauce is nearly identical the McDonald's BBQ sauce. Now you can make it in the comfort of your own home instead of having to drive all the way to the restaurant.

This homemade sauce goes great with grilled meats like chicken and steak. You could use it as a condiment to spread on the bun of a burger. Or you could even dip your vegetables in it to make them taste better. This special sauce is so versatile and useful!

Since you are here and love McDonald's recipes, check out this McDonald's Sweet and Sour Sauce Recipe, this McDonald's Chicken Nuggets Copycat Recipe, or this McDonald's Iced Caramel Mocha Recipe Copycat.

Ingredients for this McDonalds BBQ Sauce Recipe

Scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the page for the detailed ingredient measurements.

• Ketchup: Every delicious BBQ sauce has a tomato paste base. Ketchup works great as the tomato base of our copycat McDonald's barbecue sauce.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: is usually the base of any good bbq sauce.
• Brown Sugar and Honey: add a sweetness that makes everything taste better. You can use corn syrup or regular white sugar in their place if you don't have these ingredients.
• Worcestershire Sauce: brings a tangy and tart flavor to the sauce.
• Molasses: adds sweetness as well as an extra depth of flavor.
• Smoked Paprika: brings a touch of smoky flavor.
• Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: provide mouth-watering savory flavors.
• Mustard Powder: adds tart and tanginess.
• Salt: enhances all of the flavors within the sauce.
• Water

How to Make this McDonalds BBQ Sauce Recipe

Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card at the end of this post for the full step-by-step instructions.

1. In a small saucepan, combine all the ingredients over medium heat.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
3. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your liking.
4. Remove from heat and let it cool before using.

Why You Need to Make this Recipe!

• First and foremost, making a homemade version of McDonald's BBQ sauce means no preservatives like sodium benzoate. You get the same great taste of the real thing with only clean and pure ingredients.
• This is a simple recipe made with only simple ingredients that you can easily find at the grocery store.
• Make it in bulk for the whole family to try or to have more throughout the week.
• Put it on literally any meat and watch what it does to the flavor! I guarantee it will become one of your favorite condiments.

Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ

How to Store Leftover Sauce

You can store your leftover BBQ sauce in an airtight container, like a mason jar. Before you put it in the fridge, make sure that you let it cool to room temperature so that it doesn't heat up the temperature in your fridge. It can stay in the fridge for two weeks. 

Can I Freeze It?

Yes! It can stay in the freezer for about three months. To reheat it from both refrigerated or frozen, just place it in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it at 30-second intervals. Or just toss it into a saucepan and cook on low until it’s warm.

You can also just place it in the fridge and let it thaw overnight. This is perfect if you remember to pull it out ahead of time.

Can I Make a Big Batch of this McDonalds BBQ Sauce Recipe

Of course! This recipe makes enough to serve 2-4 people in one meal. If you need more, just double or triple the amount of each ingredient used and go at it!

How Can I Use this McDonalds BBQ Sauce Recipe

The best part about this recipe is that there are so many things you can do with it! You can put it over grilled meats like chicken, steak, pork chops, and shrimp or fish. Make a big batch of it during the next weekend cook-out and let everyone spread it on their hot dogs and beef patties to make the perfect burger. You can also use it as a dipping sauce for vegetables, French fries, or sweet potato fries.

Can I Use a Different Type of Vinegar?

Preferably not. Apple cider vinegar has a distinct taste that makes the original flavor barbecue sauce. If you don't have any, use only plain white vinegar. Avoid any other vinegars like white wine vinegar as it might change the flavor too much.

Can I Make this Delicious Sauce Spicy?

You can absolutely add spicy flavors if you want to! Chili powder or other spice extractives are the perfect way to add some heat. Don't use hot sauce or anything bottled because it will alter the flavor.

The Best McDonalds BBQ Sauce Recipe