Kansas City BBQ Sauce Recipe

Kansas City BBQ Sauce with rich molasses, tangy cider vinegar, and a hint of root beer sweetness, balanced by savory tomato notes and a touch of smoky heat.
Published: June 9, 2025
by Maribelle Harper

Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
  • 1 sweet onion, minced
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup root beer
  • 4 tablespoons cider vinegar
  • 1 cup dark corn syrup
  • 1/2 cup molasses
  • 1/2 cup tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons brown mustard
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce (Frank’s recommended)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)

Notes Before Making

If you prefer a smoother, thinner texture, you can strain the sauce after cooking or use an immersion blender.

Cook the Onions First

Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat until shimmering.

Add the minced onion and cook until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

Add Everything Else

Whisk in all the remaining ingredients except the liquid smoke.

Bring the mixture to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to medium and simmer until the sauce thickens and reduces to about 4 cups, which will take approximately 1 hour.

Optionally, Add Liquid Smoke and Then Store

If using, stir in the liquid smoke.

Let the sauce cool, then refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Kansas City Style BBQ

Kansas City BBQ Sauce with rich molasses, tangy cider vinegar, and a hint of root beer sweetness, balanced by savory tomato notes and a touch of smoky heat.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons vegetable oil or any neutral oil
  • 1 sweet onion minced
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup root beer
  • 4 tablespoons cider vinegar
  • 1 cup dark corn syrup
  • 1/2 cup molasses
  • 1/2 cup tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons brown mustard
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce Frank’s recommended
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon liquid smoke optional

Instructions

  • Heat oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat.
  • Add minced onion and cook until soft, about 5 mins.
  • Whisk in all remaining ingredients except liquid smoke.
  • Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until thickened to 4 cups, about 1 hr.
  • Stir in liquid smoke if using.
  • Cool and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Leave the first comment

Recipe Rating




Join the Community

I’ll never spam you. Sign up to receive my latest recipes.