An easy recipe for sweet and spicy homemade barbecue sauce that’s allergy friendly and perfect for all your barbecue needs! This simple sauce is delicious on chicken, pork, or beef.

Barbecue sauce is a staple condiment in many households. It’s the perfect sauce to use on your favorite grilled meats, or as a dipping sauce, or on these chicken meatballs.
If you go to the grocery store, there are dozens of varieties of barbecue sauces. The trouble with store-bought condiments is that even if they don’t contain common allergens, they may be manufactured in a facility or on the same lines as those allergens.
This spicy sweet barbecue sauce is full of flavor, allergy friendly, made with natural ingredients, and just delicious on chicken, pork, or beef.
And the best part is, it’s really easy to make. You can control the spice level, too, which is nice, especially if you’re making it for your kids.

Ingredient Notes
- Tomato Sauce – Canned tomato sauce is the base of this recipe. You can use any brand that works for you.
- Garlic – Fresh garlic adds a lot of flavor to this recipe.
- Vinegar – Vinegar adds a great tangy flavor to this sauce. I used apple cider vinegar, but white vinegar would also work in a pinch.
Step by Step Instructions
- Gather your allergy friendly ingredients. (Always call to check to make sure brands are safe for your particular needs).
- Place the tomato sauce, spices, maple syrup, vinegar, and garlic in the pan. Bring to a simmer.
- Simmer for about 15 minutes, to blend the flavors.
- Use on your favorite meat on the grill! Enjoy.

Variations
You can experiment with this recipe. You can add some smoked paprika or try honey instead of maple syrup. Vary the spice level according to your taste – it’s up to you!

Serving Suggestions
Serve this sauce on chicken legs, ribs, chicken breasts, or any meat you like.
This sauce would also be delicious in these barbecue chicken quesadillas.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.
Recipe

Spicy Sweet Homemade Barbecue Sauce.
Ingredients
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- ¾ Tablespoon cumin
- 1 Tablespoon onion powder
- ¾ Tablespoon chili powder increase if desired
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 3 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Pour the tomato sauce into a sauce pan and heat over medium heat. Add all other ingredients.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes to let the flavors blend.
- Use immediately or cool and refrigerate. Sauce will last in the refrigerator for five days. You should be able to freeze it if desired.
Notes
Nutrition



Carol Credit
delicious!!!!
Darryl
Awesome barbecue sauce, great on everything
Julia Mueller
Barbecue sauce is probably my favorite sauce EVAH, and I only make it homemade anymore. I’m definitely going to be trying your sauce – I love that it’s free of the top 8 allergens!!
Kelly Roenicke
Thanks, Julia!
Beth
Thank you! We have this problem at my house. My husband will love you forever for posting this.
Kelly Roenicke
Oh good! Hope you love it! :)