Copycat Kinder’s BBQ Sauce Recipe

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There’s something magical about a homemade BBQ sauce that ties together the smoky, savory, and sweet flavors of your favorite grilled dishes. If you’ve ever tasted Kinder’s BBQ Sauce, you know it’s not just any sauce—it’s a flavor-packed experience that elevates every bite.

How to make Kinder’s BBQ Sauce

Kinder’s BBQ Sauce is a sweet-meets-smoky, tomato-based barbecue sauce made by Kinder’s, a longtime California flavor brand that started as a butcher shop back in 1946.

Ingredients

Base ingredients:

• 1 cup ketchup (the foundation of most barbecue sauces)
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar (adds the tangy kick)
• ¼ cup molasses (for depth and natural sweetness)
• ¼ cup brown sugar (for a caramelized sweet note)

Savory components:

• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (adds umami flavor)
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika (for that smoky edge)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (classic BBQ seasoning)
• 1 teaspoon onion powder (adds savory richness)

Spices & Heat (adjust to taste):

• ½ teaspoon chili powder (for mild warmth)
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (for a subtle kick)

Optional add-ins:

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (for an extra tangy complexity)
• 2 tablespoons honey (if you prefer a slightly sweeter sauce)

Liquid smoke:

• 1–2 teaspoons liquid smoke to emulate the authentic smoky flavor Kinder’s sauces are famous for (found in most grocery stores).

Instructions

1. Prep the ingredients: Measure all the ingredients and have them ready before you start mixing.
2. Combine base ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, molasses, and brown sugar over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
3. Add savory elements: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices.
4. Simmer and thicken: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step helps the flavors meld together and thickens the consistency. Taste as you simmer to adjust seasoning (e.g., more sweetness, tang, or heat depending on preference).
5. Finish with optional add-ins: For deeper flavor and sweetness, stir in Dijon mustard, honey, or liquid smoke during the last few minutes of cooking. Whisk thoroughly to incorporate.
6. Cool and store: Once the sauce is done, remove it from heat and let it cool. Transfer it to a jar or an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before using to allow the flavors to fully develop.

Tips for Success

• Adjust for preference: Kinder’s sauces are known for their balance between flavors. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more molasses or brown sugar. If you crave extra tanginess, increase the apple cider vinegar or mustard.
• Customize spice levels: The cayenne and chili powder provide heat, so feel free to increase or decrease them based on your spice tolerance.
• Use quality ingredients: The better the ingredients (like a good ketchup or organic molasses), the richer and more authentic your sauce will taste.
• Refrigeration is key: Once the sauce is made, refrigerating it improves flavor. It tastes even better after sitting overnight.
• Versatility in use: This sauce isn’t just for grilling! Feel free to use it for dipping fries, drizzling over baked potatoes, or even adding a spoonful to chili or meatballs for a smoky twist.
• Test the consistency: If you prefer a thinner or thicker sauce, adjust the cooking time or add a splash of water while simmering.

Ingredients Substitutes

Recreating Kinder’s BBQ sauce at home relies on a harmonious balance of smoky, sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors. The good news? Even if you don’t have every ingredient in the original recipe, there are plenty of smart substitutions to ensure your BBQ sauce is just as delicious as you imagined.

1. Ketchup

Ketchup is the base of most BBQ sauces, as it provides sweetness and tang.

Substitute Options:

• Tomato Paste with Vinegar and Sugar: Mix ¾ cup tomato paste with 2–3 tablespoons of vinegar (white or apple cider) and 2 tablespoons of sugar to create a smooth and flavorful base.
• Tomato Sauce: This works if you don’t have ketchup, but you may need to add sugar and vinegar to amp up the flavor.
• Homemade Ketchup: If you have time, making your own ketchup with tomatoes, sugar, vinegar, and spices will give you a fresh and flavorful base.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar adds tangy brightness to the Kinder’s BBQ Sauce.

Substitute Options:

• White Vinegar: The most straightforward substitute. It has the same acidity but lacks the slight sweetness. You might want to add a pinch of sugar.
• Rice Vinegar: A milder option that offers a touch of sweetness while maintaining the tang.
• Red Wine Vinegar: A fruity, slightly tangy alternative that works well in BBQ sauce recipes.
• Lemon Juice: A natural source of acidity, though it’s less sharp than vinegar. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice incrementally as you taste.

3. Molasses

Molasses is a cornerstone ingredient in any good Kinder’s BBQ Sauce, contributing deep, caramel-like sweetness and rich flavor.

Substitute Options:

• Brown Sugar: While not as rich, brown sugar provides sweetness and slight molasses flavor thanks to the molasses content in the sugar itself.
• Maple Syrup: This natural sweetener has similar rich undertones, although it adds an earthy flavor that differs slightly from molasses.
• Honey: Provides a natural sweetness and works as a substitute, but keep in mind it lacks the smoky complexity of molasses.
• Dark Corn Syrup: Another sweet replacement, though not as robust in flavor as molasses.

4. Brown Sugar

Brown sugar brings both sweetness and moisture to the sauce.

Substitute Options:

• White Sugar + Molasses: For every cup of white sugar, add 1–2 tablespoons of molasses to mimic brown sugar.
• Coconut Sugar: A natural and slightly nutty alternative that has a similar flavor profile to brown sugar.
• Maple Syrup or Honey: Either of these can be used, but be cautious about adding too much if your recipe already includes molasses. Start small and adjust to taste.

5. Worcestershire Sauce

Worcestershire sauce lends richness and umami depth to BBQ sauce.

Substitute Options:

• Soy Sauce: Contains similar salty, umami notes. Add ½ tablespoon soy sauce for each 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce.
• Tamari: A gluten-free soy sauce alternative that works well in place of Worcestershire.
• Liquid Aminos: This gluten-free and vegan option provides a comparable savory complexity.
• Fish Sauce: Just a few drops can add a strong umami flavor if Worcestershire sauce isn’t on-hand.

6. Smoked Paprika

Smoked paprika delivers a subtle smokiness essential for BBQ flavor.

Substitute Options:

• Liquid Smoke: A concentrated smoke flavoring that can directly replace smoked paprika. Start with small amounts and add to taste.
• Chili Powder: If smoky chili powder is available, this makes a good substitute. Regular chili powder can also work for a less smoky flavor.
• Ground Cumin: Though it’s not smoky, cumin is earthy and warm and adds depth when combined with other spices.

7. Garlic Powder

Garlic powder gives the sauce a savory kick.

Substitute Options:

• Fresh Garlic: Mince fresh garlic and sauté it in oil before adding the other ingredients.
• Onion Powder: A similar substitute for savory flavor, though less pungent and sharp.
• Shallot Powder: Slightly sweeter than garlic powder but works as an alternative.

8. Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper adds heat and spice, but it’s flexible depending on your tolerance.

Substitute Options:

• Red Pepper Flakes: For a milder heat, substitute with ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
• Chili Powder: A mild version can replace cayenne altogether, or use extra chili powder already in the recipe for additional spice.
• Hot Sauce: Add a couple of dashes of your favorite hot sauce for a similar level of spiciness with added tang.

9. Dijon Mustard

Dijon mustard provides sharp tang and a creamy texture to round out the flavors.

Substitute Options:

• Yellow Mustard: A milder, more acidic alternative that mimics Dijon, although it’s less complex in flavor.
• Stone Ground Mustard: This has a similar tangy depth, though it’s often grainier in texture.
• Creole Mustard: A bolder choice, Creole mustard brings spice and vinegar-forward notes similar to Dijon.

10. Liquid Smoke

Liquid smoke replicates that authentic smoky flavor associated with Kinder’s BBQ Sauce.

Substitute Options:

• Smoked Paprika: If you don’t have liquid smoke, increasing the smoked paprika in your recipe can add a smoky depth that mimics its flavor.
• Charcoal Grilling: If you’re finishing your sauce and meats on a charcoal grill, the natural smoke from the grill can contribute a similar flavor.
• Smoked Salt: Smoked salt is another option to impart a smoky aroma.

Final Thoughts

Kinder’s BBQ Sauce is truly a versatile condiment that pairs beautifully with many dishes, from classic barbecue staples to unexpected options.

More Sauce Recipes:

• Haunted Habanero Sauce Recipe
• Copycat McDonald’s Spicy Pepper Sauce Recipe
• McDonald’s Special Edition Gold Sauce Recipe
• Copycat Wendy’s Sweet and Sour Sauce Recipe