I’m a big fan of anything that makes my life even just a little bit easier, and this semi-homemade BBQ brisket sauce is such a great life hack! Sure, it’s not the made-from-scratch kind of homemade, but this BBQ sauce is my own special recipe. It starts with my favorite bottled sauce, but it’s those extra little ingredients that make it perfect. The brown sugar adds a bit of sweetness, the red pepper adds a tiny bit of spice, and the Worcestershire sauce adds a bit of tanginess. Together, they create the perfect brisket sauce.

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This may not be a fully homemade BBQ sauce recipe, but I think it still counts if I make it my own. Sometimes I just feel like store-bought BBQ sauces are missing something, so why not just add in those extra flavors myself?

Starting with my personal favorite BBQ sauce, I just mixed in some Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and a couple of other special ingredients to get the exact flavor I wanted. I love using this as a brisket sauce because I think it just complements beef brisket so well.

What’s in This BBQ Brisket Sauce Recipe?

Brown Sugar: Dark brown sugar adds the perfect sweetness and depth of flavor. I love that caramelly molasses taste!
Mustard: Dijon mustard adds the perfect amount of tang to the sauce.
Ketchup: Adds classic tomato flavor to the sauce. I prefer Heinz, but any brand will work.
BBQ Sauce: Using jarred sauce is my quick hack for creating a rich and flavorful sauce with minimal work. I like Original Recipe KC Masterpiece or Original Blues Hog, but feel free to use your favorite.
Worcestershire Sauce: Enhances the tangy and umami flavors of the sauce.
Nutmeg: Adds a touch of warmth to the sauce.
Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a little heat to the sauce!

a container of brisket sauce next to a bowl of pickles and a piece of brisket

Tips for Success

I’ll be the first to admit that everyone’s tastes are different, so I recommend tasting the sauce often as you’re mixing it together and adjusting the sweetness/saltiness as you go.
I almost always double this recipe since I like a lot of sauce!

How to Store

Store leftover homemade BBQ brisket sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Stir well before using.

Serving Suggestions

This semi-homemade BBQ brisket sauce is good with so many recipes, but I especially love it with BBQ brisket. It’s the best brisket sauce and cooks into the beef so perfectly. I also often find myself using this recipe in place of BBQ sauce in tons of other dishes, too! I love it in my little smokies, crockpot spare ribs, and baked BBQ chicken breast! It just adds a little extra something.

5-Star Review

“This was perfect. Just cooked my first brisket and this sauce was exactly spot on what I was wanting.” -Michael

More Sauce Recipes to Try!

dipping a tortilla chip into a bowl of nacho cheese sauce

Appetizers

10 Comments

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Tammy

Posted on 11/1/2023

I tried this for brisket and I didn’t have enough bbq sauce to add but it turned out delicious. Way better than I thought

Samantha Marceau

Reply to Tammy

So happy to hear you loved it, Tammy!

Michael

Posted on 7/16/2023

This was perfect. Just cooked my first brisket and this sauce was exactly spot on what I was wanting.

Annie

Posted on 1/22/2023

Great quick, easy sauce. Everything was in my cupboard. Added a great element to our Brisket.

Posted on 1/23/2023

Reply to Annie

I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Annie!

Posted on 12/23/2018

Sounds and looks wonderful!
Curious what brand of stone where is that gravy bowl/pourer? Love it also! ????

Becky Hardin

Posted on 12/30/2018

Reply to J

It’s from an etsy shop I love: https://www.etsy.com/shop/sweetpaul

Hugo Guessit

Posted on 12/1/2018

This came out great! I skipped adding the ketchup and other stuff, though, and just doubled the amount of my favorite bbq sauce. It was Perfect. 2 cups of Sweet Baby Rays. My brisket was heavenly.