Dr. Pepper Barbecue Sauce Recipe

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My Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce is sweet, tangy, smoky and addicting! Made with simple ingredients and Dr. Pepper Rich caramel flavor. Perfect for all your barbecue sauce needs!

There is a bottle of Dr. Pepper barbecue sauce with a wooden spoon sticking out and a can of Dr. Pepper in the background.

Meet the new Cookout MVP

  • Super easy: Whip, simmer, and watch it transform into a thick, glossy barbecue sauce that everyone will rave about.
  • Dr. Pepper Magic: Like Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork, soda adds a rich caramel flavor that solidifies this sauce.
  • Built for outdoor cooking season: This is the best sauce for ribs, pulled pork, chicken, burgers, beef and anything fresh off the grill.

Dr. Pepper BBQ Sauce Ingredients

Overhead shot of labeled ingredients. Overhead shot of labeled ingredients.
  • Use regular Dr Pepper. All-sugar Dr Pepper is key to the rich caramel flavor and just the right thickness. Diet or sugar-free versions do not reduce the same. If necessary, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of cornstarch to thicken the sauce.
  • Turn up the heat: Add hot sauce, cayenne, or chopped jalapenos for a spicy flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet BBQ flavor.
  • Try Cherry Dr Pepper: Cherry Dr Pepper adds a subtle fruity sweetness that adds a surprising flavor to the smoky and tangy sauce.

How to Make Dr. Pepper Barbecue Sauce

This Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce is easy to make with simple pantry ingredients, thickens and riches when simmered, perfect for brushing, dipping or drizzling over your favorite grilled meat. Once you try it, you may never want store-bought BBQ sauce again.

  1. Combine: In a medium saucepan, combine Dr. Pepper, ketchup, brown sugar, tomato paste, white vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
  2. Cook: Heat over medium-high heat until boiling. Reduce heat to medium and cook for 25 to 30 minutes. Stir occasionally until thickened. Taste before serving and add salt and pepper as needed.

Alyssa’s Expert Tips

Keep the heat low. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium and stir every few minutes to prevent sugar from burning.

You must have the tools needed for this recipe.

  • whisk: Helps mix all ingredients well while the sauce is boiling.
  • sauce container: Perfect for storing leftovers or preparing extra sauce for baking or dipping.

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  • add 1 can (12 ounces) Dr Pepper, 1 cup ketchup, ½ cup packaged brown sugar, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, ¼ cup white vinegar, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, ½ teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon saltand ½ teaspoon ground black pepper Place in a medium saucepan and stir to combine.

  • Heat over medium-high until boiling. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, 25 to 30 minutes.

  • Taste before serving and add salt and pepper as needed.

remaining instructions

  • refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 weeks.
  • Freezer: Freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw completely and, if necessary, thicken by boiling on the stovetop over medium heat for 5 minutes.

calorie: 437caloriecarbohydrate: 113gprotein: 2gprovince: 0.3gSaturated Fat: 0.04gPolyunsaturated fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated fat: 0.04gsodium: 1955mgpotassium: 673mgfiber: 1gsugar: 101gVitamin A: 1115IUVitamin C: 10mgcalcium: 87mgsteel: 2mg

Nutritional information is automatically calculated and should only be used as estimates.

Someone is putting Dr. Pepper BBQ sauce on grilled chicken.Someone is putting Dr. Pepper BBQ sauce on grilled chicken.

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