Homemade Whole30 BBQ Sauce Recipe (Paleo too!) (2024)

This homemade Whole30 BBQ sauce recipe is easy to make and ready in just 10 minutes! Sweetened with dates, it’s the perfect blend of smoky, tangy, and sweet flavors (that’s better than any store bought kind)! Slather it over pulled pork, ribs, or chicken for the best summer BBQ. Paleo and Vegan too!

Homemade Whole30 BBQ Sauce With Dates

Healthy BBQ sauce without high fructose corn syrup, added sugars, artificial coloring and “natural flavors” –yes please!

If you normally buy BBQ sauce at the store, check the ingredients on the bottle. Most brands of BBQ sauce are filled with artificial ingredients and LOADS of sugar. By making your own BBQ sauce at home you are in control of the ingredients and it’s a lot cheaper than buying a store bought Whole30 compliant BBQ sauce.

Your going to love this healthy BBQ sauce as it is the perfect mix of sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors. All you need is a few ingredients and 10 minutes to whip it up at your next outdoor BBQ.

Whole30 & Paleo BBQ Sauce Ingredients:

Since this is whole30 BBQ recipe, I am using all real-food ingredients to make the sauce. You’ll need the following ingredients:

• Tomato sauce: one can of tomato paste gives the sauce a rich tomato base.
  
• Pitted medjool dates: the best natural sweetener for BBQ sauce!
  
• Balsamic vinegar: partners with the dates to add sweetness to the sauce.
  
• Apple cider vinegar: adds the tangy flavor to the sauce.
  
• Spices: A combination of chili powder, paprika, dry mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

How To Make this Healthy BBQ Sauce

This whole30 barbecue sauce is so easy to make! Whip it up in just 10 minutes…

1. Combine ingredients in a saucepan.
   
2. Simmer (not boil!) to soften the dates and thicken the sauce.
   
3. Blend sauce in a food processor or blender for 1-2 minutes.
   
4. Store in a mason jar or airtight container.

Recipe Variations:

Make it your own by customizing the flavors to your taste:

• If you don’t have dates: substitute with 1/2 cup of apple sauce (Whole30 compliant), and skip the blending step. Paleo – substitute with honey or maple syrup. I recommend trying 3-4 tablespoons and adding more if needed.
  
• Make it thicker: Simmer the sauce for a longer amount of time.
  
• Make it smokier: add smoked paprika or chipotle chili powder to taste. You can also add a small amount of liquid smoke. Make sure to choose a brand with just 2 ingredients: water and smoke.
  
• Make it sweeter: add 1-2 more dates (for Whole30 compliant). If paleo you can add more honey or maple syrup.
  
• Make it more tangy: increase the amount of apple cider vinegar. This will add more tartness to the sauce. You can also add dijon or grainy mustard.
  
• Make it spicy: add hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
  

Storing Homemade BBQ Sauce

I store my Whole30 barbecue sauce in 16-ounce mason jars. The jars make it easy to spoon the sauce out whenever the BBQ cravings strike.

These sauce bottles are also a good option if you want a skinnier bottle. They come in a pack of 6 so you can also use them for salad dressings or other sauces.

Store the BBQ sauce in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, and in the freezer for up to 3 months.

More Whole30 Recipes You’ll Love:

• Paleo Sloppy Joes with Sweet Potatoes (Whole30)
• The Best Healthy Sweet and Sour Chicken (Paleo, Whole30)
• Easy Sweet Potato Taco Skillet (Paleo, Whole30)
• Spinach Artichoke Chicken Skillet (Paleo, Whole30, Keto)

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Homemade Whole30 BBQ Sauce Recipe (Paleo)

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• Author: Abbey Blackwell
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 2.5 cups 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This homemade Whole30 BBQ sauce recipe is easy to make and ready in just 10 minutes! Sweetened with dates, it’s the perfect blend of smoky, tangy, and sweet flavors (that’s better than any store bought kind)! Slather it over pulled pork, ribs, or chicken for the best BBQ. Paleo and Vegan too!

Ingredients

Scale

See Also

The Best Polish City Chicken Recipe

• 1 8-ounce can or jar tomato sauce
  
• 1 cup water
• 5 pitted dates
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients into a medium-sized saucepan over low-medium heat. Let the sauce simmer (not boil) for 10 minutes to soften the dates. Move the sauce pan off the burner and let the sauce cool for for about 5 minutes.
2. Transfer the sauce to a food processor or blender and blend until dates are fully combined into the sauce and there are no chunks left, about 1 minute.
3. Pour the BBQ sauce in a mason jar or airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or freezer for 6 months.

Equipment

All-Clad Saucepan

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food processor

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• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Condiment
• Method: Food Processor
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
• Calories: 29
• Sugar: 5.2 g
• Sodium: 139.5 mg
• Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Protein: 0.7 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg

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