by Chris Johns | Updated: September 20, 2024

When it comes to barbecue sauce, nothing quite matches the unique flavor of a Dr Pepper BBQ sauce. This Texas-inspired recipe combines the rich, complex flavors of Dr Pepper with classic barbecue ingredients to create a sauce that’s sure to be the star of your next cookout. If you love experimenting with barbecue flavors, you’ll think this Dr Pepper barbecue sauce is just what you need to elevate your grilling game.

Why Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce?

Dr Pepper, born in Waco, Texas in the 1880s, has long been a secret ingredient in many Lone Star State barbecue recipes. Its unique blend of 23 flavors adds depth and sweetness to barbecue sauce, creating a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and spicy notes that complement a wide variety of grilled meats. This homemade Dr Pepper BBQ sauce recipe will really make you think twice about store-bought alternatives.

The Magic of Dr Pepper in BBQ Sauce

The carbonation in Dr Pepper helps tenderize meat, while its sweet and spicy notes enhance the overall flavor profile of the sauce. When you simmer Dr Pepper, it creates a rich, syrupy base that blends perfectly with traditional BBQ sauce ingredients. The brown sugar in Dr Pepper caramelizes beautifully, adding depth to your homemade barbecue sauce.

Versatility of Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce

This sauce isn’t just for ribs or brisket. Here are some creative ways to use your homemade Dr Pepper BBQ sauce:

1. Brush it on grilled chicken for a sweet and tangy glaze
2. Use it as a dipping sauce for sweet potato wedges
3. Add it to pulled pork for an extra flavor kick
4. Spread it on a burger for a unique twist
5. Use it as a base for BBQ chicken pizza

You’ll love how versatile this sauce is – it’s just as good in a restaurant-style dish as it is at a backyard barbecue.

Tips for Perfecting Your Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce

1. Use regular Dr Pepper, not diet, for the best flavor and consistency.
2. For a smoother sauce, whisk the mixture thoroughly while cooking.
3. Adjust the sweetness or heat to your liking by adding more brown sugar or cayenne pepper.
4. Let the sauce simmer until it reaches your desired thickness – it will continue to thicken as it cools.
5. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks for optimal freshness.

Making this Dr Pepper barbecue sauce is really easy. Just combine the ingredients, simmer, and whisk occasionally. You’ll think it’s just as simple as opening a bottle of store-bought sauce, but with much better flavor!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use Diet Dr Pepper in this BBQ sauce recipe?
A: While you can use Diet Dr Pepper, regular Dr Pepper is recommended for the best flavor and consistency due to its sugar content.

Q: Is Dr Pepper BBQ sauce spicy?
A: This recipe has a mild heat from the black pepper and optional cayenne. You can easily adjust the spiciness to your liking.

Q: Where can I buy Dr Pepper BBQ sauce?
A: While some specialty stores and restaurants might carry a pre-made version, making your own at home is easy and allows you to customize the flavors to your taste.

Q: How long does homemade Dr Pepper BBQ sauce last?
A: When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this sauce will last up to 2 weeks.

This Dr Pepper BBQ sauce recipe is a perfect way to bring a taste of Texas to your backyard barbecue. Its unique flavor profile will have your guests asking for your secret ingredient. So fire up the grill, whisk up a batch of this delicious sauce, and get ready to elevate your BBQ game!

For more barbecue tips and recipes, check out our guide on how to grill the perfect Texas-style steak to complement your Dr Pepper BBQ sauce. You’ll love how this homemade barbecue sauce pairs with a perfectly grilled steak!

Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce Recipe

Chris Johns

A sweet and tangy BBQ sauce with the unique flavor of Dr Pepper, perfect for grilling and dipping.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Condiment, Sauce

Cuisine American, Texan

Servings 16 (2 cups)

Calories 42 kcal

Equipment

• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Mason jar (for storage)

Ingredients

  

• 12 oz Dr Pepper
• 1 cup ketchup
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

 

• In a medium saucepan, combine all ingredients and whisk until well mixed.
• Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring frequently.
• Reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
• Remove from heat and let cool. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
• Once cooled, transfer to a clean mason jar or airtight container.

Notes

• Use regular Dr Pepper, not diet, for the best flavor and consistency.
• For a smoother sauce, blend the cooled mixture in a food processor or blender.
• Adjust the sweetness or heat to your liking by adding more brown sugar or cayenne pepper.
• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Keywords bbq sauce, Dr Pepper, grilling, homemade sauce

Chris Johns is the founder of BBQ Report® and has been an avid barbecue fan for over 20 years. His mission is to make grilling and smoking the best food possible easy for everyone. And each year, he continues to help more people with grilling, smoking, and barbecue recipe recommendations.