BBQ Sauce Bonanza: A Guide to the Best Sauces and What to Pair Them With

  

Barbecue is more than just grilling; it's an art form, and the sauce is your masterpiece. But with so many options, how do you choose the right one? This guide breaks down some of the most popular BBQ sauce styles and what they complement best, so you can achieve BBQ perfection every time.

 

1. Kansas City Style:

 

Description: This is your classic, thick, and sweet BBQ sauce. It's usually tomato-based, with molasses or brown sugar adding sweetness and a blend of spices for depth.

Goes great with: Ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and even as a glaze for chicken.

2. Texas-Style BBQ Sauce:

 

Description: Ketchup-forward and slightly spicy, this Texas-style sauce is full of savory flavor thanks to Worcestershire sauce and cumin.  

Goes great with: Ribs and Brisket

3. Carolina BBQ Sauce:

 

Description: There are actually two main styles here. Eastern Carolina sauce is vinegar-based, tangy, and peppery, while Western Carolina (Lexington dip) adds a touch of tomato for a slightly sweeter flavor.

Goes great with: Pulled pork.

4. South Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce:

 

Description: This simple sauce has only six ingredients and is super easy to make. It's slightly sweet from brown sugar and honey, almost like honey-mustard, and just a touch spicy from cayenne and black pepper.  

Goes great with: Pork

5. Alabama White Sauce:

 

Description: This is a mayonnaise-based sauce with a tangy kick from vinegar and horseradish. It's creamy, peppery, and unique.

Goes great with: Smoked chicken, pulled pork, and even as a dipping sauce for fries.

6. Memphis BBQ Sauce:

 

Description: The secret to this sweet and tangy sauce is molasses!

Goes great with: Ribs

7. Honey BBQ Glaze:

 

Description: This sauce is made with Honey and Bourbon

Goes great with: Chicken lollipops, grilled salmon, turkey legs

8. Honey Chipotle BBQ Sauce:

 

Description: Smoky, spicy, and unforgettable. Chipotle BBQ sauce combines traditional BBQ flavors with the heat of chipotle peppers.

Goes great with ribs, brisket, or also slathering on pulled pork sandwiches.

9. Sriracha BBQ Sauce:

 

Description: Combines smoky BBQ flavors with sriracha's fiery kick.

Goes great with: Wings, ribs, or also use it as a marinade

10. Bourbon Mop Sauce

 

Description: Tangy, sweet, and smoky, it's infused with bourbon's warmth

Goes great with salmon or ribs

No matter what your preference, there's a BBQ sauce out there for you. Don't be afraid to experiment and find your perfect pairing!