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Whether you’re a fan of Eastern North Carolina’s vinegar-based sauce or the sweeter, tomato-kissed Western style, this finger-licking-good NC barbecue sauce brings the best of both worlds! Bold, thick, and tangy with a hint of subtle sweetness and spice, this Carolina BBQ Sauce is a must-have for any barbecue enthusiast. Perfect on everything from pulled pork, ribs and meatloaf, to chicken, veggies and more, this homemade recipe will have you skipping the store-bought stuff for good.

“The Carolina BBQ Sauce recipe took me back to my childhood and family reunion Hog roasts. What wonderful memories! I am making it again today. Thank you for sharing!”

– LUANN
Overhead photo of Carolina BBQ sauce in a small white sauce pan with a wooden spoon of sauce resting on the top of the pan.

Update: This recipe for Carolina barbecue sauce was originally published in May 2019. I made updates to the article below to include more information about making this easy recipe at home.

Hi, friends! Being a Carolinian, I am obsessed with our regional barbecue sauces. From Eastern Carolina Vinegar Sauce and Western Carolina Lexington sauce to South Carolina Mustard sauce – I absolutely love them all. However, as much as I adore them each individually, I love them even more COMBINED. And that is exactly what I’m sharing today—this trifecta of yum is my personal favorite:

Table of Contents

About this Carolina BBQ sauce recipe

If you’re looking for a bold, crowd-pleasing bbq sauce so delicious the flavors will make your tastebuds dance, you’ve found it, friends! With the ideal blend of tangy Eastern and sweeter Western NC styles, this sauce will bring the best of both worlds to your grill.

Imagine: a ketchup and vinegar-forward base, balanced with sweet brown sugar, a hint of vibrant mustard, a touch of umami-rich Worcestershire, and a pinch of spicy red pepper flakes. The ingredients create the most mouth-wateringly delicious sauce that beautifully clings to pulled pork, pork chops, chicken, ribs, roasted veggies, and more. Silky and perfectly pourable, this homemade barbecue sauce is the ideal multi-purpose condiment. And, it’s perfect for all your marinating, drizzling, glazing, mopping, dipping, slathering, and smothering needs.

Best of all, it’s quick and simple to make (about 20 minutes!), and requires pantry staples you probably already have hanging around the pantry. 

Why you’ll love this recipe

  • Harmonious Flavors. The perfect marriage of apple cider vinegar and ketchup offers a tangy-sweet punch, while brown sugar adds richness, mustard introduces a subtle sharpness, worcestershire lends depth, and spices like red pepper flakes provide a gentle heat.
  • Wonderfully Versatile. This NC sauce isn’t just for pork; it’s equally delightful on chicken, beef, veggies, or even as a dipping sauce for french fries.
  • Ridiculously Quick and Easy: With just a few pantry staples and 5 minutes prep time, you can whip up a batch of this flavorful sauce. Juse toss everything in a saucepan, simmer, and boom—you’re done.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly. This barbecue sauce actually tastes better if you allow it to sit for a few hours or overnight in the fridge. It gives the flavors an opportunity to marry and meld.
Overhead photo of ketchup, vinegar, mustard, brown sugar, and seasonings in a large white saucepan.

What is NC BBQ sauce?

North Carolina BBQ sauce is a southern-style barbeque sauce. While most BBQ sauces are ketchup and molasses based, Carolina sauce is made with a base of vinegar and mustard.

What’s it taste like?

Carolina barbeque sauce is thick and tangy with a very subtle sweetness. While Midwest and southwest style barbeque sauces contain a good amount of sugar and are sweet in taste, Carolina barbeque sauces contains very little sugar which results in a sour, tangier flavor.

Is it sweet?

Carolina barbecue sauce is very subtly sweet in taste. While other regional barbecue sauces contain a high amount of sugar, this southern-style sauce contains a scant ¼ cup dark brown sugar.

Ingredients for carolina barbecue sauce

  • Apple Cider Vinegar. You’ll need a cup of ACV to bring that traditional bold Carolina tangy flavor.
  • Ketchup. Lends sweetness and body. I recommend natural ketchup made with minimal additives.
  • Dark Brown Sugar. Balances the acidity with rich, caramel-like sweetness.
  • Yellow Mustard.  Provides that classic tang and contributes to the iconic color.
  • Worcestershire Sauce. For complexity and umami.
  • Hot Sauce. I prefer Texas Pete’s hot sauce here. However, your favorite hot sauce will work too.
  • Kosher Salt and Ground Black Pepper. To enhance all the delicious flavors.
  • Crushed Red Pepper Flakes. While optional, I recommend adding at least a pinch of pepper flakes to this carolina barbecue sauce recipe for a subtle depth of heat.

Recipe variations

  • Spicier Sauce. If you prefer a bbq sauce with a little heat, add cayenne pepper to the mixture.
  • Smoky BBQ Sauce. I love adding a bit of barbecue seasoning or smoked paprika to this NC barbecue sauce for a savory, smoky flavor. However, a couple drops of liquid smoke will work too.
  • Sweeter Version. Simply increase the brown sugar if you prefer a sweet style NC sauce.
  • Aromatic Touch. You can easily enhance this nc barbecue sauce recipe with a couple shakes of garlic powder and onion powder for an aromatic depth. 
  • Carolina Gold: Swap half the ketchup for more yellow mustard and add a couple dollops of honey for a South Carolina twist.
Overhead photo of NC BBQ sauce in a small saucepan.

How to make Carolina BBQ Sauces

This recipe for Carolina-style barbecue sauce is economical and incredibly easy to make at home. It’s literally as simple as dump, whisk, simmer, and enjoy:

  1. Combine Ingredients. To a medium sauce pan, add the apple cider vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Then grab a whisk and vigorously stir the ingredients to combine.
  2. Simmer Barbecue Sauce. Next, bring the sauce mixture to rapid simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, immediately reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Then, let the sauce simmer, whisking occasionally, for 15-18 minutes or until it’s thickened and glossy.
  3. Adjust Taste, Enjoy. Grab a spoon and give the BBQ sauce a taste and adjust it to suit your tastebuds. Then use this nc barbecue sauce recipe as desired or store for use at a later.

Chef expert tips for perfect results every time!

  • Quality Brand Ingredients. NC BBQ sauce will only be as delicious as the ingredients you use! Make sure you use good-quality ketchup and vinegar. And, don’t skip the worcestershire for the most beautifully flavored sauce.
  • Simmer Gently. Don’t rush the simmering process—let the flavors slowly meld for a richer, more carolina barbecue sauce recipe.
  • Customize it. Recipes are written to be general, so I encourage you to make this sauce your own. Or at least adjust the flavors to suit YOUR taste buds. Onion powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika are all optional ingredients; however, they will make your sauce very robust in flavor. 
  • Make it Ahead. Homemade barbecue sauces get even better after a day in the fridge—perfect for prepping before a big cookout.
  • But, Cool Before Storing: Let the sauce cool to room temperature before transferring to a jar. 
  • Whisk Before Using: Some separation is natural during storage; just give it a good whisk before serving the sauce.
Angled photo of Carolina BBQ sauce in a small white sauce pan with a wooden spoon of sauce off to the side.

FAQs: frequently asked questions

Below you’ll find the most common questions and answers about making this nc barbecue sauce recipe. However, if you have a question you’d like answered, please drop it in the comments section below!

What are the styles of Carolina sauce?

American barbeque is all about low and slow cooked proteins and complimentary, signature sauces. Most regions have their own style of barbeque sauce, ranging from thick and tomato-based to thinner and vinegar-based.

There are three BBQ sauces specific to the Carolinas:

  • Eastern North Carolina Vinegar BBQ Sauce. This traditional vinegar-based sauce is pretty bare bones and contains no tomato products. Instead, it combines vinegar, hot sauce, and spices to create a sauce that’s thinner in consistency than ‘traditional’ BBQ sauce. Tangy and spicy in taste, this barbecue sauce perfectly complements the smokiness of barbequed pork.
  • South Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce. This traditional mustard-based sauce, also known as ‘Carolina Gold’, contains a mixture of both yellow mustard and vinegar as well as seasonings. Gold BBQ sauce is rich, tangy, and zingy in flavor which pairs well with sweet and smoky pulled pork.
  • Western North Carolina. Also known as Lexington-style or Piedmont, this bbq sauce is vinegar-based and seasoned with ketchup, red pepper flakes, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and spices. Essentially, Western Carolina sauce is thicker and a bit sweeter in taste than its Eastern counterpart. It also pairs well with pork shoulder.

This Carolina-style BBQ sauce recipe is a delicious combination that pays homage to all three of the above BBQ sauces!

Can I make this Carolina BBQ sauce recipe sugar-free?

You sure can; however, please note you’ll lose the traditional taste of nc barbecue sauce. To make this barbeque sauce low in sugar simply use a natural, sugar-free ketchup and swap the brown sugar out for your preferred sweetener substitute.

How to thicken Carolina style BBQ sauce?

While this carolina barbecue sauce recipe has plenty of body, there are ways to thicken the sauce without affecting the flavor if desired!

  • To naturally thicken sauce – Allow the sauce to simmer for a longer period of time than the 15-18 minutes stated in the recipe.
  • Add a slurry – Mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and add it to the sauce. Make sure you whisk the cornstarch mixture into the sauce and allow the barbeque sauce to cook over a rapid simmer until the sauce has thickened.

Is this bbq sauce gluten free?

Yes, this Homemade Carolina sauce is gluten free.

Side note:  Most ketchup brands are gluten-free. However, if you’re someone with a gluten intolerance or celiac disease, make sure you double check your ketchup bottle to make sure the label clearly states “gluten-free”.

Can I use this sauce on other meats?

Most definitely! This recipe for Carolina BBQ sauce is excellent on pretty much everything: pork, chicken, beef, tofu, shrimp, salmon, and even grilled vegetables.

Action photo of Carolina barbecue sauce being poured over pulled pork.

Serving nc barbecue sauce

Common serving suggestions

  • Over Pulled Pork. Generously drizzle barbecue sauce over pulled pork sandwiches with spicy cabbage slaw for an authentic Carolina pork sammie that’s rich, tangy, subtly spicy and perfectly sweet. 
  • With Chicken. Either brush the sauce on chicken just before pulling off the grill, or mix it into shredded chicken for a quick and easy sandwich or wrap.
  • As a Dipping Sauce. Use this carolina barbecue sauce recipe for dipping fries, chicken tenders, the best cajun wings, mcd chicken nuggets, or even prepared and cooked crab legs. 
  • Rib Glaze. Slather oven cooked pork ribs with BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of cooking for a bold, flavorful punch.

Unique serving ideas

  • Spread on Burgers. Spread a thin layer of nc bbq sauce on a burger bun before adding your ground hamburger patty or veggie bean burger and toppings for a sweet and spicy Carolina kick.
  • Toss with Cooked Veggies. Drizzle over roasted sweet potatoes and roasted brussels, or toss it with grilled veggies like cauliflower steaks for a saucy Southern twist.
  • Use as a Marinade. Try the sauce as a marinade with oil to infuse proteins (think: peel and eat shrimp, tofu, chicken) with bold flavor.
  • Make BBQ Pizza. Cover pizza dough with a generous amount of carolina sauce, shredded rotisserie chicken, diced red onions, gouda cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Then bake until the pizza is cooked through and finish with cilantro for a delicious pizza night at home. 
  • On ALL Your BBQ Favorites. Simply use this nc barbecue sauce recipe in all your favorite recipes that call for barbecue sauce. I love adding it to these little sausages, hot dog onions, and baked bean recipes.

Storing leftovers

  • Refrigerator Storage. Allow the carolina barbecue sauce to cool to room temperature before storing in an airtight jar, mason jar, or container in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.
  • Freezing Instructions. After you allow this nc barbecue sauce recipe to cool to room temperature, pour it into a freezer-safe container, leaving a little head space for expansion. Then store in the freezer for up to 3 months. 
  • Reheating. If the sauce was frozen, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Then, reheat the sauce gently over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warm throughout. Alternatively, you can microwave the cause in short bursts.
Straight on photo of a Carolina pulled pork sandwich with barbecue sauce, coleslaw, and sliced jalapeños.

With a delightful blend of tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors, this nc barbecue sauce recipe is guaranteed to elevate all your barbecue favorites—and more! Easy and fuss-free to make, it’s the most delicious way to bring a little southern charm to your plate.

Until next week, friends, cheers! To gettin’ scrumptiously saucy!

Cheyanne

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Overhead photo of Carolina BBQ sauce in a white saucepan with a spoon for stirring next to the pan.

Carolina BBQ Sauce

4.90 from 19 votes
Author: Cheyanne Holzworth
Total Time: 20 minutes
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Whether you're a fan of Eastern North Carolina's vinegar-based sauce or the sweeter, tomato-kissed Western style, this finger-licking-good NC barbecue sauce brings the best of both worlds! Bold, thick, and tangy with a hint of subtle sweetness and spice, this Carolina BBQ Sauce is a must-have for any barbecue enthusiast. Perfect on everything from pulled pork, ribs and meatloaf, to chicken, veggies and more, this homemade recipe will have you skipping the store-bought stuff for good.

Equipment

  • 1 Medium Saucepan
  • 1 Whisk

Ingredients 

Instructions

  • Combine All BBQ Sauce Ingredients: To a medium size saucepan add the vinegar, ketchup, sugar, mustard, Worcestershire hot sauce, kosher salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
    Grab a whisk and vigorously stir the ingredients well until thoroughly combined.
  • Simmer Barbecue Sauce: Place the pan on the stovetop over medium heat and bring to a rapid simmer or slow boil.
    Once rapidly simmering, immediately reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
    Let the Carolina sauce cook, whisking occasionally, until the sauce is glossy and thickened, about 16-18 minutes.
  • Adjust Sauce to Suit Your Taste: Remove the barbecue sauce from the heat. Grab a spoon and give the sauce a taste and adjust for seasoning to suit your preferences.
  • Use or Store Carolina BBQ Sauce: Allow to cool to room temperature before enjoying with pork, chicken, ribs, sandwiches – all your barbecue favorites!
    Or, cool the sauce to room temperature, transfer to an airtight container, and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

  • Robust Flavor. I tried to keep this barbecue sauce as simple as possible. However, if you’re looking for aromatic flavor, garlic powder and onion powder are fantastic additions. I also like to add a little smoked paprika for a smoky depth. 
  • Need to Scale the Recipe? Hover your mouse over the number of servings in the recipe card. You’ll see a sliding scale pop up, you can use that to scale the recipe up or down as needed.
  • Got questions? I’ve got answers! If you ever run into an issue, have a question, or need any clarification – please feel free to drop them in the comments section. I’m happy to help when I can!
  • Yield: Approximately 1 1/2 Cups
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and the nutrition facts are an estimate based upon 6 servings. Exact information will depend upon the brands of ingredients and precise measurements used.

Nutrition

Calories: 78kcal    Carbohydrates: 18g    Protein: 0.5g    Fat: 0.1g    Saturated Fat: 0.02g    Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g    Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g    Sodium: 749mg    Potassium: 158mg    Fiber: 0.3g    Sugar: 16g    Vitamin A: 209IU    Vitamin C: 2mg    Calcium: 21mg    Iron: 0.5mg
Course: Condiment, Sauce
Cuisine: American

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Overhead photo of Carolina barbecue sauce in a small white saucepan with a wooden spoon resting on the pan.