I’m always excited to create new recipes, and I have years of experience in recipe development. While making this Ghost Chili BBQ Sauce, I’ve added a few new touches that make it even more flavorful and modern.
The thrill of experimenting with ingredients and flavors allows me to constantly evolve my cooking. In this Ghost Chili BBQ Sauce, I’ve combined traditional BBQ sauce elements with the fiery heat of ghost chilies, creating a bold and unique sauce.
I’m here to guide you through the process of making this Ghost Chili BBQ Sauce, so you can also enjoy the experience of crafting something delicious and exciting in your own kitchen.
Why We Love This Recipe
We love this Ghost Chili BBQ Sauce because it delivers the perfect combination of intense heat and rich, smoky flavor.
The ghost peppers give it an exciting kick, while the balance of sweet and tangy ingredients like brown sugar, molasses, and vinegar creates a complex, mouthwatering taste.
Whether it’s slathered on grilled meats, used as a dip, or added to your favorite dishes, this sauce takes everything to the next level.
It’s bold, versatile, and guaranteed to add a fiery twist to any meal, making it an absolute favorite for spice lovers.
How To Prepare Ghost Chili BBQ Sauce?
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Cuisine: American
Course: Condiment
Calories: 60
Yield: Approximately 2 cups
Equipment Needed
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Wooden Spoon
- Blender or Immersion Blender
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder or 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for added sweetness)
- 2-3 ghost peppers, seeds removed and finely chopped (adjust based on your spice tolerance)
Instructions
1. Heat a small amount of oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
2. Carefully add the finely chopped ghost peppers. Sauté for 1–2 minutes, letting the heat and flavor release.
3. Stir in the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, molasses, ground ginger, black pepper, salt, and honey (optional).
4. Reduce heat to low. Simmer the sauce for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and the flavors meld.
5. Remove from heat. Use an immersion blender in the saucepan or transfer to a blender. Blend until smooth.
6. Let the sauce cool to room temperature. Pour into a clean jar or bottle and refrigerate. Keeps for up to 2 weeks.

Serving Suggestions
✤ Grilled Meats: Brush over ribs, chicken, or pork during the last few minutes of grilling.
✤ Dipping Sauce: Serve alongside fries, onion rings, or grilled vegetables.
✤ Sandwich Spread: Add a spicy kick to burgers or pulled pork sandwiches.
Expert Tips For The Best Ghost Chili BBQ Sauce
➢ Control the Heat: Start with one ghost pepper and taste before adding more—ghost peppers are extremely hot, and a little goes a long way.
➢ Balance the Flavors: If the sauce turns out too spicy, balance it with extra molasses or honey to tame the heat without losing flavor.
➢ Simmer Slowly: Low and slow cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully—don’t rush it!
➢ Strain for Smoothness: For an ultra-silky texture, strain the sauce through a fine mesh sieve after blending.
➢ Double the Batch: This sauce stores well in the fridge and tastes even better after a day or two—make extra to have on hand for grilling season.
Storage And Shelf Life
Store the Ghost Chili BBQ Sauce in a clean, airtight glass jar or bottle in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 2 weeks.
For longer shelf life, you can freeze portions in small containers or ice cube trays for up to 3 months. Always use a clean spoon to scoop it out to prevent contamination.
(FAQs) About Ghost Chili BBQ Sauce
How spicy is ghost chili BBQ sauce?
It’s very spicy! Ghost peppers are among the hottest in the world, so even a small amount brings serious heat. Adjust to your tolerance.
Can I use dried ghost peppers instead of fresh?
Yes, you can. Just soak them in hot water for 10–15 minutes to rehydrate before adding to the recipe.
Is it safe to taste while cooking?
Only taste a tiny bit and do so carefully—ghost chili fumes can be intense. Let it cool slightly before sampling.
Can I make it less spicy?
Absolutely. Use only one pepper or remove the seeds and inner membranes, which contain most of the heat.
What dishes pair best with this sauce?
It’s amazing on grilled meats, burgers, pulled pork, or even as a fiery dip for fries and nuggets.
Conclusion
Making this Ghost Chili BBQ Sauce has been an easy success, and I’m very pleased with how it turned out. The balance between heat and sweetness is just right, and it adds a bold flavor to everything it touches.
I hope you find this recipe as enjoyable to create and taste as I did. It’s a great way to bring a fiery twist to your meals, and I’m excited to see how it works in your kitchen.
I look forward to continuing my journey of creating new recipes, and I hope this one becomes a favorite of yours too.
More BBQ Sauce Recipes You’ll Love
Buffalo Wild Wings Honey BBQ Sauce || Homemade
Fireball BBQ Sauce – Perfect Spicy
Competition BBQ Sauce – Champion’s Choice
Cherry Bomb BBQ Sauce || Spicy Flavors
Bourbon Honey BBQ Sauce – Sweet & Smoky

Ghost Chili BBQ Sauce
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon
- Blender or immersion blender
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder or 1 medium onion chopped
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon honey optional, for added sweetness
- 2-3 ghost peppers seeds removed and finely chopped (adjust based on your spice tolerance)
Instructions
- Heat a small amount of oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Carefully add the finely chopped ghost peppers. Sauté for 1–2 minutes, letting the heat and flavor release.
- Stir in the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, molasses, ground ginger, black pepper, salt, and honey (optional).
- Reduce heat to low. Simmer the sauce for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and the flavors meld.
- Remove from heat. Use an immersion blender in the saucepan or transfer to a blender. Blend until smooth.
- Let the sauce cool