Ken’s Cannonball BBQ Sauce Recipe

Cannonball BBQ Sauce Recipe delivers bold, smoky, sweet heat that clings beautifully to grilled meats. My Cooking Addiction led me to craft this sauce many times, each batch more delicious than the last.

The richness of molasses, the tang of vinegar, and deep spices create an unforgettable flavor. I’ve made it often, tweaking the heat and smoke to fit each dish.

Some versions included a splash of apple cider vinegar or a pinch of cayenne. Now I’ll walk you through each step so you can create your own signature version at home.

Cannonball BBQ Sauce Recipe

Cannonball BBQ Sauce Recipe is a thick, rich, and flavorful sauce packed with deep smoky sweetness and a balanced tang. Made with tomato paste, molasses, vinegar, brown sugar, and bold spices, it brings out the best in grilled and roasted dishes.

The texture is smooth and glossy, ideal for brushing over meats or using as a dipping sauce. Slow-simmered to intensify the flavors, this homemade recipe avoids preservatives and artificial ingredients.

Whether used on chicken, ribs, pulled pork, or vegetables, it delivers a bold, homemade taste that enhances every bite.

How To Prepare Cannonball BBQ Sauce Recipe?

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Course: Sauce / Condiment

Cuisine: American

Difficulty: Easy

Yield: 3 cups of sauce

Equipment Needed

• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Airtight glass jar or container for storage
• Spoon or spatula

Ingredients

• 1 cup tomato paste
• ½ cup molasses
• ½ cup distilled white vinegar
• ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• 1½ cups water
• 2 tablespoons modified potato starch (or cornstarch as a substitute)
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 2 teaspoons natural smoke flavor (or 1 teaspoon liquid smoke)
• 1 tablespoon mustard flour (or ground mustard)
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (with blended garlic and salt if available)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

How To Make Cannonball BBQ Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Base

Add tomato paste, molasses, vinegar, brown sugar, and water to a medium saucepan. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and everything blends together.

Step 2: Add Seasonings

Stir in the salt, mustard flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and black pepper. Mix well so the spices are evenly spread through the sauce.

Step 3: Add Thickener and Smoke

Sprinkle in the potato starch (or cornstarch) and whisk right away to avoid lumps. Stir in the natural smoke flavor or liquid smoke for that rich, smoky taste.

Step 4: Simmer the Sauce

Set the pan over medium heat. Let it slowly come to a simmer, stirring now and then so it doesn’t stick or burn at the bottom.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

Keep it simmering for about 15–20 minutes, or until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Step 6: Cool and Store

Take the pan off the heat and let the sauce cool to room temperature. Pour it into a clean jar or bottle with a tight lid, then store it in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Nutrition Facts Of Cannonball BBQ Sauce Recipe

Nutrition	Amounts
Calories	65
Total Fat	0g
Sodium	350mg
Total Carbohydrates	16g
Sugars	13g
Protein	0g
Cholesterol	0mg

Why My Cannonball BBQ Sauce Recipe Works

This Cannonball BBQ Sauce Recipe works because it builds flavor in layers, using real ingredients that balance sweet, tangy, smoky, and spicy notes.

Tomato paste forms a rich base, molasses and brown sugar add depth and sweetness, while vinegar brings acidity that cuts through the richness.

The combination of mustard flour, paprika, garlic, and chili powder enhances complexity, and the natural smoke flavor ties everything together with an authentic BBQ taste.

Modified potato starch gives it that smooth, clingy texture without lumps. Every ingredient has a purpose nothing is wasted, and the result is bold, consistent, and crowd-pleasing every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this Cannonball BBQ Sauce recipe because it combines bold smoky flavors with a perfect balance of sweetness and tang.

The ingredients come together effortlessly to create a thick, rich sauce that clings beautifully to meats and vegetables. Its homemade nature means no artificial additives, offering a fresh and natural taste every time.

This Cannonball BBQ Sauce Recipe is simple to follow, allowing even beginners to make a delicious sauce that elevates any meal. The versatility and depth of flavor make it a go-to for BBQ lovers everywhere.

Serving Suggestions

1. Grilled BBQ Chicken: Brush generously over grilled chicken breasts or drumsticks during the last few minutes of grilling. The sugars will caramelize beautifully and create a delicious crust.

2. BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches: Mix the sauce into shredded pork for an irresistible pulled pork sandwich. Serve on toasted brioche buns with coleslaw.

3. Burger Topping: Skip the ketchup and use this BBQ sauce as a burger topping. It adds a smoky-sweet punch to beef or veggie burgers.

4. BBQ Meatballs: Toss homemade or store-bought meatballs in this sauce and heat them through in a skillet. Serve as appetizers or over rice.

5. BBQ Cauliflower Bites: For a vegetarian option, toss roasted cauliflower florets in the sauce and finish under the broiler for a few minutes. Perfect as a party snack or meatless main.

Expert Tips And Tricks For Make

➢ Before adding liquids, lightly toast the dry spices in the saucepan for 30–60 seconds. This intensifies their flavor and adds depth to the finished sauce.

➢ Keep the heat low and simmer gently. Rushing the cooking process can burn the sugars and mute the flavors. Slow simmering lets the sauce thicken naturally and blend evenly.

➢ Taste as you go. Start with less brown sugar or molasses, then build up. This lets you control the sweetness to suit your taste or your dish.

➢ For an ultra-smooth and professional finish, use an immersion blender or standard blender after simmering to fully emulsify the sauce.

➢ After cooking, let the sauce cool and sit for at least an hour preferably overnight in the fridge. This allows the flavors to deepen and meld beautifully.

Storage Instructions

Allow the Cannonball BBQ Sauce Recipe to cool completely before transferring it to a clean, airtight container or glass jar. Store the sauce in the refrigerator, where it will keep fresh for up to two weeks.

Always use a clean spoon when scooping out the sauce to prevent contamination. If the sauce thickens too much after refrigeration, stir in a small amount of water and gently warm it before serving.

For longer storage, the Cannonball BBQ Sauce Recipe can be frozen in airtight containers for up to three months just thaw in the fridge overnight before use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Making this Cannonball BBQ Sauce Recipe was a real pleasure, and I’m excited to share my experience with you.

The Cannonball BBQ Sauce Recipe is simple to follow, and the result is a delicious, flavorful sauce that enhances any meal.

I loved how easy it was to prepare, and the taste exceeded my expectations. I hope you try this recipe soon and enjoy it as much as I did.

This Cannonball BBQ Sauce Recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen just like it did in mine!

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