Dreamland BBQ Sauce Recipe is a flavorful, tangy sauce that combines the perfect balance of sweetness, acidity, and spice, making it a must-have for any BBQ lover.
Inspired by the rich flavors of Southern BBQ traditions, this sauce is the perfect complement to grilled meats, from tender ribs to juicy burgers and crispy chicken.
The combination of tomato puree, apple cider vinegar, mustard, and a mix of spices like chili powder and cayenne gives this sauce a bold, smoky depth that enhances the natural flavors of grilled foods.
I first made this Dreamland BBQ Sauce recipe after tasting it at a family BBQ. The sauce was so flavorful and unique that I couldn’t resist recreating it at home.
The occasion was a backyard cookout for friends and family, and I wanted to make a BBQ sauce that would impress everyone. The result? A sauce that quickly became the favorite of all the guests, from the kids to the adults.
Whether slathered on ribs or served as a dipping sauce, Dreamland BBQ Sauce Recipe brought everyone together, making it a staple at future BBQs.
Why You’ll Love Dreamland BBQ Sauce Recipe
Dreamland BBQ Sauce Recipe is renowned for its balance of bold flavors: a sweet and tangy base with a hint of heat.
It’s versatile enough to be used as a marinade, basting sauce, or dip. This easy-to-make recipe will make your backyard BBQ feel like a professional pitmaster’s creation, even if you’re a beginner.
Not only is it mouthwateringly delicious, but this BBQ sauce also offers flexibility for different types of meats and grilling methods.
It’s quick to whip up, so you can prepare it in advance for your next family gathering or barbecue feast.
Recipe Preparation Details
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Course: Sauce, Condiment
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: Southern, BBQ
Calories: Approximately 40-50 calories per 2-tablespoon serving
Yield: About 3 cups of BBQ sauce
Ingredients
- 28 ounces tomato puree
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/3 cup prepared yellow mustard
- 1/4 cup dark corn syrup
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon dry mustard
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, adjust for heat level)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients
In a medium saucepan, combine the tomato puree, apple cider vinegar, dark brown sugar, honey, lemon juice, yellow mustard, and dark corn syrup. Stir the mixture together over medium heat until the ingredients are well combined.
Step 2: Add the Spices
Once the base ingredients are blended, add the chili powder, dry mustard, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the saucepan. Stir the sauce well to incorporate all of the spices evenly.
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce
Add water to the mixture, and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally to make sure the sauce doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce simmer for about 25-30 minutes, allowing it to thicken and the flavors to meld together.
Step 4: Adjust Consistency
Check the sauce’s consistency. If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a little longer. For a thinner sauce, you can add a little more water until you achieve your desired texture.
Step 5: Cool and Store
Once the sauce has thickened and the flavors have developed, remove it from the heat. Allow it to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, store the BBQ sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
What Goes Well With Dreamland Bbq Sauce Recipe?
If you’re wondering what foods pair best with Dreamland BBQ Sauce, here are a few ideas to make your next BBQ feast truly unforgettable:
➤ Grilled Chicken: The tangy sweetness of the sauce complements grilled chicken perfectly, whether it’s drumsticks, thighs, or wings.
➤ Ribs: Dreamland BBQ Sauce is a classic choice for slathering on tender, smoky ribs. It’ll caramelize beautifully, giving the ribs a rich, glossy coating.
➤ Pulled Pork: Make your pulled pork sandwiches even more irresistible by adding a generous drizzle of this sauce.
➤ Grilled Vegetables: Don’t forget about your veggie side dishes! Dreamland BBQ Sauce works well on grilled corn, zucchini, and even roasted potatoes.
Tips And Variations
1. For Extra Heat
If you like your BBQ sauce with a spicy kick, add more cayenne pepper or even a small amount of chili flakes. You can also mix in some hot sauce for a more complex heat profile.
2. Add Fresh Herbs
For a unique twist, try adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to your sauce as it simmers. It gives the sauce a fragrant, earthy undertone that can complement many grilled meats.
3. Sweeten with Honey
If you prefer a slightly sweeter sauce, you can replace some of the brown sugar with honey or agave syrup for a more natural sweetness.
4. Smoky Flavor Boost
If you don’t have smoked paprika, you can substitute it with a dash of liquid smoke to achieve that authentic smoky flavor.
Proper Storage
For proper storage, allow the BBQ sauce to cool completely before transferring it into an airtight container, such as a jar or bottle. Store it in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks.
Be sure to label the container with the date it was made. If the sauce thickens over time, simply warm it up with a little water to reach your desired consistency.
More Amazing BBQ Sauce Recipes
Cattleman’s BBQ Sauce Recipe – A Flavor Explosion
Cranberry BBQ Sauce Recipe – Tangy and Sweet
Homemade Chick-fil-A BBQ Sauce Recipe
Canned Peach BBQ Sauce Recipe – Easy & Best
BWW Honey BBQ Sauce Recipe – Top All
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I adjust the sweetness of the BBQ sauce?
Yes, you can adjust the sweetness by adding more honey or dark brown sugar to taste. If you prefer a less sweet sauce, simply reduce the amount of sugar or honey.
Can I make this BBQ sauce spicier?
Absolutely! You can increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add some hot sauce to enhance the heat. Start with small increments to avoid making it too spicy.
Can I use a different type of vinegar?
While apple cider vinegar is recommended for its tangy flavor, you can substitute it with white vinegar or red wine vinegar if needed. Keep in mind this may slightly alter the flavor profile.
How can I thicken the BBQ sauce if it’s too runny?
If the sauce is too thin, you can simmer it for a longer time to reduce the liquid and thicken it. Alternatively, you can add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water and cook for a few more minutes.
Can I freeze the BBQ sauce for later use?
Yes, you can freeze the BBQ sauce. Simply allow it to cool completely, then store it in an airtight freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before use.
Conclusion
This Dreamland BBQ Sauce recipe has quickly become my go-to for BBQ nights, and I know it will be a hit for you too.
Dreamland BBQ Sauce Recipe easy to make, requires only a handful of ingredients, and the result is a rich, flavorful sauce that will elevate any dish you serve it with.
I love how simple yet powerful this Dreamland BBQ Sauce Recipe is, and the best part is that you can control the flavors to suit your preferences.
I can’t wait to hear how you like it. Let me know in the comments if you make it and what tweaks you made to personalize it! Happy grilling, and enjoy your BBQ sauce adventures!
Dreamland BBQ Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 28 ounces tomato puree
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/3 cup prepared yellow mustard
- 1/4 cup dark corn syrup
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon dry mustard
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, adjust for heat level
Instructions
Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients
- In a medium saucepan, combine the tomato puree, apple cider vinegar, dark brown sugar, honey, lemon juice, yellow mustard, and dark corn syrup. Stir the mixture together over medium heat until the ingredients are well combined.
Step 2: Add the Spices
- Once the base ingredients are blended, add the chili powder, dry mustard, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the saucepan. Stir the sauce well to incorporate all of the spices evenly.
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce
- Add water to the mixture, and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally to make sure the sauce doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce simmer for about 25-30 minutes, allowing it to thicken and the flavors to meld together.
Step 4: Adjust Consistency
- Check the sauce’s consistency. If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a little longer. For a thinner sauce, you can add a little more water until you achieve your desired texture.
Step 5: Cool and Store
- Once the sauce has thickened and the flavors have developed, remove it from the heat. Allow it to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, store the BBQ sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.