Enjoy the bold, smoky-sweet flavor of McDonald’s BBQ sauce right from your kitchen. Perfect for dipping chicken nuggets, slathering on burgers, or drizzling over crispy fries!
If you’ve ever found yourself reaching for an extra packet of McDonald’s Tangy BBQ Sauce, you’re not alone—it’s smoky, slightly sweet, and totally addictive.
Now you can make that same bold flavor at home with just a few pantry staples. Whether you’re dipping nuggets, brushing it on grilled chicken, or using it as a burger spread, this homemade version delivers all the taste you love without the takeout.
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Tastes just like the original – Smoky, sweet, and perfectly tangy.
- Simple ingredients – Made with everyday pantry staples.
- Quick to make – Ready in under 15 minutes!
- Versatile – Great for dipping, grilling, or spreading.
- No preservatives – A cleaner version of your fast food favorite.
Ingredients Needed For McDonald’s BBQ Sauce Recipe
- Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce; Is there anything better than Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce? It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tangy!
- Kraft Original BBQ Sauce: Kraft’s Original BBQ sauce is a must-have for any cookout. The tangy, smoky flavor is perfect for chicken, pork, or beef ribs. It’s also great as a dipping sauce for fries or onion rings.
- Corn Syrup; Or you can use white granulated sugar.
How To Make McDonald’s BBQ Sauce
Step One; Start by warming up the Sweet Baby Ray’s and Kraft BBQ Sauce in either a small saucepan, over low to medium heat, or in the microwave, heat until warmed through.
Step Two: Slowly fold in the granulated sugar or corn syrup, mixing well until the sugar is dissolved or the corn syrup is incorporated into the mixture.
Step Three; Cover and refrigerate, until serving time, or at least an hour before serving.
Ingredients Notes and Substitutions
Today’s recipe only includes three ingredients, but I wanted to give you some easy substitutions so that anyone can make this recipe.
- Sweet Baby Ray BBQ Sauce: Sweet Baby Ray’s Original is known for being a sweet and salty bbq sauce, so you can use any sweet bbq sauce that you have on hand. Some great substitutions are Heinz Kansas City Style Sweet & Smoky BBQ Barbecue Sauce, or Traeger Show Me the Honey BBQ sauce.
- You can also make a homemade Sweet Baby Ray recipe, this one is my favorite!
- Kraft Original BBQ Sauce: This is an easy and delicious bbq sauce, but you can use any of your favorite homemade or store-bought bbq sauce. Any flavor will work here, but you are not looking for a spicy or flavored bbq sauce.
- Corn Syrup: I know a lot of you do not like using corn syrup, you can easily change it out to another sugar. Including granulated white sugar, molasses, or honey.
McDonald’s BBQ Sauce Recipe Tips
- Balance Your Ingredients: Adjust the sweetness and tanginess by fine-tuning the adding brown sugar or molasses, adjust to taste.
- Incorporate Liquid Smoke Carefully: For even more of the smoky taste add drop or two.
- Whisk for Consistency: Whisk all ingredients together vigorously to ensure a uniform sauce that’s free of lumps and perfectly smooth.
Storing Instructions
Transfer the sauce to an airtight container or glass jar. Store in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Give it a quick stir or shake before using, as some separation may occur.
What To Serve With McDonald’s BBQ Sauce
Whether you’re a fan of McDonald’s BBQ sauce or not, there’s no denying that it’s a popular condiment. So, what should you serve with it? From burgers and fries to chicken and ribs, we’ve got you covered!
- Salad Dressing: Since this salad dressing is low-carb and keto-friendly you can use it on any of your favorite salads, such as my recipe for Air Fryer Cobb Salad!
- Dipping Sauce: Use it on your favorite Air Fryer French Fry Recipes, Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries, Air Fryer Onion Rings, and so much more!
- Toppings: Use it for your Air Fryer Hamburgers, Air Fryer Salmon Burger, and even Air Fryer Turkey Burgers!
McDonald’s BBQ Sauce Dupe Recipe Faqs
Can I make this sauce ahead of time? Yes! The flavors actually improve after resting in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.
How long does homemade BBQ sauce keep? Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it stays fresh for up to 7 days.
Can I adjust the sweetness or spiciness? Absolutely! Add more brown sugar for sweetness or a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat to suit your taste.
Is liquid smoke necessary? While it adds the signature smoky flavor, you can omit it if you prefer a milder sauce.
Can I freeze leftover BBQ sauce? Yes, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before
More Easy Sauce Recipes
Don’t Forget To Pin!
McDonald’s BBQ Sauce Recipe
Description
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Sweet Baby Ray's Barbecue Sauce
- 1/3 cup Kraft original flavor barbecue sauce
- 1 teaspoon corn syrup , or granulated white sugar
Instructions
- Start by warming up the Sweet Baby Ray's and Kraft BBQ Sauce in either a small saucepan, over low to medium heat, or in the microwave, heat until warmed through.
- Slowly fold in the granulated sugar or corn syrup, mixing well until the sugar is dissolved or the corn syrup is incorporated into the mixture.
- Cover and refrigerate, until serving time, or at least an hour before serving.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
Nutrition
Share this recipe
We can’t wait to see what you’ve made! Mention @forktospoon or tag #forktospoon!
Lena Perich
Saved as a favorite, I love your blog!