Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups ketchup
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup dark brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup molasses
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ cup water, plus more as needed
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, mix all the ingredients until well combined.
2. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 18-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning, until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
3. Adjust to Taste: As the sauce simmers, taste and adjust the ingredients as needed. For a sweeter sauce, add more brown sugar; for a thicker and sweeter sauce, add more molasses and ketchup and simmer for an additional 5 minutes. For a tangier sauce, add more vinegar; for a thinner sauce, add more water a few tablespoons at a time. For more flavor, add more Worcestershire sauce or Dijon mustard; for a smokier sauce, add more smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke.
4. Cool and Serve: Let the sauce cool slightly if serving immediately. If storing, allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring to a container.