10 Regional BBQ Sauces to Try on Your Next Cookout

Nothing gets people gathered around the grill quite like a lineup of homemade sauces ready for tasting. Trying different regional styles is one of the easiest ways to give familiar grilled meats a completely new personality. You might discover a new favorite to slather on everything this summer.

Bold and Sweet Kansas City Barbecue Sauce

A wooden spoon dipped in thick, dark red barbecue sauce over a bowl of the same sauce. — Bold and Sweet Kansas City Barbecue Sauce. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Rich tomato flavor, a touch of sweetness, and plenty of tang create the classic balance people love in a good barbecue sauce. Giving it a little time to rest lets all those flavors come together even better by the next day.
Get the Recipe: Bold and Sweet Kansas City Barbecue Sauce

Robust Texas-Style Barbecue Sauce

A spoon drips barbecue sauce into a glass jar, with meat and herbs blurred in the background. — Robust Texas-Style Barbecue Sauce. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

A blend of sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors makes this sauce a great match for everything from brisket to grilled chicken. It brings plenty of bold character to the table without overpowering the meat.
Get the Recipe: Robust Texas-Style Barbecue Sauce

Tangy Western North Carolina Vinegar Sauce

A wooden bowl of barbecue sauce with a spoon next to shredded meat on a marble surface. — Tangy Western North Carolina Vinegar Sauce. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Bright vinegar flavor takes center stage here, creating a sauce that cuts through rich barbecue beautifully. Pulled pork especially benefits from the sharp, zesty finish that keeps every bite tasting fresh.
Get the Recipe: Tangy Western North Carolina Vinegar Sauce

Sweet and Spicy Peach Barbecue Sauce

Grilled chicken thighs with sauce, brush, spices, and salt on a marble surface. — Sweet and Spicy Peach Barbecue Sauce. Photo credit: Foodess.

Juicy peach flavor adds a fresh twist to traditional barbecue sauce while still bringing a little heat. It works especially well with grilled chicken but can easily elevate ribs, shrimp, and more.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Peach Barbecue Sauce

Smoky Memphis-Style Barbecue Sauce

A glass jar filled with red sauce sits on a light surface next to a crumpled white cloth. — Smoky Memphis-Style Barbecue Sauce. Photo credit: Cooks with Soul.

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

I’ll email it to you for later, and periodically send recipes and updates.

A balance of tangy, sweet, and smoky flavors makes this one easy to reach for at any cookout. It clings beautifully to ribs, pulled pork, and just about anything fresh off the grill.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Memphis-Style Barbecue Sauce

Rich and Smoky Chipotle Barbecue Sauce

Barbecue ribs with sauce, a baked purple sweet potato with butter, and a basting brush on a white plate. — Rich and Smoky Chipotle Barbecue Sauce. Photo credit: The Bluster and the Burrow.

Deep smoky flavor and a gentle chipotle kick create a sauce with plenty of depth. Molasses adds richness while helping every spoonful coat grilled meats beautifully.
Get the Recipe: Rich and Smoky Chipotle Barbecue Sauce

Spicy Jamaican-Inspired Jerk Barbecue Sauce

Warm spices and smoky barbecue flavors come together in a sauce that delivers plenty of bold flavor. Every bite gets a little heat along with layers of savory and tangy goodness.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Jamaican-Inspired Jerk Barbecue Sauce

Fruity Blueberry Barbecue Sauce

A glass bowl of blueberry sauce with a basting brush on a wooden board, fresh blueberries nearby. — Fruity Blueberry Barbecue Sauce. Photo credit: Smoked Meat Sunday.

Sweet berries and tangy barbecue flavors create an unexpected combination that somehow works perfectly together. A spoonful adds a unique burst of flavor to grilled meats and vegetables alike.
Get the Recipe: Fruity Blueberry Barbecue Sauce

Golden Carolina Mustard Barbecue Sauce

A glass jar of yellow-orange sauce with a spoon inside, sitting on a white towel with blue stripes. — Golden Carolina Mustard Barbecue Sauce. Photo credit: Pinch Me I'm Eating.

Mustard gives this Southern classic its signature color and bold flavor. The combination of sweet and tangy notes makes it especially delicious spooned over pork, chicken, or ribs.
Get the Recipe: Golden Carolina Mustard Barbecue Sauce

Creamy Southern Alabama White Sauce

Spoon drizzling creamy, seasoned dressing into a glass jar with a blurred lemon and garlic in the background. — Creamy Southern Alabama White Sauce. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Smooth, tangy, and packed with personality, this Southern favorite offers something completely different from traditional red sauces. The creamy texture pairs especially well with grilled meats and adds a welcome kick.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Southern Alabama White Sauce