When most people think of BBQ sauce, they picture a rack of ribs fresh off the smoker. While that’s certainly a classic, a great BBQ sauce is one of the most versatile ingredients you can keep in your kitchen. Whether you’re grilling, smoking, baking, or even meal prepping, BBQ sauce can add bold flavor to almost anything.
At Pretty Good at Drinking Beer BBQ, we believe great sauce deserves more than one job. Here are ten of our favorite ways to use it.
This is the classic for a reason.
Instead of adding sauce at the beginning of the cook, brush it on during the final 20–30 minutes. This allows the sugars to caramelize without burning, creating a beautiful sticky glaze packed with flavor.
Pro Tip: Apply two thin coats instead of one heavy coat for the perfect finish.
Skip the ketchup.
Spread BBQ sauce on the bun, brush it over the burger while it’s still on the grill, or mix a little into your ground beef before forming patties.
Top it with:
You’ll never look at burgers the same way again.
After pulling your pork, mix in just enough BBQ sauce to keep it moist without overpowering the smoke.
Pile it onto toasted buns and top with coleslaw for a crowd favorite.
Whether you’re grilling thighs, smoking whole chickens, or baking wings, BBQ sauce adds incredible flavor.
Brush it on during the last few minutes of cooking to create a glossy finish that everyone loves.
BBQ meatballs are always one of the first appetizers to disappear.
Combine:
Cook in a slow cooker for an easy party favorite.
A tablespoon or two of BBQ sauce stirred into homemade mac and cheese creates a smoky, tangy twist.
Even better?
Top it with chopped brisket or pulled pork.
Replace traditional pizza sauce with BBQ sauce.
Top with:
It’s the perfect backyard pizza.
BBQ sauce isn’t just for meat.
Brush it lightly on:
Roast until caramelized for an incredible side dish.
Mix BBQ sauce with:
Perfect for:
Once your burnt ends are tender, toss them lightly in BBQ sauce and return them to the smoker.
The sauce caramelizes into a rich, sticky glaze that barbecue dreams are made of.
Don’t stop there.
Try BBQ sauce on:
You might be surprised by how many meals can be improved with the right sauce.
Not all BBQ sauces are created equal.
The best BBQ sauce should complement your food—not hide it.
Look for a sauce that delivers:
That’s exactly what we strive for with every bottle of Pretty Good at Drinking Beer BBQ Sauce.
Whether you’re cooking for your family on a Tuesday night or feeding a crowd at your next backyard cookout, BBQ sauce can do much more than finish a rack of ribs. Experiment with new recipes, get creative in the kitchen, and don’t be afraid to think outside the smoker.
After all, great barbecue isn’t just about the meat—it’s about bringing people together around incredible food.
Have a favorite way to use BBQ sauce? We’d love to hear about it. Share your favorite recipe or tag Pretty Good at Drinking Beer BBQ on social media so we can see what you’re cooking
