If you are looking for the secret recipe for Famous Dave’s BBQ sauce, you’re in the right place. This sauce is perfect for steaks, ribs, and chicken. Dave’s is a popular BBQ chain known for its lip-smacking meat.

The good news is that you don’t have to visit one of their locations to enjoy this delectable sauce – you can easily make it at home with just a few simple ingredients.
To make this irresistible sauce, you’ll need apple cider vinegar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and other seasonings. Careful blending or simmering make all the difference.
So, without further ado, it’s time to get started with the detailed recipe and make this copycat recipe at home. Before that, check out the other sauce recipes as well.
Equipment Required
- Blender: I use it to blend all the sauce ingredients.
- Oven: Roast the tomatoes at 200°C.
- Spatula: Use it to scrape down the sides of the blender.
- Knife: Use it to chop tomatoes.
- Bowl: Use it to serve the sauce.

Dave’s BBQ Sauce Ingredients and Substitutions
Note: The recipe yields 1. Increase or decrease ingredients based on the size of the gathering.
- 4 Large Tomatoes
- ¼ Cup Apple Cider Vinegar: Substitute it with white vinegar.
- 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce: Soy sauce is a great substitute for Worcestershire sauce.
- 1 Tablespoon Paprika: Add cayenne pepper if paprika is unavailable.
- 1 Teaspoon Chili Powder: Substitute it with chili flakes.
- 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder: You can also use garlic paste in the sauce.
- 1 Teaspoon Onion Powder
- ½ Teaspoon Salt: You can add kosher salt in the recipe too.
- ½ Teaspoon Honey
Preparation And Cooking Time
| Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 15 Minutes | 10 Minutes | 25 Minutes |
How To Make Dave’s BBQ Sauce At Home

Step 1
Roast the tomatoes in the oven at 200°C until fully charred. In a blender, combine roasted tomatoes, paprika powder, chili powder, salt, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and onion powder.

Step 2
Now, blend well until it is smooth.

Step 3
The sauce is ready to be served.
Expert Tips That I Recommend
- Always choose ripe, juicy tomatoes for a rich flavor and smooth BBQ sauce texture.
- Start on low speed and increase it gradually to prevent splashing and ensure the ingredients mix well.
- After the sauce blends, taste it and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Let the sauce rest before serving. This lets the flavors round out.
- Be sure to add smoked paprika for extra depth.
- We roast the tomatoes and blend them to make the sauce. Alternatively, you can simmer the mixture for a deeper, more pronounced flavor.
FAQs About Dave’s BBQ Sauce
Nutritional Information Per Serving
Dave’s BBQ Sauce is a smooth, tangy, richly flavored sauce that makes a perfect add-on to your preparation. We recommend consuming the sauce in small portions.
| Calories | 60 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 14 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Sodium | 360 mg |
| Sugar | 15 g |
Don’t let the ingredient list stop you from enjoying it. With minor tweaks, you can also customize it to suit your dietary preferences.

Recipe Variation For Different Diets
- Keto Version: Add monk fruit sweetener instead of honey. Replace Worcestershire sauce with coconut aminos.
- Gluten-Free Version: Check the Worcestershire sauce packaging to confirm it is gluten-free, as it may contain malt vinegar.
Storing This Recipe
- Refrigerate: Transfer the sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate. The sauce may separate when stored, so stir it briefly before serving.
What To Serve With This Recipe
Dave’s BBQ sauce is a tangy sauce you can enjoy with different kinds of food preparations. I like to enjoy it with Potato Pancakes, or you can try it with Garlic Noodles too. You can also enjoy it with Cornell Chicken for its spicy, tangy flavor. You can explore plenty of recipes to try.
Printable Version
Famous Dave’s BBQ Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 Large Tomatoes
- ¼ Cup Apple Cider Vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 Tablespoon Paprika
- 1 Teaspoon Chilli Powder
- 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 Teaspoon Onion Powder
- ½ Teaspoon Salt
- ½ Teaspoon Honey
Equipment
- Blender
- Oven
- Spatula
- Knife
- Bowl
Instructions
Video
Notes
- Always choose ripe, juicy tomatoes for a rich flavor and smooth BBQ sauce texture.
- Start on low speed and increase it gradually to prevent splashing and ensure the ingredients mix well.
- After the sauce blends, taste it and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Let the sauce rest before serving. This lets the flavors round out.
- Be sure to add smoked paprika for extra depth.
- We have just roasted the tomatoes and blended them to make the sauce. Alternatively, you can simmer the mixture for a deeper, more pronounced flavor.
Nutrition
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Conclusion
After exploring Dave’s BBQ sauce recipe, I can say it is a delicious, unique blend of flavors that is definitely worth trying. Unlike store-bought BBQ sauces that often contain preservatives and artificial flavors, this recipe uses simple ingredients, making it a healthier choice.
I hope you liked the recipe, and please make sure you follow all the steps mentioned below. Share your thoughts in the comments, and stay tuned for more recipes!



