Classic Kansas City Style Sauce Recipe

Capture the legendary flavor of Kansas City BBQ with this thick, rich, and tangy tomato-based sauce! Inspired by Arthur Bryant's, this recipe delivers a sweet and smoky masterpiece with molasses and a hint of vinegar. Perfect for ribs, brisket, chicken, or anything that needs a delicious BBQ sauce upgrade!

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 40 mins
Calories 355 kcal
Protein 5g
Rating Be the first
Classic Kansas City Style Sauce 45

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Forktionary editorial kitchen team

The Forktionary Kitchen Team

Adapted from Food.com, then tested & standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Classic Kansas City Style Sauce

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How to Make Classic Kansas City Style Sauce

  1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, molasses, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and liquid smoke (if using).
  2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  3. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken as it simmers.
  4. Remove from heat and let the sauce cool completely. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken further.
  5. Transfer the cooled sauce to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Enjoy!

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

65 g

Sugar

285g

Fat

0g

Carbs

30g

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make Classic Kansas City Style Sauce?

Classic Kansas City Style Sauce takes about 55 minutes from start to finish — roughly 15 minutes to prepare and 40 minutes to cook.

How many calories are in Classic Kansas City Style Sauce?

Classic Kansas City Style Sauce has approximately 355 calories per serving, with about 5 g protein, 30 g carbohydrates and 1 g fat.

What ingredients do I need for Classic Kansas City Style Sauce?

The key ingredients for Classic Kansas City Style Sauce are Seasoning Salt, Chili Powder, Cumin, Mild Curry Powder, Paprika, Ground Allspice. See the full list with measurements above.

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