What is hickory smoke barbecue sauce?

Hickory smoke barbecue sauce is a bold, sweet, and smoky condiment made using hickory wood smoke or liquid smoke extract. It's crafted with a tomato-based foundation, enriched with sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, and spiced with ingredients such as smoked paprika, chili powder, and garlic. The defining characteristic is its robust smoky flavor , which mimics slow-cooked, pit-style barbecue even when used indoors or on non-smoked foods.

What is the difference between hickory and original BBQ sauce?

The key difference lies in the smokiness and intensity . Hickory BBQ sauce features a deeper, earthier flavor profile thanks to the addition of hickory smoke, giving it a wood-fired essence. Original BBQ sauce is usually milder, often sweeter and tangier, and lacks that strong, smoked character. Hickory sauce is ideal for hearty dishes like ribs or roasted jackfruit, while original BBQ suits lighter fare and broader palates.

What does hickory smoked BBQ taste like?

Hickory smoked BBQ delivers a rich, savory flavor with hints of wood-fired smoke, caramelized sugars, and umami from ingredients like Worcestershire or tamari. The smoke adds complexity and depth, with subtle notes of bacon or campfire char. The sweetness balances the bitterness of the smoke, resulting in a satisfying, well-rounded taste that lingers on the palate.

What does hickory barbecue sauce taste like?

Hickory barbecue sauce tastes smoky, slightly sweet, tangy, and bold . The hickory smoke gives it a hearty, grilled essence, while sweeteners and vinegar offer a balanced flavor. You’ll notice layers—starting with a touch of tang, then sweetness, followed by a savory depth that finishes with a gentle smoky heat. It’s especially delicious when used as a glaze on grilled or roasted foods.

Hickory Smoked BBQ Sauce – The Best Bold Flavor for BBQ Lovers

Hickory smoked BBQ sauce

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Hickory smoked BBQ sauce delivers rich, smoky flavor—learn how to make, store, and use it for bold BBQ dishes.

Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 1.5 cups 1x

Ingredients

Scale

¾ cup tomato sauce

4 tsp honey or maple/agave syrup

2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce or vegan substitute

4 tsp white vinegar

2 tsp liquid smoke

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

⅛ tsp Salt (or to taste)

2 tsp Smoked paprika

⅛ tsp Cayenne

2 tbsp tomato paste

1 tsp chili powder

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Instructions

Mix all the ingredients in a bowl, making sure everything is well combined

Enjoy the sauce as a marinade or a dip for your BBQ nights!

Author: Sarah
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 50
Sugar: 11g
Sodium: 300mg
Carbohydrates: 13g