This one’s for the nugget dippers, burger lovers, and sauce hoarders.

The Homemade McDonald’s BBQ Sauce is the perfect blend of smoky, tangy, and sweet — just like the classic little packet you grew up with, but made with real ingredients and no weird preservatives. It’s thick, sticky, and perfect for dipping air fryer nuggets, brushing on chicken, or spooning onto your favorite wrap.

Made in under 5 minutes with pantry staples, this is one of those sauces you’ll always want in the fridge. Fast food feel, clean and simple ingredients — that’s the Healthy Fast Food at Home way.

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup tomato paste

• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 1½ tbsp honey or maple syrup

• 1 tbsp water

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• ¼ tsp garlic powder

• ¼ tsp onion powder

• ¼ tsp salt

• Optional: dash of liquid smoke for extra depth

Instructions:

1. Whisk it together
   In a small bowl, mix all ingredients until smooth and well combined. Adjust water as needed for desired thickness.

2. Taste and tweak
   Want it sweeter? Add a touch more honey. Tangier? Add a splash more vinegar. Make it your own!

3. Serve or store
   Use immediately or refrigerate in an airtight jar for up to 7 days.

Sarah’s Tips:

• No tomato paste? Use ketchup instead and reduce the honey slightly.

• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or a splash of hot sauce.

• Smoky tip: Smoked paprika + a tiny drop of liquid smoke = magic.

• Use it for more than nuggets: Try it on wraps, grilled chicken, roasted veggies, or as a burger spread.

Flavorful Conclusion:

This Homemade McDonald’s BBQ Sauce hits all the right notes — smoky, sweet, tangy, and totally nostalgic. It’s easy, clean, and turns anything you dip into a fast food favorite made better at home.

Nutrition (per 1 tbsp serving, serves 6):

• Calories: 25

• Protein: 0g

• Carbs: 5g

• Fat: 0g

• Sugar: 4g

• Fiber: 0g