Barbecue sauce is a popular condiment used to add flavor to grilled meats, sandwiches, dips, and more. Many people enjoy making homemade barbecue sauce, allowing them to customize the flavor profile to their liking. However, once barbecue sauce is made, how long does it remain safe to eat? Here is a thorough overview of barbecue sauce shelf life and food safety.
An Introduction to Homemade Barbecue Sauce
Homemade barbecue sauce is relatively simple to prepare. The base typically includes tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, and spices. From there, cooks can add their own creative mix of ingredients to achieve the desired texture and taste. Common additions include molasses, mustard, garlic, onions, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and more.
The versatility of homemade barbecue sauce is one of its best attributes. It can be tweaked to complement different meats and cooking methods. Thicker, sweet sauces pair well with pork ribs, while thinner, tangier sauces work better as a dipping sauce for chicken. The possibilities are endless.
Making barbecue sauce from scratch allows control over the ingredients. Store-bought sauce may contain preservatives, thickeners, and flavorings a home cook may wish to avoid. With homemade sauce, cooks can ensure quality, whole-food ingredients are used.
How Long Does Homemade Barbecue Sauce Last?
The shelf life of homemade barbecue sauce depends largely on how it is stored:
Refrigerated
Properly stored in the refrigerator, homemade barbecue sauce will keep for 1-2 months. The sauce should be kept in an airtight container to prevent drying out. If stored for longer than 1 month, it’s best to occasionally check the sauce for signs of spoilage.
Frozen
For longer term storage, homemade barbecue sauce can be frozen. When frozen in airtight freezer containers or bags, it will keep for 4-6 months. Allow the sauce to thaw in the refrigerator before using. Due to separation of ingredients, the sauce may need stirring after thawing.
Canned
Home canning barbecue sauce can extend its shelf life. When canned using proper pressure canning technique, barbecue sauce will stay good for 1 year sealed in sterilized jars. Always follow canning directions carefully. If jars do not properly seal or become unsealed, refrigerate and use within 2 weeks.
After Opening
Once opened, homemade barbecue sauce should be refrigerated. It will stay fresh for 1-2 months as long as it is tightly sealed and stored properly in the fridge. Make sure to use clean utensils each time when removing sauce from the container.
No matter how it is stored, barbecue sauce that has become moldy, has an unpleasant odor, or shows other signs of spoilage should be discarded. Do not taste food that appears bad.
Tips for Safe Homemade Barbecue Sauce Storage
Follow these tips for safely storing your homemade barbecue sauce:
- Let sauce cool completely before refrigerating or freezing. Divide into smaller containers for quick cooling.
- Use clean, airtight containers. Mason jars, heavyweight resealable plastic containers, and freezer bags all work well.
- Label containers with the date and contents. Store in the back of the fridge or freezer where temperature is most consistent.
- When refrigerating, leave headspace in containers allowing sauce to expand as it freezes. Overfilled jars may break.
- Frozen sauce may last beyond 6 months, but quality degrades over time. Use within 1 year for best flavor.
- Clean containers before each use. Use clean utensils to remove sauce to prevent contamination.
- Never store new sauce in a container with remnants of old sauce still in it. Always use fresh containers.
Following food safety guidelines allows you to safely enjoy your homemade barbecue sauce for months to come. Discard any sauce that shows signs of spoilage. If concerned whether older sauce is still good, remember, “When in doubt, throw it out.”
Common Questions About Homemade Barbecue Sauce Shelf Life
How can I tell if my homemade barbecue sauce has gone bad?
Signs of spoiled barbecue sauce include mold, an unpleasant odor, fizzing, curdling, separation of ingredients, and an overall unappetizing appearance. The texture may become excessively thick or thin. If your sauce displays any odd characteristics compared to when originally made, it should be discarded.
Does barbecue sauce expire?
Yes, barbecue sauce does eventually expire. Properly stored in the refrigerator, homemade barbecue sauce will maintain best quality for 1-2 months. The shelf life extends to 4-6 months in the freezer. Canned barbecue sauce sealed in sterilized jars will keep for about 1 year.
Can old barbecue sauce make you sick?
Consuming barbecue sauce that has begun to spoil can potentially make you ill. Even when refrigerated, bacteria can grow over time. If stored improperly for too long, the sauce can grow dangerous levels of microbes that cause foodborne illnesses. When reheated, these bacteria multiply faster.
How long is bottled barbecue sauce good after opening?
An opened bottle of ready-made barbecue sauce will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 1-2 months. Be sure to promptly refrigerate sauce after opening and keep it in a sealed container when not in use. Look for any mold, changes in texture, or unpleasant odors before consuming.
Does freezing barbecue sauce change the taste?
Freezing generally does not significantly change the taste of barbecue sauce. However, due to separation of ingredients, sauces may need stirring after thawing. If storing for many months, freezing can degrade the flavor. For best quality and taste, enjoy frozen barbecue sauce within 6 months.
The Bottom Line
When stored properly, homemade barbecue sauce can be enjoyed for 1-2 months in the refrigerator, 4-6 months in the freezer, or up to 1 year when canned. Keep sauce in airtight containers, monitor for signs of spoilage, and discard if any mold, smell, or texture changes develop. Following food safety guidelines will allow you to keep savoring your delicious homemade barbecue sauce over time.