copycat famous dave's sauce

 

Famous Dave's–Inspired BBQ Sauce (Savory & Tangy)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup ketchup

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tablespoon canola or vegetable oil

• 1½ tablespoons brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (adds tang)

• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard or ½ teaspoon dry mustard (adds zip)

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (very important for that BBQ flavor)

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, but adds Dave’s-style kick)

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Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat.

2. Stir until smooth and bring to a low simmer.

3. Reduce heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Taste and adjust:

• More vinegar = tangier

• More brown sugar = sweeter

• More paprika or cayenne = bolder/smokier/hotter

Smoky BBQ Dry Rub (Famous Dave’s Style)

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon paprika (preferably smoked paprika)

• 1 tablespoon kosher salt (or 2 tsp table salt)

• 2 teaspoons black pepper

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your heat preference)

• ½ teaspoon dry mustard (adds a subtle tang)

• Optional: ½ teaspoon ground cumin for a deeper smoky note

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Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined.

2. Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months in a cool, dry place.

3. Rub generously onto meat (or veggies) before grilling, smoking, or baking. For best flavor, apply the rub and let the meat rest for at least 30 minutes — or refrigerate it for a few hours or overnight.

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Pairing Tip:
Use this rub to season your meat first, cook low and slow, and finish with your BBQ sauce during the last 10–15 minutes of cooking for that beautiful caramelized glaze.

recipe to try

The Best Crockpot BBQ Chicken

Ingredients

2 lbs boneless, skinless  chicken breasts

1 cup  BBQ sauce

1/4 cup Zesty Italian dressing
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

salt to taste

Directions

1. Season chicken breast lightly (a small pinch per breast)  with some sea salt and place in your crockpot.

2. In a mixing bowl combine BBQ sauce, Italian dressing, brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until well combined.

3. Pour over chicken, cover and cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours

4. Once time is up, you can serve the breast whole, or shred with 2 forks. If shredding, recover and let cook in sauce for about 10-15 more minutes to soak up all that delish flavor.

Serve on buns, over rice, in wraps, on a salad or eat a plateful as is!  Our favorite way is on fresh rolls, topped with coleslaw.