Top 7 BBQ Sauces You Must Try

1) Big Poppa Smoker's Granny's Sauce

Tomato-forward, balanced sweetness and bright tang with gentle pepper-garlic warmth. Medium body that clings and sets without masking your bark.

Shop it: Big Poppa Smokers Granny’s Sauce

• Best on: St. Louis or baby back ribs; chicken thighs & drumsticks; pulled pork sandwiches.
• How to make: Brush during the last 10–15 minutes to set a glossy finish; warm as a dip; thin with apple cider vinegar for a light mop.
• Pair with rubs: Sweet Money, Money and Sweet Money Hot.

See also: BBQ Sauce Pairing 101

2) Kansas City Style (Sweet & Tangy)

Thick, glossy, sweet-meets-tang—KC style sticks to ribs, chicken, and burnt ends. Think tomato/ketchup base with brown sugar, molasses, and vinegar for that signature caramelized bark.

Try these from our shelves: Blues Hog Original, Plowboys Sweet 180

• Best on: Pork ribs, pulled pork, chicken thighs, burnt ends.
• How to make it shine: Sauce late and let sugars set the last 10–15 minutes.
• Pair with rubs: Sweet Money (pork/chicken), Competition Brisket & Steak (beef).

More recipes & tips: BBQ for a Crowd

3) Memphis Vinegar-Forward 

Thinner, tangier, peppery—perfect for spritzing or dunking dry-rubbed ribs and pulled pork. It lifts rich meat without masking your bark.

Shop it: Blues Hog Tennessee Red.

• Best on: Dry-rub ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, chicken wings.
• How to make: Warm gently and use as a mop or finishing dip.
• Pair with rubs: Little Louie’s + Sweet Money.

See also: Regional BBQ Styles

4) Head Country 

Balanced, dependable, and competition-tested—Head Country nails sweet/savory/smoke for everyday cooks.

Shop it: Head Country Original

• Best on: Brisket slices, pork chops, meatloaf, grilled chicken.
• Easy recipes: Brush over weeknight chicken; fold into leftover pulled pork for sliders.
• Accessories: Neoprene gloves for saucing hot racks.

5) Blues Hog

Beloved on the comp circuit for layers of sweet heat and lacquer-gloss finishes. Raspberry Chipotle adds fruity tang and a mild kick.

Shop it: Original • Raspberry Chipotle.• Championship Blend.

• Best on: Baby backs, chicken lollipops, pork tenderloin.
• Tip: Glaze at the end and set at low heat for a mirror finish.
• Recipes: All Things Pork

6) Alabama White 

Creamy, tangy, peppery—and legendary with chicken. A mayo base means it clings beautifully and cools smoky spice.

Shop it: Big Bob Gibson White Sauce.

• Best on: Smoked chicken halves, grilled wings, turkey sandwiches.
• How to use: Toss wings in white sauce post-cook; reserve extra for dipping.
• Recipe: Weeknight Chicken Thighs

7) Clark Crew Championship Sauce

From multi-time champs—bold, balanced, and built for the podium or your backyard.

Shop it: Clark Crew BBQ Sauce.

• Best on: Brisket burnt ends, pork steak, drumsticks.
• Pair with rubs: Comp Brisket & Steak, Sweet Money.
• Read next: BBQ Rubs by Protein

• Ribs Night (KC Style): Season with Sweet Money, smoke on your barrel smoker, glaze with Sweet 180 in the last 15 minutes. 
• Weeknight Chicken: Grill thighs, toss in Alabama White, crack pepper, serve with slaw. 
• Burnt Ends: Rub point with Comp Brisket & Steak, smoke, cube, and glaze with Blues Hog Original. 
• Leftover Carnitas Nachos: Warm carnitas, splash Tennessee Red, sprinkle Jallelujah Jalapeño, broil with cheese. 
• Meatballs for the Win: Slow-cook meatballs in Head Country Original + maple. 

Grab the Sauce. Fire the Grill. Dinner’s Handled.

Stock up on competition-trusted BBQ sauces, versatile BBQ rubs, and essential BBQ accessories. Then pick a recipe from our recipes & blogs and get cooking.

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