The 5 Best BBQ Sauces Made In Texas

Texas is synonymous with great BBQ; smoky, flavorful, and downright delicious. But while Texas is world-renowned for its perfectly smoked meats, what truly elevates the barbecue experience is the sauce.

Whether you prefer it tangy, sweet, spicy, or smoky, Texas BBQ sauces are as diverse as the state itself. From the heart of Austin to the Gulf Coast, these five BBQ sauces stand out for their distinct regional flavors and high-quality ingredients.

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Here’s a rundown of the best BBQ sauces made in Texas that you’ll want to slather on your ribs, brisket, and pulled pork.

1. Salt Lick BBQ Sauce – Driftwood, Texas

Salt Lick BBQ is a legendary name in Texas BBQ, known for its authentic, slow-cooked meats and family-friendly atmosphere. Founded in 1967, Salt Lick has been serving up some of the finest barbecue in the Lone Star State for over 50 years. Their signature Salt Lick BBQ Sauce is a sweet and tangy blend that perfectly complements their smoked meats, especially their famous brisket and ribs.

The sauce is thick, slightly sweet, and tangy, with a hint of smoky flavor that gives it a unique Texas flair. What makes Salt Lick’s BBQ sauce special is its balance of flavors, which is not too overpowering, letting the natural flavors of the meat shine through.

Best For: Ribs, brisket, chicken, and pulled pork.

Flavor Profile: Sweet, tangy, with a mild smoky undertone.

2. Franklin Barbecue BBQ Sauce – Austin, Texas

Franklin Barbecue in Austin is a Texas BBQ institution. Owner and pitmaster Aaron Franklin has garnered national acclaim for his mouth-watering brisket, and his BBQ sauce is just as worthy of praise. Unlike many other sauces, Franklin’s BBQ Sauce is a simple, tomato-based recipe with the right amount of tang and spice. It’s perfect for those who prefer a less-sweet, more savory sauce that lets the smoky flavors of the meat take center stage.

This sauce combines the richness of tomatoes with a touch of vinegar, giving it a vinegar-forward tanginess that’s balanced by a mild sweetness and a little heat from black pepper and spices. It's a true representation of Texas BBQ—straightforward, bold, and unapologetic.

Best For: Brisket, sausage, and smoked turkey.

Flavor Profile: Tangy, slightly sweet, with a peppery finish.

3. Hutchins BBQ Sauce – McKinney, Texas

Family-owned and operated, Hutchins BBQ in McKinney, Texas, has earned a loyal following for its mouthwatering BBQ and its signature sauce. Hutchins BBQ Sauce is a Texas-style sauce with a rich, bold flavor profile. It’s a perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and smoky, with the addition of a little bit of heat that comes through at the end.

The sauce has a smooth consistency that coats meats beautifully without being too thick or too runny. The balance between sweet molasses and spicy vinegar makes it a favorite among BBQ lovers who enjoy a little heat without sacrificing sweetness.

Best For: Brisket, ribs, and sausage.

Flavor Profile: Sweet, tangy, with a mild heat and smoky finish.

4. Tejas Chocolate Craftory BBQ Sauce – Tomball, Texas

Tejas Chocolate Craftory, located just outside of Houston, is known for its unique combination of smoked meats and artisan chocolate. Their BBQ Sauce is equally creative, incorporating smoked chocolate, which gives the sauce a rich depth of flavor that’s unlike any other BBQ sauce on the market. This sauce combines the classic BBQ base of tomatoes, vinegar, and spices with the deep, earthy flavor of chocolate, creating a complex, sweet, and smoky sauce that’s perfect for adventurous eaters.

The smoky chocolate undertones give this sauce a luxurious feel, while the heat from the peppers balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors of the meat. It’s a great choice for those looking to try something new and exciting.

Best For: Brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and smoked sausages.

Flavor Profile: Sweet, smoky, with a rich chocolate finish and a hint of heat.

5. Pecan Lodge BBQ Sauce – Dallas, Texas

Although not as widely available as some of the others on this list, Pecan Lodge in Dallas has one of the best BBQ sauces you can find in Texas. Known for its complex flavor profile, this sauce blends sweet, tangy, and smoky elements with a slight kick of heat. It’s versatile enough to use with almost any BBQ meat, but it truly shines when paired with their perfectly smoked brisket.

Best For: Brisket, pork ribs, and sausage.

Flavor Profile: Sweet, tangy, with smoky and spicy layers.

Whether you're a Texas native or simply a BBQ enthusiast, these five Texas-made BBQ sauces are must-haves for your next cookout or BBQ feast. There’s a Texas BBQ sauce for every palate. So fire up the grill, slather on your favorite sauce, and enjoy the bold, unforgettable flavors of Texas-style BBQ right in your own backyard.