Tomato Free BBQ Sauce is a barbecue sauce made without tomatoes, tomato paste, or ketchup. Instead of tomatoes, it uses ingredients like butternut squash or applesauce to create thickness and natural sweetness. It still delivers that smoky, tangy flavor people expect from BBQ sauce. Many people choose it as a nightshade free bbq sauce option.
So many store bottles are loaded with tomatoes, vinegar, and sugar. If you’re avoiding nightshades or tomatoes due to a food concern, finding a good sauce can feel impossible. I’ve been there in my own kitchen, wanting that rich, smoky BBQ flavor without tomato paste or ketchup.
This Tomato Free BBQ Sauce is smooth, smoky, slightly sweet, and perfect for grilling, dipping, or brushing over roasted meats. No special tools. No complicated steps. Just real ingredients and bold flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Tomato Free BBQ Sauce?
You’ll love this Tomato Free BBQ Sauce if you want real BBQ flavor without tomatoes or ketchup. It’s thick and rich from butternut squash, naturally sweet from applesauce and molasses, and smoky from liquid smoke.
It works for anyone looking for nightshade free bbq sauce or gluten free tomato free bbq sauce options. I love that I can control the sweetness and salt level at home. Once you taste it, store bought bbq sauce without tomatoes won’t compare.
How To Make Tomato Free BBQ Sauce?
Recipe Overview
Tomato Free BBQ Sauce is a sweet and smoky homemade sauce made without tomatoes, ketchup, or tomato paste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Cuisine: American
- Course: Sauce / Condiment
- Difficulty: Easy
- Calories: Approx. 45 per tablespoon
- Servings: 8 servings
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Blender or immersion blender
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon
- Airtight jar or container for storage
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups cubed butternut squash
- 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 3 tablespoons molasses
- 2 tablespoons coconut aminos
- 1 1/2 teaspoons hickory liquid smoke
- 3/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 3/4 teaspoon Ground Mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Ingredient Notes
1. Butternut Squash :
This replaces tomatoes and gives the sauce its thick texture. Cook it until very soft so blending is easy.
2. Unsweetened Applesauce:
Adds natural sweetness and helps create that smooth BBQ consistency without refined sugar.
3. Molasses:
Gives that deep BBQ flavor. If you want a sugar free tomato free bbq sauce, reduce or replace it with a sugar-free alternative.
4. Coconut Aminos:
Adds savory depth. You can use tamari if you don’t need soy-free.
5. Liquid Smoke:
This is key to that smoky BBQ taste. A small amount goes a long way.
6. Ground Mustard & Ginger:
These add warmth and mild spice without overpowering the sauce. You can add a pinch of paprika if you want a little heat.
Direction
Step 1: Cook the Butternut Squash
Add cubed butternut squash to a saucepan with a small amount of water. Simmer until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain well.
Step 2: Blend the Base
Add the cooked squash, applesauce, molasses, coconut aminos, liquid smoke, onion powder, Ground Mustard, and ginger into a blender. Blend until smooth.
If the sauce feels too thick, add 1–2 tablespoons of warm water.
Step 3: Simmer for Flavor
Pour the blended mixture back into the saucepan. Cook on low heat for 5–10 minutes, stirring gently. This helps the flavors come together.
Taste and adjust. Want it sweeter? Add a touch more applesauce. Want it smokier? Add a drop more liquid smoke.
Step 4: Cool and Store
Let the sauce cool fully before transferring to a jar. It will thicken slightly as it cools.
Nutrition
- Calories: 90
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 14g
- Fat: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
Values will vary based on ingredient brands.
Pro Tips
✅Spicy Version: Add a pinch of paprika or chili powder.
✅Sweeter Version: Increase applesauce slightly.
✅Tangy Version: Add a small splash of apple cider vinegar if vinegar is not a concern for you.
✅Sugar Free Option: Replace molasses with a sugar-free sweetener to make tomato and BBQ sauce.
✅Make Ahead: This tomato free bbq sauce recipe tastes even better the next day after resting in the fridge.
▶ If you’re searching for tomato free bbq sauce near me or tomato free bbq sauce walmart, check labels carefully. Many brands still contain hidden tomato paste.
Variations for Tomato Free BBQ Sauce
1. Spicy Kick Version
Add 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika and a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat. This gives your Tomato Free BBQ Sauce a bold, smoky spice without using chili-based sauces. Adjust slowly and taste as you go.
2. Sugar Free Option
Replace molasses with a sugar-free sweetener or monk fruit blend to create a sugar free tomato free bbq sauce. This keeps the sauce thick and flavorful without added sugars.
3. Tangy Style Sauce
If vinegar is not a concern for you, add 1–2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar for extra tang. This brings a sharper BBQ flavor similar to classic store bought bbq sauce without tomatoes.
4. Smoky Maple Twist
Swap molasses with pure maple syrup for a lighter sweetness. This version works great on grilled chicken and makes a slightly milder tomato free bbq sauce recipe.
5. Garlic Lover’s Version
Add 1 clove of roasted garlic or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. It deepens the flavor and pairs well with ribs or pulled pork.
6. Thicker Dipping Sauce
Reduce the sauce on low heat for 5–8 extra minutes to create a thicker consistency. This works perfectly if you want a dipping-style bbq sauce recipe without ketchup or tomato.
Serving Suggestions
Here’s how I love to use this best tomato free bbq sauce:
1. Brush over grilled chicken or ribs
2. Use as a dip for roasted potatoes
3. Spread on burgers for a bbq sauce recipe without ketchup or tomato
4. Stir into pulled pork
5. Serve alongside baked tofu
Storing Tips
✔️Store in an airtight jar in the refrigerator.
✔️Keeps fresh for up to 7 days.
✔️Freeze in small portions for up to 2 months.
✔️Stir before using if separation happens.
Recipe Notes
▶ Adjust liquid smoke slowly. Too much can overpower the sauce.
▶ Blend until completely smooth for the best texture.
▶ Let the sauce cool before judging its thickness.
▶ Taste and adjust the sweetness to your preference.
▶ Works great as a base for other flavor additions.
More Famous BBQ Sauce Recipes
▶ Best Homemade Caribbean BBQ Sauce
▶ Easy Hawaiian Pineapple BBQ Sauce
▶ 3-Ingredient Honey BBQ Sauce Recipe
▶ Perfect Wojapi BBQ Sauce Recipe
FAQ – Tomato Free BBQ Sauce
Is There a Tomato-Free BBQ Sauce That Tastes Like Traditional BBQ?
Yes, and this recipe proves it. Using butternut squash and molasses still gives you thickness and depth. Liquid smoke adds that familiar BBQ aroma. The result tastes very close to classic sauce. Many people can’t even tell that there are no tomatoes.
How To Make Tomato Free Bbq Sauce Thicker?
Cook the sauce a few extra minutes on low heat to reduce moisture. You can add more cooked butternut squash for extra body. Blending thoroughly helps create a smooth, thick texture. Letting it chill in the fridge thickens it more.
Can I Buy Tomato Free Bbq Sauce Brands In Stores?
Some tomato free bbq sauce brands exist, and you may find options labeled nightshade free bbq sauce. Check ingredient labels carefully. Many store bought bbq sauce without tomatoes still contain tomato derivatives. Homemade gives you full control.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been looking for the best tomato free bbq sauce that still delivers bold, smoky flavor, I hope you try this one. It’s simple, made with real ingredients, and easy to adjust to your taste. I make this whenever we grill, and it always disappears fast.
Try it in your kitchen and tell me how you used it. Did you brush it on chicken, stir it into pulled pork, or use it as a dip? I’d love to hear from you!
Tomato Free BBQ Sauce
Ingredients
Method
- Add cubed butternut squash to a saucepan with a small amount of water. Simmer until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain well.
- Add the cooked squash, applesauce, molasses, coconut aminos, liquid smoke, onion powder, Ground Mustard, and ginger into a blender. Blend until smooth.
- If the sauce feels too thick, add 1–2 tablespoons of warm water.
- Pour the blended mixture back into the saucepan. Cook on low heat for 5–10 minutes, stirring gently. This helps the flavors come together.
- Taste and adjust. Want it sweeter? Add a touch more applesauce. Want it smokier? Add a drop more liquid smoke.
- Let the sauce cool fully before transferring to a jar. It will thicken slightly as it cools.
Notes
Adjust liquid smoke slowly. Too much can overpower the sauce.
Blend until completely smooth for best texture.
Let the sauce cool before judging thickness.
Taste and adjust sweetness to your preference.
Works great as a base for other flavor additions.
