How to Use Vernon's Smokehouse BBQ Sauce at Home

Quick answer

Use Vernon's Smokehouse BBQ Sauce as a basting glaze during the last 30 minutes of smoking, as a finishing sauce for pulled pork, or as a dipping sauce for smoked meats and fries.

How to use it at home

1. Baste during the final cook: During the last 30 minutes of smoking or grilling, brush a light coat of sauce onto ribs, chicken, or pork shoulder. The heat caramelizes the sugar and sets a glossy, sticky bark. Do not apply too early or the sugar will burn and turn bitter.
2. Use as a finishing sauce: After pulling or slicing smoked meat, toss it in a bowl with a few tablespoons of sauce. Start with 2 tablespoons per pound of meat and adjust to taste. This method adds moisture and a bold tang without making the meat soggy. Let the sauced meat rest for 5 minutes before serving so the flavors meld.
3. Serve as a dipping sauce: Pour the sauce into a small bowl and serve alongside smoked meats, grilled sausages, or even french fries and onion rings. Its balanced sweetness and mild heat work well with crispy textures. If you prefer a thinner dip, warm the sauce gently and whisk in a splash of apple cider vinegar.
4. Marinate overnight: Combine ½ cup sauce with ¼ cup apple juice and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Place pork chops or chicken thighs in a resealable bag with the mixture and refrigerate for 4 to 12 hours. Pat dry before grilling to avoid flare-ups. The sugar in the sauce can cause charring on direct heat, so grill over medium indirect heat first, then sear briefly.

About this sauce

• Vernon's Smokehouse BBQ Sauce: Vernon’s Smokehouse BBQ Sauce is manufactured exclusively for Vernon’s Smokehouse at Graceland and is the only sauce we serve. It is a little more bold and tangy than typical Memphis-Style BBQ Sauces, with a well-balanced blend of smoke accent and a mild presence of vinegar and nuances of aged red Cayenne. This means you get the same authentic flavor served at Graceland without having to travel to Memphis.