Got Leftover BBQ Sauce? Here’s What to Do (Besides Grill Again)

Don’t Toss That Sauce: 10 Delicious Ways to Use Up BBQ Leftovers

Barbecue sauce is one of those staples that always seems to be lurking in the back of the fridge — a half-used bottle from a recent cookout, or the homemade batch you swore you’d use again soon. And with Memorial Day weekend just around the corner, chances are you’ll have even more of it leftover after burgers, ribs, or brisket make their holiday debut.

Don’t let that bold, tangy magic go to waste. BBQ sauce is way more versatile than it gets credit for — and we're here to prove it.

Here are 10 unexpectedly delicious ways to use up that leftover sauce, no grilling required:

1. Rethink Your Pizza Night

Skip the marinara and give your homemade pizza some flair with a barbecue sauce base. A smoky, sweet brown sauce works well with toppings like grilled chicken, red onions, or bacon. But if you want to get adventurous, try using a mustard-based Carolina gold sauce for a punchy, tangy twist that’s perfect with sausage or ham. Alabama white sauce — creamy, vinegary, and subtly spicy — can lift veggie pizzas or balance out heavy toppings like pulled pork.

Mix and match sauces if you’re feeling bold. Just be sure your sauce has enough thickness to coat the dough without soaking through — save the thinner mop sauces for marinating.

2. Fry Your Eggs In It (Yes, Really)

We know it sounds out there, but hear us out: frying your eggs in a little barbecue sauce creates crispy edges, rich umami, and a built-in layer of seasoning. As the sugars caramelize in the pan, they form golden, crackly borders around the egg whites. The yolk stays creamy, while the whole thing picks up smoky depth that feels almost indulgent.

Use a tablespoon or two of sauce mixed with a little oil or butter in a hot skillet. Then crack your eggs right into the sizzle. Keep the splatter guard or a lid nearby — barbecue sauce has a tendency to pop when heated.

3. Level Up Your Spaghetti Sauce

Sometimes red sauce needs a little something extra — and BBQ sauce delivers. Stir a spoonful or two into your pasta sauce to add smoky richness, a little sweetness, and a deeper, more layered flavor. It’s especially good with meat sauces, where the barbecue profile enhances the savory base.

If you’re going for a more integrated flavor, try this in baked pasta dishes like spaghetti pie or lasagna. The heat from the oven helps mellow the sauce while preserving its boldness. Just be mindful of other sweet or acidic ingredients — too much vinegar or sugar can throw the balance off.

4. Boost Your Chicken Salad

Barbecue chicken salad just hits differently. Whether you’re starting with rotisserie leftovers or cooking from scratch, toss your chicken with a bit of sauce before adding it to your salad. It adds a smoky kick and a subtle heat that makes the whole dish feel more intentional.

Want to go the extra mile? Marinate or glaze the chicken in barbecue sauce before roasting it. This bakes the flavor in, caramelizes the surface, and gives your salad base a serious upgrade. Pair it with crunchy veggies, fresh herbs, and a creamy dressing — but skip overly sweet ingredients like grapes or cranberries, which can make the salad feel cloying.

5. Make Grilled Cheese Even Better

A swipe of barbecue sauce inside your grilled cheese sandwich adds a warm, tangy counterpoint to all that melty goodness. It’s a simple way to add depth without overwhelming the comforting nature of a classic.

Want more flavor and crunch? Lightly brush barbecue sauce on the outside of the sandwich before grilling. The sugars caramelize, giving the bread a golden crust with extra flavor. Add cooked chicken, caramelized onions, or even a slice of sharp cheddar for maximum impact.

6. Mashed Potatoes with a Twist

Mashed potatoes can sometimes feel like a blank canvas — cozy, but in need of a pop. Enter barbecue sauce. A small dollop stirred into your mash brings smoky sweetness and umami richness that cuts through all that butter and cream.

Want to keep things subtle? Try using a gold or white barbecue sauce to add gentle tang without altering the color. But if you’re not afraid to shake things up, go for a dark, molasses-rich sauce and watch your side dish steal the show.

7. Bake It Into Cornbread

Cornbread has a natural sweetness that makes it the perfect partner for barbecue sauce. Stir a spoonful or two into your batter before baking for deeper flavor, or — better yet — swirl it across the top of the loaf and drag a knife or toothpick through it to create a marbled effect.

This trick doesn’t just add flavor — it adds visual flair too. Bonus: spicy barbecue sauces bring a little kick to your loaf, making it a perfect match for chili, stews, or barbecue mains.

8. Glaze Your Meatloaf

If your meatloaf usually leans on ketchup for its glaze, it’s time to break the habit. Brushing barbecue sauce over your loaf before baking gives it a rich, sticky crust with layers of flavor — smoky, sweet, maybe even a little spicy.

Use a thicker sauce like a classic dark brown or sweet honey barbecue for best results. Lighter sauces like white or mustard-based varieties don’t caramelize as well but can work if you're layering them under or over another glaze. The result? A meatloaf that actually tastes like something you'd go back for seconds of.

9. Supercharge Your Caramelized Onions

Caramelized onions are a slow labor of love — and adding barbecue sauce near the end can reward that time tenfold. Once your onions are soft and golden (about 10 minutes in), stir in a tablespoon of sauce and let it cook down.

The result? Onions that are stickier, richer, and way more flavorful — with just enough tang to make them perfect on burgers, steak, or even grilled cheese. Just be prepared: this version is bolder and more in-your-face than traditional onions, and that’s exactly why we love it.

10. DIY Barbecue Fries

Instead of just dunking fries into sauce, cook them with it. Toss cut potatoes with barbecue sauce, a little oil, and your favorite seasonings, then roast them in the oven until crisp and caramelized. You’ll get fries with crackly edges, a hint of smoke, and a bold, glossy finish.

Serve with more sauce (or a BBQ-sour cream dip) and watch them disappear. Bonus: they look incredible — all golden, sticky, and irresistible.

Bottom line: Memorial Day might be the official start of grilling season, but your leftover barbecue sauce doesn’t need to hibernate until the next cookout. Whether you’re stirring it into mashed potatoes or glazing your meatloaf, there are endless ways to give it a second life — and make your everyday meals taste like something special.