DIY BBQ Rub Recipe – Homemade Gift

You probably know someone in your family who lives to grill and smoke food, and, if so, this DIY BBQ rub recipe is a great idea for a Christmas (or birthday) gift! The ingredients are a perfect blend of spice, savory and sweet flavors, although you can customize it of course. Once you’ve made the rub, you can package it up for a charming homemade look and be sure to impress the lucky recipient. It isn’t just for Dads either – anyone who enjoys cooking and loves food will enjoy this cute homemade gift.

This tasty BBQ rub makes a great homemade Christmas or homemade Father’s Day gift, and it’s so quick and easy to make!

Perhaps you’d also like this honey garlic BBQ smoked pulled chicken or a smoked brisket sandwich. You can use this rub on your favorite smoker recipes to add bold flavor. If you’re making this BBQ rub as a gift, you might like to make this chocolate M&M popcorn DIY gift as well!

Why You’ll Love It

Easy:  If you can mix ingredients together and put them in a jar, you can make this easy dry rub recipe with ease!
Versatile: A great BBQ rub recipe can be used to flavor smoked or grilled meats or even vegetables, poultry or fish. It’s just as delicious on corn on the cob as it is on a juicy pork shoulder, ribs or chicken legs.
Useful: A DIY BBQ rub isn’t the kind of gift that’s going to sit on a shelf never to be looked at again. It’s going to be used often because yes it really does taste that good!

Ingredients for an Easy BBQ Dry Rub

This rub contains brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, chipotle chili powder, smoked paprika, mustard powder, and black pepper.

You also need jars, little serving scoops or spoons and a printer for the labels. A funnel and sieve are also useful.

How to Make a BBQ Rub Homemade Gift

For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.

Mix the sugar and spices:  Combine the brown sugar, garlic powder and onion powder, smoked paprika, mustard powder, and black pepper in a small bowl, sifting through a sieve to get rid of lumps.
Transfer the rub into jars: Use a funnel to divide the seasoning mixture between jars, filling up to the rim.
Label the jars: Print labels and affix to each mason jar or weck jar.
Add a spoon: Tie twine or string around the jar twice and then tie a knot in it, attach the spoon and tie securely, finishing with a bow if liked.

Substitutions and Variations

Feel free to change up the recipe as much as you like. Cayenne pepper is nice for adding heat or you could use a different kind of chili powder in place of the chipotle.

Some white and/or red pepper in place of the black pepper would work too, or use regular paprika in place of the smoked paprika. Dried thyme or a pinch of salt are more ideas for the meat rub recipe.

How to Use a BBQ Spice Rub

Whether you’re planning to make this as a DIY father’s day BBQ gift, for Christmas, a birthday, or another occasion entirely, it’s useful to know how to use it.

Either apply directly to your raw meat or whatever you want to season or mix it with a binder such as prepared mustard and then apply. And then cook the meat and prepare to be impressed! Whether you use it on brisket or any other grill or smoker recipes, you’ll love the flavors it imparts.

How to Store the DIY BBQ Rub Gift

Store:  If you keep the spice rub in the jar in a cool, dark place, it should keep its full flavor for up to 6 months before the taste begins to weaken.
Freeze: Alternatively, keep it in a Ziploc freezer bag in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Barbeque Rub Recipe FAQs

BBQ Rub Recipe

Whether you use it on ribs, brisket, steaks, pork butt, chicken, veggies, or chicken, this delicious and versatile DIY rub is going to add sweet and spicy appeal. Learning how to make your own meat rub kit is really easy and it can be rubbed into the meat or mixed with beer, buttermilk or your favorite grilling liquid. So, if you have family or friends who love making BBQ recipes, this cute homemade dry rub is going to make a fabulous gift for them!

Other Recipes to Try

• Elevate movie nights with the Chocolate M&M Popcorn DIY Gift Kit, blending the perfect mix of salty popcorn and sweet M&M’s.
• This DIY Stovetop Potpourri Simmer Pot Gift Jar makes a great housewarming gift.
• Impress your guests with a Succulent Pumpkin Centerpiece, adding seasonal charm to your table decor effortlessly.
• Craft delicious cocktails at home with ease using the Mason Jar Cocktail Gift Sets, making entertaining a breeze.
• Gift the ultimate comfort drink with this Boozy Hot Chocolate Gift Kit.