BBQ Rub: The Best Last-Minute Father’s Day Gift

No time? No problem. This homemade BBQ rub is the perfect last minute gift for Father’s Day. With just the right balance of sweet, savory, and a hint of heat, this rub brings out the best in all his BBQ favorites. Plus, the kids can help since it’s super easy to make.

Why This BBQ Rub is the Best Father’s Day Gift

Easy and Fast

This rub is so easy to make — your kids could make it on their own (with a little guidance)! Just measure out the ingredients for them and they can do the pouring!

Not only is it super simple, but it takes no time. You can have the whole thing whipped up while Dad’s in the shower!

Practical

I love a good handmade gift — a sweet card or a messy little painting from the kids. But let’s be real: they’re not quick, tidy, or edible!

This BBQ rub, though? Dad gets excited, the grill gets fired up, and everyone wins.

Resourceful

You may have most of these spices on hand already. If not, stocking up is never a bad idea — every ingredient in this rub is useful in everyday cooking. And spices last ages in the pantry, so nothing goes to waste.

Oh, and all those mason jars in your cupboard? Here’s your chance to use them — with a gift that keeps on giving, one delicious dish at a time.

Equipment Needed for homemade BBQ Rub

You don’t need much of anything, really. But these things can make the job that much easier.

Funnel. Definitely a helpful tool, especially if the kids are helping out.

Mason Jar. I used a 16 oz jar since it’s grilling season and we’ll get a lot of use out of it. But a smaller jar can also go a long way.

If you don’t already have mason jars, you could repurpose a sauce or spice jar.

Ingredients

Organic cane sugar
This is the sugar I always keep stocked. It’s much less processed than refined white sugar and can be substituted one for one. If you have brown sugar, that will work great as well!

Sea salt
We buy Redmond Real Salt because it’s unrefined, unprocessed and it isn’t treated with any chemicals. Plus, it’s pink, so that’s fun for your rub!

Ground black pepper
Did you know that pepper acts as a flavor enhancer? It helps brings out the best in every ingredient, all the while adding a hint of warm lingering heat.

Paprika
Paprika is subtly sweet and mildly smoky with an earthy depth — a perfect base for a flavorful BBQ rub.

Chili powder
Chili powder adds an earthy smokey flavor.

Garlic powder
No BBQ rub is complete without garlic — actually no anything is complete without it if you ask me! It blends all the flavors together, making a well-rounded seasoning for any grill classic.

Onion powder
I can’t imagine not adding some form of onion when I’m cooking. It’s perfectly powerful — not overbearing but, like garlic powder, rounds everything out. It’s mildly rich and subtly sweet.

Cayenne pepper
Add more or less of this to adjust the heat you want in your BBQ rub this Father’s Day. However, cayenne’s role is not to burn our mouths but to give a comforting, exciting kick to each bite.

How to Make BBQ Rub for Father’s Day

1. Place the funnel into the jar.
2. Pour the spices into the jar one at a time, gently shaking the jar after each one to spread them out and make them level.
3. Layer the spices, making a fun rainbow-ish design!
4. Screw the lid tight and tie twine or ribbon around the top.
5. Store in the pantry and shake well before using.

What To Use It On and Recipe Ideas

• Chicken wings, breasts and thighs
• Beef steak, brisket and roasts
• Pork ribs and shoulder
• Burgers and sausages
• Corn on the cob
• Roasted potatoes and fries/wedges
• Easy Sausage and Potato Skillet
• How to Grill a Venison Steak

How do YOU like to season your BBQ favorites? Let me know down in the comments : )

FAQs

Can I use onion salt instead of onion powder?

Yes, but not one for one. Onion salt is much saltier, so if you’re making this swap, be sure to lessen the amount of salt added. If the dads in your family are salt lovers like mine, they’ll love this!

How do you actually use the BBQ rub?

Pat the raw meat dry, coat it with your rub and massage it in a little. If you have time, wrap it in plastic or place in an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes and up to several hours. Fire up the grill and off you go!

How long will this BBQ rub last?

If stored in an airtight jar or container in a cool, dry place, it can last up to 6 months if not longer.

Add Charm to Dad’s Gift

Write a little poem and add a gift tag to your jar. Here’s an example 🙂

Looking for more from-scratch kitchen staple recipes? Check these out!

Easy Homemade Mayonnaise Recipe

The Easiest Way to Make Greek Yogurt: In the Instant Pot

Homemade Granola (Sweetened with Honey)