Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce

Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce is a little different from your usual barbecue sauce—but in the best possible way. Instead of the classic ketchup base, this one starts with yellow mustard, giving it a bold, tangy flavor that’s totally irresistible.

It’s sweet, zippy, and just a little bit spicy (if you want it to be), and it works like magic on pulled pork, sausages, chicken—honestly, just about anything that hits the grill. I’ve even used it as a dip for fries and pretzels, and it never disappoints.

The best part? It comes together in minutes with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Once you try it, you might just find yourself reaching for it more often than your usual BBQ sauce.

The first time I made Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce, I wasn’t sure how it would go over. Mustard in BBQ sauce? It felt like a bit of a gamble. But I was in the mood to switch things up from the usual sweet and smoky sauces we always had on hand, so I gave it a shot.

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I remember serving it with pulled pork sandwiches for dinner, and within minutes, everyone was asking what that golden sauce was. My partner even went back for seconds—and thirds—just to keep piling it on. That’s when I knew I had a keeper.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold and Tangy Flavor: The mustard base gives this sauce a zippy kick that stands out from the usual tomato-based BBQ sauces.
• Sweet Meets Savory: A perfect balance of brown sugar, honey, and vinegar creates a rich depth of flavor with just the right amount of sweetness.
• Quick and Easy: It comes together in one saucepan in under 10 minutes. No fancy equipment or long simmering time required.
• Pantry Staple Ingredients: You likely have everything you need already sitting in your kitchen.
• Versatile: Use it on pulled pork, chicken, ribs, sausages, sandwiches, or even as a dipping sauce for fries and pretzels.
• Customizable; Want it sweeter? Spicier? More tangy? It’s easy to tweak to your taste.

Ingredients

The full printable recipe card with measurements and instructions is found at the bottom of the post.

• Yellow Mustard: Stick with classic yellow for that signature Carolina flavor.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Shake well before using.
• Brown Sugar: Light or dark brown sugar both work.
• Honey: Adds smooth, natural sweetness and helps round out the sharpness of the mustard.
• Ketchup: Just a touch adds depth and helps mellow the mustard.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds umami and a savory boost—don’t skip it!
• Garlic Powder: For a subtle, savory base note that blends seamlessly into the sauce.
• Onion Powder: Enhances the flavor and adds a little extra zip.
• Cayenne Pepper: A pinch adds a gentle heat. Add more if you like it spicy.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Season to taste. Start small—you can always add more later.

How to Make Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce

• Step One: In a small saucepan, combine all the ingredients. Whisk until smooth.
• Step Two: Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
• Step Three: Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
• Step Four: Taste and adjust seasoning—add more vinegar for extra tang, or a bit more sugar or honey if you prefer it sweeter.
• Step Five: Remove from heat and let cool. The sauce will thicken slightly as it cools.
• Step Six: Transfer to a jar or bottle and refrigerate. Use within 2 weeks.

What to Serve With It

This tangy mustard sauce is incredibly versatile and pairs perfectly with all your BBQ favorites:

• Pulled Pork: A classic combo. Drizzle it over a big pile of shredded pork or mix it right in.
• Grilled Sausages: Brush it on while they’re on the grill or serve it on the side for dipping.
• Chicken: Use it as a glaze for grilled chicken thighs, breasts, or drumsticks.
• Ribs: Swap your usual BBQ sauce for this one and enjoy a tangy twist.
• Pork Chops: It’s fantastic brushed on grilled or pan-seared pork chops—adds a ton of flavor.
• Burgers and Sandwiches: Add a spoonful to burgers or pulled chicken sandwiches for an extra layer of flavor.
• Fries and Pretzels: It makes a surprisingly delicious dipping sauce!
• BBQ Bowls: Drizzle over rice, meat, and roasted veggies for a quick and flavorful meal.

Basically, if it’s grilled, smoked, or needs a sauce—this one’s a winner.

Variations and Substitutions

• Make It Spicier: Add more cayenne pepper or a splash of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.
• Milder Version: Skip the cayenne altogether if you prefer a sauce with no heat.
• Use Dijon or Spicy Brown Mustard: For a slightly different flavor profile, try swapping out the yellow mustard. Just keep in mind it’ll change the taste quite a bit.
• Swap the Sweeteners: No honey? Use maple syrup or agave instead. You can also use all brown sugar if that’s what you have.
• More Tang: Like your sauce extra zingy? Add an extra splash of apple cider vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
• No Worcestershire?: Try using a splash of soy sauce or coconut aminos in a pinch for that savory depth.
• Make it Smoky: Add a bit of smoked paprika for a subtle smokiness without needing a grill.
• Turn It Into Carolina Gold: For a true Carolina Gold-style sauce, bump up the honey or brown sugar slightly for extra sweetness, and consider adding a pinch of turmeric for a deeper golden color and earthier undertone.

Storage Instructions

Once the sauce has cooled completely, transfer it to a glass jar or an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator, where it will keep for up to 2 weeks.

Give it a quick stir or shake before each use, as some separation may occur over time—that’s totally normal. The flavor actually gets better after a day or two, so feel free to make it ahead!

This Carolina-style BBQ sauce is best served chilled or at room temperature. I don’t recommend freezing it, as the texture can change once thawed.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• Whisk Well: Make sure to whisk all the ingredients together until smooth before heating to avoid lumps.
• Simmer, Don’t Boil: A gentle simmer is all you need. Boiling can cause the sauce to separate or become too thick.
• Taste as You Go: Everyone’s taste is a little different! Adjust the sweetness, tang, or spice to suit your preference.
• Let It Cool: The sauce will thicken slightly as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems a bit thin at first.
• Double the Batch: It goes fast! If you’re planning a cookout or just love BBQ, make a double batch and keep it on hand.
• Use a Squeeze Bottle: For easy drizzling, store the sauce in a squeeze bottle once it’s cooled. Handy for grilling and serving!

What Is It?

Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce is a tangy, golden-hued barbecue sauce that originated in South Carolina, especially in the Midlands region. Unlike traditional tomato-based BBQ sauces, this one uses yellow mustard as the base, giving it its signature color and bold, zippy flavor.

It’s typically a mix of mustard, vinegar, a touch of sweetness (like brown sugar or honey), and a bit of spice.

BBQ Sauce Recipes

• Cajun BBQ Sauce
• Homemade BBQ Sauce
• Rhubarb BBQ Sauce
• Pineapple Jalapeno BBQ Sauce
• Root Beer BBQ Sauce

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