This Carolina Gold Mustard BBQ Sauce is Sweet, tangy, and unique. It takes chicken, pork, and fish to another level, and it’s a must-try for any BBQ cook who’s looking for a new sauce to try!

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Carolina gold mustard bbq sauce in a jar with a brush

This mustard sauce was on the menu at my BBQ restaurant back in my chef days, and it was always a customer favorite, especially on the wings.

Made with yellow mustard, cider vinegar, hot sauce, and everyone’s favorite herbs and spices, this BBQ sauce is something to talk about.

Get saucy with other mouth-watering homemade sauces like Homemade Imperial Stout BBQ Sauce, Southwestern Ranch Dipping Sauce, and Best Chunky Blue Cheese Dressing.

smoked chicken with Carolina mustard bbq sauce

The Best Mustard BBQ Sauce

There is a valid argument that exists in the world of barbecue… what is the most important part of BBQ?

First and foremost, having perfectly cooked, barbecued, or smoked meat is the pinnacle. You want something flavorful and juicy.

However, BBQ’s second most important part is serving up your meat with incredible barbecue sauce!

Making this sauce is easy. The ingredients are staples you probably already have; the flavor will blow your mind.

overhead shot of mason jar with mustard bbq

Mustard BBQ Sauce Ingredients

Wet Ingredients. This recipe comes together with a handful of pantry staple wet ingredients like 1/2 tsp Hot Sauce, 1 cup cider vinegar, 1/2 cup yellow mustard, 1 T Worcestershire sauce, and 1 T butter.
Herbs and Spices. Spin those spice racks and pull out 1/4 cup of diced onion, 2 cloves of garlic (diced), 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, and 1/2 tsp salt.

pouring Carolina mustard bbq sauce on chicken

How to Make Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce

Mix. After gathering all of your ingredients, mix them all in a saucepan.
Simmer. Let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes.
Cool. Allow to cool slightly, then add to a food processor and pulse until thin.
Thicken. Add butter to thicken a bit.
Jar. Once your sauce has reached the perfect consistency, serve it or grab a mason jar and toss it in the fridge until you are ready to enjoy it.

brushing Carolina bbq sauce on smoked chicken thighs

Where is Mustard-Based BBQ Sauce from?

As you probably assumed from the name, this mustard BBQ sauce originated in the Carolinas.

In the 1700s, Germans populated South Carolina and brought with them, you guessed it, mustard!

Mason jar filled with golden mustard bbq sauce

Recipe Tips, Tricks, and Variations

Add Sweetness. Looking to add some sweetness to your sauce? You can do so by adding honey into the mix.

Add Heat. If you want to kick up the heat, you can add more hot sauce, cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or crushed red pepper flakes.

Reduce the heat. If heat isn’t your thing, you can reduce some of the heat in this recipe by substituting cayenne pepper with smoked paprika and swapping out the hot sauce for ketchup.

Tray of Smoked chicken thighs with mustard bbq sauce

What Does Carolina Mustard Taste Like?

This mustard sauce perfectly balances sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors.

The apple cider vinegar and yellow mustard provide a great tang balanced with sweetness from brown sugar.

Where does the spice come from, you ask? The hot sauce and the cayenne are those subtle but present spicey notes.

dipping a chicken leg into Carolina mustard bbq sauce

How to Enjoy Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce

Enjoy this sauce with everything – lather up chicken breasts, ribs, smoked pulled pork, and more!

However, you must complete the meal with the perfect side dish.

Serve up your meal with Pellet Grill Smoked Baked Potatoes, Best Steakhouse Wedge Salad, Mediterranean Coleslaw with Blood Orange Vinaigrette, and Corn and Avocado Summer Salad.

Looking for more side dish recipes that are always a hit? Check out the Top 25 BBQ Sides for the 4th of July!

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