Carolina Mustard Barbecue Sauce Recipe

Carolina Mustard Barbecue Sauce is a bold, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce that brings classic Southern flavor to any dish. Originating from South Carolina, this mustard-based BBQ sauce is known for its sharp vinegar bite balanced with honey and brown sugar. It is incredibly easy to make at home, requiring just a few pantry staples and only ten minutes from start to finish. Perfect for pulled pork, grilled chicken, ribs, or even as a dipping sauce, this homemade Carolina mustard BBQ sauce delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 1 cup yellow mustard
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon chipotle pepper in adobo, minced
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

• Add all ingredients to a mixing bowl
• Whisk until fully combined and smooth
• Taste and adjust seasoning if needed
• Transfer the sauce to an airtight container
• Refrigerate overnight for best flavor development
• Warm gently over low heat before serving

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serve warm or cold depending on preference; warming slightly enhances sweetness and spice
• Perfect as a finishing sauce for pulled pork, chopped pork, or smoked pork shoulder
• Brush onto grilled chicken during the last few minutes of cooking to avoid burning
• Use as a dipping sauce for sausages, chicken tenders, or roasted potatoes
• Drizzle over barbecue sandwiches, sliders, or wraps for extra tang
• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks
• Always use a clean spoon to maintain freshness
• Flavor improves after 24 hours as ingredients meld
• Stir before using if separation occurs
• Can be gently reheated over low heat on the stovetop

Variations

1. Classic Mild Carolina Sauce
   Remove the chipotle pepper for a smooth, tangy sauce with no heat, ideal for kids and mild palates
2. Extra Spicy Mustard BBQ Sauce
   Double the chipotle pepper or add cayenne for a bold, fiery kick
3. Honey-Forward Version
   Increase honey by 2 tablespoons for a sweeter sauce perfect for grilled chicken
4. Vinegar-Heavy Carolina Sauce
   Add 2 extra tablespoons of apple cider vinegar for sharper tang and traditional bite
5. Smoky BBQ Mustard Sauce
   Add 1 teaspoon smoked paprika for deep smoky flavor without extra heat
6. Garlic Lover’s Sauce
   Replace garlic powder with 2 cloves of finely minced fresh garlic
7. Tomato-Kissed Version
   Increase ketchup to 3 tablespoons for a slightly thicker, tomato-balanced sauce
8. Brown Sugar Rich Sauce
   Swap light brown sugar for dark brown sugar for deeper molasses notes
9. Sugar-Free Option
   Use sugar-free honey alternative and brown sugar substitute
10. Bourbon Carolina Sauce
    Add 1 tablespoon bourbon for depth and complexity, simmer briefly to cook off alcohol
11. Maple Mustard BBQ Sauce
    Replace honey with pure maple syrup for a rich, earthy sweetness
12. Tangy Dijon Blend
    Replace half the yellow mustard with Dijon mustard for sharper flavor
13. Carolina Slaw Sauce
    Thin with extra vinegar and drizzle over coleslaw for pulled pork sandwiches
14. Mustard BBQ Marinade
    Thin with olive oil and marinate chicken or pork before grilling
15. Creamy Mustard BBQ Sauce
    Stir in 2 tablespoons mayonnaise for a creamy sandwich-style sauce

FAQs

1. What makes Carolina mustard BBQ sauce different?
   It uses yellow mustard as the base instead of tomato, giving it a tangy, vinegar-forward flavor
2. Is Carolina mustard sauce spicy?
   It has mild heat, which can be adjusted by increasing or removing the chipotle pepper
3. Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
   Yes, it tastes better after resting overnight in the refrigerator
4. How long does homemade mustard BBQ sauce last?
   Up to 2 weeks when stored properly in an airtight container
5. Can I freeze Carolina mustard BBQ sauce?
   Freezing is not recommended as mustard and vinegar-based sauces may separate
6. What meats pair best with this sauce?
   Pulled pork, grilled chicken, ribs, sausages, and smoked meats
7. Can I substitute Dijon mustard?
   Yes, but the flavor will be sharper and less traditional
8. Is this sauce gluten-free?
   Check Worcestershire sauce and chipotle adobo labels to ensure gluten-free ingredients
9. Can I make it less sweet?
   Reduce honey or brown sugar to suit your taste
10. Can this sauce be used as a marinade?
    Yes, thinning it slightly with oil makes it an excellent marinade

Carolina Mustard Barbecue Sauce is a quick and flavorful homemade alternative to store-bought BBQ sauces

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