Carolina Mustard Barbecue Sauce is the easiest homemade BBQ sauce recipe you'll find! This mustard BBQ sauce is so easy to make, spicy, & flavorful!
All you need to do is mix the ingredients together and wait for the flavors to develop. Use this BBQ sauce to smother your ribs, burgers, chicken, and more!
Why this recipe works:
This Mustard Barbecue Sauce is simply amazing on barbecue ribs, pulled pork, grilled chicken - you name it. It has a little bit of heat, a little bit of sweet, and a whole lot of flavor!
This recipe couldn't be easier to make. There are a lot of ingredients, but all you have to do is mix them together. No cooking required!
The best ingredients:
The main ingredient is mustard, of course. I just use standard yellow mustard.
Throw in some ketchup (because its almost wrong to eat mustard without ketchup), some Worcestershire sauce, and... get ready for it... chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
Sweetness is added from the honey and brown sugar. Tang is created from the apple cider vinegar. And a little garlic powder and freshly ground pepper add that final touch of flavor!
How to make Carolina BBQ Sauce:
- The cast of characters are shown below - mustard (of course... you can't have Carolina BBQ sauce without it), apple cider vinegar, honey, brown sugar, garlic powder - but I put a few more key ingredients in to really kick up the flavor.
- All you have to do is throw all the ingredients in an airtight container, give it a good stir to mix everything up, and then let your Caroline BBQ sauce chill in the refrigerator overnight to really let the flavors combine.
- This mustard BBQ sauce literally takes only a few minutes to mix together.
- When you're ready to serve up the Carolina mustard barbecue sauce, just warm it up on the stove and smother that grilled meat. Mercy. No slaving over the stove for this recipe like you do with other barbecue sauce that you cook on the stove.
What is the secret to tasty BBQ?
The first step to an outstanding barbecued meal is flavorful, good quality meat that is cooked to perfection.
The second, and arguably just as important, step is to serve it up with an outstanding barbecue sauce, and this is one of the best BBQ sauce recipes out there.
I'll tell you how to make mustard based BBQ sauce, and the process is so easy it will blow your mind. I knew I was going to grill up some pulled pork on the smoker and wanted to make an outstanding Carolina BBQ sauce that was equally as tasty.
Where is mustard based BBQ sauce from?
Part of South Carolina is known for its yellow barbecue sauces made primarily of yellow mustard, vinegar, sugar and spices. This sauce is most common in a belt from Columbia to Charleston, an area settled by many Germans.
I, admittedly, have never been to South Carolina, but I've had several readers tell me that my BBQ sauce is quite authentic. I hope you like it too!
Related recipe ideas:
- Whiskey BBQ sauce - this is one that you cook on the stove but it is oh-so worth it. I'm not a fan of whiskey, but the alcohol cooks off and all that's left is the flavor! Be sure to make a lot of this one and then preserve it by canning a bunch of jars.
- There are so many fantastic side dishes that would go well this mustard BBQ sauce and your favorite grilled meat. I usually make up some of my Grandma's potato salad and some angel hair cole slaw. YUM!
- Smother this sauce over some Apple Cider Brined Smoked Pulled Pork or Roasted Chicken!
Step by step video below!
Did you make this recipe? Be sure to leave me a comment below to let me know what you think!
Carolina Mustard Barbecue Sauce Recipe
CLICK TO PLAY RECIPE VIDEO
Ingredients
- 1 cup yellow mustard
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon chipotle pepper in adobo (minced)
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 2 teaspoons Worchestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients well.
- For best results, refrigerate in an airtight container overnight to allow the flavors to develop.
- To serve, warm in a pot over very low heat and use on grilled meats like pulled pork or chicken.
Notes
NUTRITION INFORMATION
This post was originally created in April 2015 and has been updated with photos and helpful information. Don't worry - I didn't change the recipe!
Mike Burgin
Small mod...I used blender to not only mince the chipotle and adobo, I made into a paste and doubled the ingredient amount. Also used turbinado sugar instead of brown sugar to nearly double. Turbinado has less molasses flavor but imparts sweetness. The recipe as it stands is great. The tweaks made it awesome.
Tim
Although you have a interesting variation, this is not authentic South Carolina Mustard BBQ sauce. I make it on a regular basis from original recipes and this one is not it. However, I am sure your version is good.
Ckwan
I’ve had Maurice’s Mustard Sauce and Krissy’s tops Maurices! It’s obvious you didn’t make Krissy’s Mustard Sauce.
Ckwan
Tim please try the recipe. It will surprise you!
ivan
Would dijon mustard work?
Krissy
Possibly, but I don't think it would taste anything like what its supposed to. I personally wouldn't use it in this recipe.
Janice Thomas
Do you think you could can this sauce?
Krissy
you bet.
nicolthepickle
I've made your recipe a whole lot of times now, sometimes with little substitutions. It's my favourite as a glaze on pork chops.
Thanks for the recipe.
nicolthepickle
I'm making it today as a dip for soft pretzels. Hopefully good!
Todd
Wow! This looks great. I wish I had this recipe last weekend when I smoked a pork shoulder. Adding this to my list of recipes to try though! I'm sure I'll be smoking else soon and will definitely want to try this sauce.
BBQ
If you want to make it more BBQ put some extra water in and throw it in the smoker for an hour or two.
Krissy
what a fantastic suggestion!
Ben Northern
Born in Western Kentucky, raised in Memphis, spend a lot of time in Texas, and, all I've got to say is DAMN, THAT S&!T IS FINE!!!!! Chicken, pork, beef (even cardboard). Eat it with everything!!
Roberta
If you made a batch, how long would it keep
Krissy
I think it would keep at least a couple of weeks in the refrigerator. -Krissy
Raddie Sneed
Made this BBQ sauce. Very easy. Tangy and sweet. Good switch up from the original.
Grace
This recipe came out so good! So glad I stumbled on it, thanks!
Dan
Great recipe! So fast and easy! My guests devoured it.
Tim
Tried this sauce mixed with beer as a braising liquid for pork shoulder. Came out delicious and tangy. Made a second regular batch for topping the pulled shoulder and served it up on pretzel rolls. I work as a chef in corporate dining and this recipe pleased about 150 people. So thanks very much.
Chef Timothy Lopez
Novacare Complex, South Philadelphia
Susan
I just love your site. So many good things.
Krissy
Ah, thank you so much Susan!!! I really appreciate the comment. 🙂 Krissy
Roni
I came across this recipe the other day and decided to make it last night. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this sauce and will be making it often! I didn't have chipotle in adobo nor red wine vinegar. I substituted with chipotle powder and white balsamic vinegar and it turned out fantastic! This will be my new go-to sauce for pork chops and chicken.
Krissy
Awesome!!! Thank you for letting me know, Roni! -Krissy
Tedd
That is pretty much how we do it here in the midlands, the Columbia area, of S.C. I will have to try it your way. Some people here will add the honey, some do not, some will use the apple cider vinegar, others the regular "Heinz" white distilled vinegar, but it all has mustard, brown sugar and worcestershire sauce in it. For the heat, some will add tobassco sauce, others red pepper flakes which gets better if it is allow to set a day or two in the fridge. It is use on pork ribs and for pull pork, as well as chicken. It is not "mopped" or put on the meat until its about half way done and the meat is cooked with the indirect heat method because of the sugar in the recipe. I've tried the Heinz mustard and it does taste better. South Carolina actually has three types of BBQ sauces and this is the one that is mainly used in the central part of the state. We grill 10 months out of the 12 with our warm winters and the pass five weeks with temps over 97 degrees and into the 100's, its to damn hot to cook up anything in the kitchen... fire up the grill!
Krissy
So many great suggestions, Tedd! I have to have my cold rainy winters. I can't handle that much heat and sunshine! - Krissy
Camilla
Where in the supermarket would I be able to find the Chipotle pepper in adobo? That's something I've never seen before
Krissy
Hi Camilla, Its in the Mexican food section near the enchilada sauce and taco shells usually. -Krissy
Andreanne
For how long can this be kept in the fridge? A good amount of time I guess?
Krissy
I'm not entirely sure, but based on the ingredients I'm guessing yes - it should last awhile. I always do my official "sniff test" to ensure I won't die before eating. 🙂 -Krissy
Nicole
Hey Krissyi was wondering if you have to refrigerate once it’s bottled? I was thinking as giving this as a Christmas presents..
Krissy
Hi Nicole, I'm so sorry for such a late reply! Yes - I keep mine refrigerated. I think it would be shelf stable if you canned, but am not sure if a water bath canner would do the trick or if you'd need a pressure canner.
Thad Davis
This is a good sauce. It is a Carolina sauce, but it's really a South Carolina sauce. North Carolina has a vinaigrette pucker sauce in the East and a Ketchup and vinegar sauce in the West. There are some ketchup and soft drink recipes but they are more family recipes than regional.
Krissy
I had no idea. Thanks, Thad! - Krissy
connie jensen
Oh. My. Goodness, I just tasted this and I don't think I can wait for the pork! This will make a great dipping sauce for so many things. Yum!
Krissy
Thanks for letting me know, Connie! Enjoy!!! -Krissy
george
Making it tonight
Jen
Carolina gold is the only BBQ sauce we use in my hse. Granted I'm a SC girl. Have my own recipe but this one is worth a shot.
Krissy
Hi Jen, I've never even been to South Carolina, so if you do try my version please tell me what you think!! Thanks! Krissy
Julie LaRosh
Could you please share your apple cider brine recipe for preparing the meat you mentioned in the Carolina Mustard Barbecue Sauce.
Krissy
Hi Julie! It just went up on the blog yesterday. Here's the link: http://selfproclaimedfoodie.com/apple-cider-barbecue-pulled-pork/ Thanks! Krissy
Mike
Excellent change from the usual sweet sauce. This tangy and resty. Very good
Carrie @Frugal Foodie Mama
Oh yum! I love Heinz yellow mustard as is, but this doctored up version looks delicious! 🙂
Kat@Home. Made. Interest.
Yum! I love mustard based sauces and this looks sooo good! Invite me over next time you make it 😉
Meg @ The Housewife in Training Files
As a BBQ lover from KC, all the sauces I have seen are red but I am intrigued by this kind! Must try it soon!
Becky
Mmmm...I've been on a serious mustard kick lately. I can't wait to try this!
Jamie @ Southern Revivals
As a lifelong Heinz ketchup fan I can fully appreciate this post. As a Southerner, I can fully appreciate this recipe! Looks delish! 😉
sarah @ {Home-ology} modern vintage
Oh my gosh, that looks amazingly yummy! I love Carolina-style bbq sauce - putting this on the list of must try's.
mary
I believe the addition of the ACV and Adobo chiles make this a healthy sauce too!