If you love tangy flavors with a hint of spice, you’ll adore this Carolina Gold Barbecue Sauce. This mustard-based sauce is a Southern classic. Bold, tangy, slightly sweet, and perfect for everything from pulled pork to grilled chicken.

WHAT TO EXPECT IN THIS POST

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Ingredients
• Equipment
• Step-By-Step Instructions
• Storage Tips
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Other Recipes You’ll Love
• Recipe Card

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

Unlike tomato-based sauces, Carolina Gold has a mustard-forward flavor that pairs beautifully with smoky meats. It’s naturally gluten-free, comes together in under 30 minutes, and uses pantry-friendly ingredients like yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, and honey.

The balance of sweetness from honey, tang from mustard, and a little kick from hot sauce makes it bold, without overdoing it.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups classic yellow mustard
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 4 tablespoons all natural honey (or maple syrup)
• 2 tablespoons garlic oil*
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened ketchup
• 2 tablespoons frank’s red hot sauce
• 4 teaspoons gluten free Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon chili powder

* Sub with 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil + 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

EQUIPMENT

• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Airtight jar for storage

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

1. Combine Ingredients : Add mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, garlic oil, ketchup, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and chili powder to a saucepan.
2. Simmer : Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer.
3. Cook : Let the sauce simmer for 20 minutes, whisking occasionally.
4. Cool + Store : Remove from the heat and allow to cool completely before transferring to a jar.

STORAGE TIPS

• Refrigerator : Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
• Freezer : Not recommended, as the mustard base may separate.
• Make-Ahead : Even better the next day after flavors meld together. I actually recommend making in advance!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

OTHER RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE

• Homemade Gluten-Free Cornbread
• Slow-Braised Brisket
• Homemade Pimento Cheese
• Blueberry Barbecue Sauce
• Bourbon Barbecue Sauce
• Homemade Buffalo Sauce
• Herbed Buttermilk Ranch
• BBQ Pork Crostini

If you make this recipe, I’d love to see how you serve it! Tag me on Instagram or leave a comment below.

Print