Carolina Gold Barbecue Sauce

September 23, 2025

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I'm Caitlin - culinary hostess, wellness retreat curator, and homebody at heart. This blog is where I share seasonal recipes, intentional living tips, and behind-the-scenes moments from my kitchen, travels, and retreats.

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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

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

Tomato ketchup, mustard, apple cider vinegar, hot sauce, soy sauce, smoked salt, olive oil, and garlic oil on black table.

Creamy Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce is in three glass jars. Some sauce drips down the side of one jar. They are all on a black countertop.

Creamy butternut squash soup in a silver saucepan on a stovetop.

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

What makes Carolina Gold different from other BBQ sauces?

It’s mustard-based rather than tomato-based, giving it a tangy, sharp flavor.

Can I make this sauce less spicy?

Yes! Reduce or omit the hot sauce, or add more honey for balance.

What meats pair best with this sauce?

It’s especially good with pulled pork, grilled chicken, ribs, or even brushed on salmon.

Is this gluten-free?

Yes – just be sure to use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce.

OTHER RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE

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

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