Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce is a tangy, slightly sweet, and mustard-based sauce that is popular in South Carolina.
I made this delicious Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce because I wanted something tangy, slightly sweet, and spicy to elevate grilled meats.
I was inspired while watching a Southern cooking show where this sauce was featured. That moment sparked my interest to recreate it.
Now, I’ll show step-by-step how to prepare this unique sauce, combining simple ingredients into something truly flavourful and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce?
Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce offers a unique blend of mustard, brown sugar, and a hint of spice that creates a bold and memorable flavour.
The balance of vinegar and spices enhances the taste of grilled or smoked meats, giving them a rich and vibrant finish.
This Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce adds a distinctive Southern touch to dishes, making every bite flavourful and satisfying.
Its smooth texture and well rounded taste make it a standout choice for barbecue lovers everywhere.

How To Prepare Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Course: Sauce / Condiment
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: American (Southern Carolina)
Yield: Approximately 2 cups
Kitchen Utensils
- Medium saucepan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or spoon for stirring
- Airtight jar or container for storage
Ingredients
- 1 cup yellow mustard
- ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 to 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
- 1 to 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ to ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. Mix The Base:
In a medium-sized pot, toss in the yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, honey (or maple syrup if that’s what you’ve got), ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce.
2. Add The Spices:
Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, a pinch of salt, black pepper, and a bit of cayenne pepper (go easy on the cayenne if you don’t want too much heat).
3. Heat It Up:
Set the pot over medium heat. Stir it now and then as it warms up don’t let it boil hard, just get it bubbling gently.
4. Let It Simmer:
Keep it on a low simmer for about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir every couple of minutes so it doesn’t stick or burn. It’ll start to thicken up a little and the flavours will come together nicely.
5. Taste Test:
Give it a quick taste. Need more sweetness? Add a touch more honey or sugar. Not enough tang? A splash more vinegar. Make it yours.
6. Cool Down & Store:
Take it off the heat and let it cool a bit. Then pour it into a clean jar or container. Seal it up and keep it in the fridge it’ll stay good for up to two weeks.
Nutrition Facts Per Serving
Nutrition | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 16 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 3 g |
Fat | 0 g |
Protein | 0 g |
Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce
Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce stands out because of its unique mustard base, which gives it a tangy and slightly sharp flavour different from traditional tomato based sauces.
It’s characterised by its golden colour, derived from the mustard, and a balanced flavour profile with a touch of sweetness and spice.
It’s a versatile sauce, often used on pulled pork, chicken, and other grilled meats. This combination creates a vibrant, bold sauce that complements smoked or grilled meats exceptionally well, making it a beloved choice in Southern barbecue traditions, especially in South Carolina.
Helpful Tips
➣ Choose a smooth, good-quality yellow mustard as the base.
➣ Start with a small amount of cayenne pepper and increase for more spice.
➣ Simmer the sauce slowly to help the flavors combine well.
➣ Keep the sauce refrigerated in a sealed jar to maintain freshness.
➣ Let the sauce sit for several hours before serving to enhance the flavor.
Ways To Use It
1. Brush it over grilled chicken for a flavorful glaze.
2. Use as a dipping sauce for crispy fried foods.
3. Mix into pulled pork for added tang and sweetness.
4. Drizzle on roasted vegetables to boost their taste.
5. Spread on sandwiches to add a zesty kick.
How To Make With More Delicious Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce?
➢ Use raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar for a richer tang.
➢ Add a splash of smoked paprika to deepen the smoky flavor.
➢ Incorporate a small amount of fresh minced garlic for extra aroma.
➢ Let the sauce cool completely before tasting to balance the flavors.
➢ Mix in a touch of molasses to enhance sweetness and add complexity.
Proper Storage
Store Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce in a clean, airtight jar or container to keep it fresh. Refrigeration helps preserve the Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce flavor and extends its shelf life up to two weeks.
Stir the Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce well before each use to mix any separated ingredients. For extended storage, freezing in small batches works well and prevents waste.
Proper storage maintains the Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce bright, tangy taste and ensures it stays delicious for future meals.
Conclusion
I enjoyed making this Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce. It was easy to prepare and turned out absolutely delicious. I hope it inspires you to give it a try soon. The straightforward process makes it perfect for anyone to make at home.
I’m excited to hear what you think of the bold, flavourful taste. Be sure to share your experience I’d love to know how much you enjoy this tasty sauce!
If You Love BBQ Sauce Recipe Try These Out!
Chick‑Fil‑A Honey Roasted BBQ Sauce Recipe
Bachan BBQ Sauce Recipes | Bold and Delicious
Huckleberry BBQ Sauce || Sweet And Tangy
Guajillo BBQ Sauce || Complex Flavour
Maple Syrup BBQ Sauce | Smoky Flavours

Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or spoon for stirring
- Airtight jar or container (for storage)
Ingredients
- 1 cup yellow mustard
- ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 to 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup for vegan
- 1 to 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ to ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
Mix The Base:
- In a medium-sized pot, toss in the yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, honey (or maple syrup if that’s what you’ve got), ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce.
Add The Spices:
- Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, a pinch of salt, black pepper, and a bit of cayenne pepper (go easy on the cayenne if you don’t want too much heat).
Heat It Up:
- Set the pot over medium heat. Stir it now and then as it warms up don’t let it boil hard, just get it bubbling gently.
Let It Simmer:
- Keep it on a low simmer for about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir every couple of minutes so it doesn’t stick or burn. It’ll start to thicken up a little and the flavours will come together nicely.
Taste Test:
- Give it a quick taste. Need more sweetness? Add a touch more honey or sugar. Not enough tang? A splash more vinegar. Make it yours.
Cool Down & Store:
- Take it off the heat and let it cool a bit. Then pour it into a clean jar or container. Seal it up and keep it in the fridge it’ll stay good for up to two weeks.
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 16 kcal | Carbohydrates: 3 g | Fat: 0 g | Protein: 0 g
“Hi, I’m Samia, a passionate recipe creator with 5 years of experience in crafting delicious, unique dishes. My love for cooking has led me to explore a variety of cuisines, combining flavors to create memorable meals for every occasion. Whether it’s a simple weeknight dinner or an elaborate feast, I believe in making every dish special. Join me on my culinary journey as I share easy-to-follow recipes and tips that will inspire your cooking and bring joy to your kitchen!”