Honey Mustard BBQ Sauce is a rich, tangy, sweet, and smoky blend made from mustard, honey, vinegar, spices, and a touch of heat.
This sauce brings bold flavor and smooth texture that coats meats beautifully. I made this Honey Mustard BBQ Sauce after seeing it featured in a Southern style cooking show highlighting regional barbecue flavors.
The deep flavour balance inspired me to recreate it in my kitchen. The main speciality of this sauce is the unique combination of sweet honey and sharp mustard with a smoky kick. I will now show up and show step by step how to make this recipe.
Why You Will Choose Honey Mustard Bbq Sauce?
Honey Mustard BBQ Sauce brings a bold mix of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors that instantly lift any grilled or roasted dish.
The rich blend of honey and mustard pairs beautifully with chicken, ribs, or sandwiches. It offers a satisfying depth that makes each bite memorable.
This sauce stands out through its balance of flavor and smooth texture, making every meal more enjoyable. A homemade touch adds freshness and quality that store bought versions often lack. You’ll taste the difference right away.
How To Prepare Honey Mustard BBQ Sauce?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Course: Sauce / Condiment
Cuisine: American
Difficulty: Easy
Yield: About 2 cups
Equipment Needed
- Small saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon or rubber spatula
- Cutting board and knife (for shallots)
- Airtight jar or container (for storage)
Ingredients
- ½ cup Dijon mustard
- ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup ketchup
- ½ cup honey
- ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp minced shallots
- 2 tbsp whole grain mustard (or stone-ground mustard)
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp water
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Saute The Shallots:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, add a bit of oil from the ¼ cup. Saute the minced shallots until they become soft and translucent (about 2–3 minutes).
2. Combine Ingredients:
Add the remaining vegetable oil, Dijon mustard, whole-grain mustard, honey, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and water into the saucepan. Stir to combine well.
3. Simmer:
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium low heat. Stir frequently to prevent burning. Let it cook for about 6–8 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
4. Season:
Taste and season with salt and black pepper as desired.
5. Cool And Store:
Let the sauce cool completely. Transfer to a jar or airtight container and refrigerate.
Special Note
If your sauce seems too thin, simmer it a bit longer. For a thinner texture, whisk in a tablespoon of water.
Swap apple cider vinegar for white balsamic for milder tang. Stir in a dash of hot sauce if you want extra heat.
Nutrition Facts Per Serving
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 90 kcal |
| Fat | 0.2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Sugars | 20 g |
| Protein | 0.3 g |
| Sodium | 190 mg |
Best Variations Of Honey Mustard BBQ Sauce
➣ Add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky, spicy twist that deepens the flavor.
➣ Stir in fresh pineapple juice to bring a tropical sweetness that brightens the sauce.
➣ Mix in bourbon to create a bold, rich glaze ideal for grilled meats.
➣ Replace honey with maple syrup for a warm, earthy sweetness and smoother texture.
➣ Use roasted garlic instead of garlic powder to introduce a mellow, caramelized flavor note.
Expert Tips Honey Mustard BBQ Sauce
➢ Use both Dijon and whole-grain mustard to create layers of tang and texture in the sauce.
➢ Simmer the sauce gently to blend flavors without burning the sugars or over-thickening.
➢ Choose smoked paprika for a deeper, richer barbecue taste that complements the sweetness.
➢ Mince the shallots finely so they melt into the sauce, adding subtle flavor without chunks.
➢ Stir consistently while heating to prevent the sauce from sticking or becoming grainy.
Serving Suggestions
➤ Spread on burgers or sandwiches to add a sweet and tangy kick.
➤ Brush over grilled chicken or ribs during the last few minutes of cooking for a flavourful glaze.
➤ Serve as a dipping sauce for crispy chicken tenders, fries, or onion rings.
➤ Drizzle over roasted vegetables to bring out their natural sweetness and add depth.
➤ Use as a finishing sauce for pulled pork or smoked sausages at your next cookout.
Is Honey Mustard BBQ Sauce Spicy?
Honey Mustard BBQ Sauce is generally not very spicy. Its core flavour profile is sweet from the honey and tangy from the mustard.
However, some recipes like the one you’re using include small amounts of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika, which can add a mild heat.
The spiciness is usually subtle and meant to enhance the flavour rather than overpower it. If you prefer a spicier version, you can increase the cayenne or add hot sauce. For a completely mild version, you can simply leave out the cayenne pepper.
Storage & Make Ahead
Cool Honey Mustard BBQ Sauce fully after cooking, then transfer to a sealed jar or container and refrigerate for up to 14 days.
Allow the flavours to blend over time for an even richer taste. For easier use, portion into small containers before storing.
Freezing is an option use freezer-safe bags or jars, and thaw in the refrigerator when ready to use. Stir well before serving to bring back its smooth texture and balanced flavour after chilling or freezing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Dishes Pair Well With This Sauce?
It complements grilled chicken, ribs, pork, sandwiches, burgers, and roasted vegetables.
Is This Sauce Gluten Free?
Most ingredients are naturally gluten free, but always check labels to be sure.
Can I Use This Sauce As A Marinade?
Yes, it works well as a marinade for chicken, pork, or vegetables before grilling or baking.
Is It Safe To Reheat The Sauce?
Reheat gently on low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain texture and flavour.
Can I Make It Without Oil?
Yes, but the texture will be less smooth and slightly thinner.
Honey Mustard BBQ Sauce was an easy and delicious success that I truly enjoyed making. The bold, sweet, and tangy flavor came together so well, and I’m proud of how simple it was to prepare.
I hope you’ll be inspired to try it too. It’s a great way to elevate any dish with homemade flavor. Now it’s your turn to make it soon and let me know how delicious it turns out for you after you give it a try.
More Sauce Recipes You’ll Love
Citrus BBQ Sauce: A Flavour Explosion
Butter BBQ Sauce || Smoky And Delicious
Cowboy BBQ Sauce: Deep Flavour
Henny BBQ Sauce || Simple & Flavourful
Honey Mustard BBQ Sauce
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, add a bit of oil from the ¼ cup. Saute the minced shallots until they become soft and translucent (about 2–3 minutes).
- Add the remaining vegetable oil, Dijon mustard, whole-grain mustard, honey, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and water into the saucepan. Stir to combine well.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium low heat. Stir frequently to prevent burning. Let it cook for about 6–8 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
- Taste and season with salt and black pepper as desired.
- Let the sauce cool completely. Transfer to a jar or airtight container and refrigerate.
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 90 kcal | Fat: 0.2 g | Saturated Fat: 0 g | Carbohydrates: 22 g | Sugars: 20 g | Protein: 0.3 g | Sodium: 190 mg“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!”