Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe
If you’re looking for a creamy, tangy, and downright irresistible condiment, you have to try making your own Honey Mustard Sauce. Just a handful of kitchen staples come together in minutes for a dipping sauce, sandwich spread, and salad companion that blows bottle versions out of the water. With a perfect balance of sweet honey, two kinds of mustard, a splash of tangy vinegar, and creamy mayo, you’ll wonder why you ever bought the store-bought kind!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Honey Mustard Sauce is in its simplicity—each ingredient is a flavor powerhouse, bringing either creaminess, tang, sweetness, or a gentle kick. Together, they mingle into an absolute crowd-pleaser. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Mayonnaise: This is your velvety, rich base, making the sauce creamy and luscious.
- Dijon mustard: For depth and a gentle heat, Dijon is essential—don’t skip it!
- Yellow mustard: This classic condiment lifts the color and provides that nostalgic zip.
- Honey: The natural sweetness brings perfect balance and sticky-smooth texture.
- Apple cider vinegar: A bit tangy and a bit fruity, it brightens the whole sauce.
- Garlic powder: Just a pinch wakes up all the flavors, adding savory depth.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps them from falling flat.
- Black pepper: Adds a very subtle warmth without overwhelming your taste buds.
How to Make Honey Mustard Sauce
Step 1: Whisk Everything Together
In your favorite small mixing bowl, add the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Grab a whisk (or even a sturdy fork) and whip the ingredients together until you have a beautifully smooth and fully blended sauce. It should look glossy and slightly thickened—no need for fancy tools!
Step 2: Taste and Adjust
This is your moment to customize. Dip in a spoon and decide—maybe you want it a little sweeter (add a touch more honey), or maybe you crave extra tang (another squirt of mustard will do the trick). Stir, taste, and repeat until it sings just right for you.
Step 3: Let Flavors Meld
Spoon the finished sauce into a jar or airtight container and pop it in the fridge for at least 15 minutes. This little rest lets all the flavors mingle, so your Honey Mustard Sauce will taste more cohesive and even better than when you first mixed it up.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
When you’re ready to use it, give the sauce a quick stir, then serve chilled or at room temperature. It’s genuinely that simple—no fancy gadgets, no cooking, and no stress. Now the only hard part is deciding what to use it on first!
How to Serve Honey Mustard Sauce
Garnishes
For extra flair, try sprinkling a pinch of freshly cracked pepper, a chopped sprinkle of fresh parsley, or even a few sesame seeds right over the top. These simple touches add color and a pop of freshness, transforming your sauce from basic to bistro-worthy in seconds.
Side Dishes
Honey Mustard Sauce absolutely shines as a dip for crispy chicken tenders, golden fries, or crunchy raw veggies. It’s also dynamite drizzled over roasted potatoes, used on burgers, or as a tangy accent for grilled shrimp. Every bite gets a little better with this sauce on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Pack it into a cute jar for a picnic, spoon it onto a grazing board among charcuterie and cheeses, or swirl a little zigzag onto plates for restaurant-style presentation. For entertaining, serve in a hollowed-out bell pepper or mini glass cups for dipping, and watch your guests light up.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Honey Mustard Sauce in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to one week, ready to rescue any lunchtime wrap or quick salad at a moment’s notice. Give it a stir before serving, as natural separation can occur.
Freezing
While it’s technically possible to freeze this sauce, the mayonnaise base can cause the texture to become grainy after thawing. For best results, make only what you’ll use within a week and keep it chilling in the fridge—it’s so quick to whip up, you’ll never need to freeze it!
Reheating
Honey Mustard Sauce is designed to be served chilled or at room temperature, so typically there’s no need to reheat it. If you do want a slightly warmer sauce for drizzling, let it sit out for 10–15 minutes or gently warm by placing the sealed jar in a bowl of warm (not hot) water for a few minutes.
FAQs
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt brings a tangy, lighter twist and adds a boost of protein. The texture will be a bit looser and the flavor more tart, but it’s a delicious, healthier alternative to mayo-based Honey Mustard Sauce.
Is this sauce gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe for Honey Mustard Sauce is naturally gluten-free as long as you double-check that all mustards and mayonnaise are labeled gluten-free. Always check brand labels if you have celiac concerns.
Can I make it vegan?
You sure can! Swap the mayonnaise for a vegan mayo and ensure your honey is replaced with agave nectar or maple syrup. The taste will shift slightly, but you’ll still have a creamy, delicious vegan-friendly sauce.
How do I thicken or thin the sauce?
If your Honey Mustard Sauce is thicker than you like, whisk in a tiny splash of water or more apple cider vinegar. To thicken it, just add a bit more mayonnaise or mustard until you reach your perfect texture.
What else can I use this sauce for?
This isn’t just a dip! Try it as a salad dressing, spread it on sandwiches and wraps, drizzle it over roasted veggies, serve with grilled meats or fish, or even let it work some magic in your next potato salad.
Final Thoughts
With just a few minutes and some simple pantry staples, you can have your own better-than-restaurant Honey Mustard Sauce ready for dipping, drizzling, and spreading. Trust me, once you taste this homemade version, you’ll never go back to store-bought. Give it a try and watch your meals instantly perk up!
Print
Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious recipe for homemade honey mustard sauce that is perfect for dipping, spreading, or drizzling over your favorite dishes. This tangy and sweet sauce is versatile and easy to make.
Ingredients
Mayonnaise:
- 1/2 cup
Dijon Mustard:
- 2 tablespoons
Yellow Mustard:
- 2 tablespoons
Honey:
- 3 tablespoons
Apple Cider Vinegar:
- 1 tablespoon
Garlic Powder:
- 1/4 teaspoon
Salt:
- pinch
Black Pepper:
- pinch
Instructions
- Whisk Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Adjust Taste: Taste the mixture and adjust sweetness or tanginess by adding more honey or mustard as desired.
- Refrigerate: Transfer the sauce to a jar or airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve: Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- This sauce is great for chicken tenders, sandwiches, or roasted vegetables.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
