Sweet and Tangy Carolina BBQ Sauce (Mustard-Based Classic)
Golden, tangy, and just the right touch of sweet — Carolina BBQ sauce is a Southern icon with a mustard kick! It’s the kind of sauce that belongs on pulled pork, ribs, chicken, and even a backyard burger. At about 30 cents a serving, homemade Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce beats any store-bought bottle on flavor and price!
Pile your buns high and build juicy Pulled Pork Sandwiches and serve with a scoop of Amish Potato Salad — it’s a pairing you’ll come back to again and again!
Why This Carolina BBQ Sauce Hits All the Right Notes
- Balanced Flavors: The blend of yellow mustard, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar creates a sweet, tangy sauce that’s perfect for pork, chicken, or beef — especially when you’re serving a full spread off the grill.
- Simple Ingredients: All you need are basic pantry staples, so there’s no need for fancy or hard-to-find spices.
- Quick and Easy: In under 30 minutes, you can have a jar of homemade Carolina BBQ sauce ready to go, with enough flavors to complement everything from ribs to a quick BBQ chicken meal. Let it mellow overnight and it’s pure Carolina gold!
What You’ll Need to Make Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce
Here are the essential ingredients you’ll need for this Carolina BBQ sauce. Don’t worry, nothing too complicated—just the good stuff!
- Yellow mustard – the heart and soul of the sauce.
- Light brown sugar – for that perfect sweet balance.
- Honey
- Apple cider vinegar
- Cayenne pepper – for heat without going overboard.
- Black pepper
See recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Variations
- Low Calorie – To reduce the calories, try using a sugar substitute, or skip the honey for a more vinegar-forward flavor profile.
- Vegan Version – Swap honey for maple syrup.
- This Carolina mustard BBQ sauce is naturally gluten-free.
Recipe FAQs
What’s the difference between North Carolina and South Carolina BBQ sauce?North Carolina sauce is usually vinegar-based and thinner, while South Carolina loves this thicker, mustard-based style full of sweet-tangy punch.
Can I use Dijon mustard instead of yellow mustard?Plain yellow mustard is authentic. Dijon or brown mustard will make the flavor (and color) quite different. Anything other than yellow is not recommended.
Can I use this Carolina mustard BBQ sauce for ribs and chicken?
Absolutely. This sauce is perfect as a marinade or dipping sauce for grilled or smoked chicken thighs, chicken breasts, pork ribs — even brisket or pork chops if you’re feeling generous.
Can I water-bath can this Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce?No, it’s not safe for canning. The mix of mustard, vinegar, and sugar lowers the acidity too much for safe shelf storage. It’s best to refrigerate it in a clean jar and use it within 1 to 3 months.
Sauce Things Up and Serve
Slather this tangy mustard BBQ sauce on slow-cooked pulled pork sandwiches. It’s just as good tossed with shredded BBQ chicken — follow my method for Alabama Chopped Chicken Sandwiches — just swap the white sauce for this tangy mustard BBQ instead. Round out your plate with a spoonful of Pickle Macaroni Salad, and don’t forget a wedge of buttery cornbread. Feeling snacky? Warm the sauce a little and use it as a dip for onion rings or roasted Brussels sprouts.
Little Tip: I serve a salad dressing version of this sauce on this Sweet Potato & Steak Salad – seriously, not to be missed!
Looking for drink pairings? Pair this tangy Carolina BBQ sauce with a cold glass of beer—something crisp and refreshing like a pilsner or a hoppy IPA. If you’re looking for something non-alcoholic, try iced tea or lemonade for that perfect Southern BBQ vibe.
Sweet and Tangy Carolina BBQ Sauce (Mustard-Based Classic)
Recipe details
- 14 servings
- Prep time: 5 Minutes Cook time: 5 Minutes Total time: 10 min
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