Carolina Gold Sauce

ByCarla Hours Posted on Hours Updated On:
No Ratings
 Servings: 1 1/2cups Total Time: 10 mins

Carolina Gold Sauce is a tangy mustard-based BBQ sauce made with yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, brown sugar, and smoky seasonings.

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Carolina Gold Sauce is a tangy mustard-based BBQ sauce made with yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, brown sugar, and smoky seasonings. It’s sweet, tangy, slightly smoky, and ready in about 15 minutes.

Carolina.-gold-Sauce

I like this sauce when I want something different from a traditional tomato-based BBQ sauce. The mustard and vinegar give it plenty of tang, while the honey and brown sugar add just enough sweetness.

Why I Love this Recipe

  • Ready in about 15 minutes.
  • Sweet, tangy, and smoky.
  • Easy to make ahead.
  • Great for chicken, pork, sandwiches, or dipping.
carolina-gold-sauce-ingredients

Ingredient Notes

  1. Yellow Mustard: The base of Carolina Gold Sauce and what gives it its signature tangy flavor.
  2. Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds acidity and balances the sweetness of the sauce.
  3. Honey & Brown Sugar: Add sweetness to balance the mustard and vinegar.
  4. Ketchup: Adds a little tomato flavor and sweetness without turning this into a traditional tomato-based BBQ sauce.
  5. Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a deeper savory flavor.
  6. Smoked Paprika & Cayenne: Bring smokiness and a little heat. Adjust the cayenne if you prefer a milder sauce.
  7. Garlic & Onion Powder: Add savory flavor without changing the smooth texture of the sauce.

Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below

carolina-gold-sauce-over-chicken

How to Make Carolina Gold Sauce

  1. Add the yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, brown sugar, and ketchup to a medium saucepan. Stir well to combine.
  2. Place the pan over medium heat. Stir the mixture constantly until the sugar dissolves completely.
  3. Mix in the Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Stir thoroughly to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
  4. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps meld the flavors together.
  5. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper or additional honey if you prefer a sweeter sauce.
  6. Once the sauce thickens slightly and has a smooth consistency, remove it from the heat.
  7. Transfer the sauce to a heat-proof container and allow it to cool to room temperature before using.
  8. Serve as desired or store for later use. Enjoy!
  • dd-mustard-and-ketchup-to-skillet
  • Melt-down-the-mustard
  • add-spices-to-the-mustard-sauce.
carolina-bbq-sauce-on-a-spoon

Tips I Found Helpful

  • Whisk the sauce well: Make sure the mustard, vinegar, honey, and seasonings are completely combined before heating.
  • Keep the heat low: A gentle simmer is all you need. High heat can cause the sugars to scorch.
  • Taste before adding more heat: Start with the cayenne in the recipe, then add more if you want a spicier sauce.
  • Let it cool: The sauce will thicken slightly as it cools and the flavors become even better after it sits.
  • Make it ahead: I like making this sauce ahead of time and keeping it refrigerated until I’m ready to use it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely! If you prefer a sweeter flavor profile, feel free to add more honey or brown sugar. Just do it gradually, tasting as you go to reach your desired level of sweetness.

If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, you can use white vinegar or lemon juice as a substitute. Keep in mind this might alter the flavor a bit.

Once the sauce has cooled, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 1 to 2 weeks.

1. Grilled or Smoked Meats: It’s particularly fantastic on pulled pork, smoked chicken, and ribs. Brush it on as a finishing sauce or use it as a marinade before cooking.

2. Sandwiches: Spread it on sandwiches or burgers for a tangy kick. It pairs especially well with pork or chicken sandwiches.

3. Tacos and Wraps: Drizzle Carolina Gold Sauce over tacos or wraps for an extra layer of flavor, especially with grilled meats or roasted vegetables.

4. Dipping Sauce: Use it as a dip for fresh vegetables, pretzels, or even chicken nuggets. It adds a unique taste that enhances appetizers.

5. Salads: Incorporate it into salad dressings or drizzle it over leafy greens for a zesty twist.

6. Baked Beans: Mix it into baked beans for added sweetness and tang, perfect for barbecues or picnics.

7. Eggs: Try it on scrambled eggs, omelets, or breakfast burritos for a tasty breakfast addition.

8. Pizza: Use it as a base sauce or drizzle it on top of pizza for an interesting flavor combination with your favorite toppings.

9. Deviled Eggs: Add a touch to deviled egg filling for a flavor boost that will impress your guests.

10. Vegetarian Dishes: It works wonderfully as a sauce for grilled vegetables or mixed into grain bowls.

Feel free to get creative with Carolina Gold Sauce! Its unique flavor can complement many dishes, so don’t hesitate to experiment!

carolina gold sauce pin

More Sauce Recipes I Love

Yield: 1 1/2cups

Carolina Gold Sauce

Carolina BBQ Sauce
No Ratings

Carolina Gold Sauce is a tangy mustard-based BBQ sauce made with yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, brown sugar, and smoky seasonings.

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup yellow mustard (traditional base)
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Add the yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, brown sugar, and ketchup to a medium saucepan. Stir well to combine.
  2. Place the pan over medium heat. Stir the mixture constantly until the sugar dissolves completely.
  3. Mix in the Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Stir thoroughly to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
  4. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps meld the flavors together.
  5. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, or additional honey if you prefer a sweeter sauce.
  6. Once the sauce thickens slightly and has a smooth consistency, remove it from the heat.
  7. Transfer the sauce to a heat-proof container and allow it to cool to room temperature before using.
  8. Serve as desired or store for later use. Enjoy!

Notes

Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer and whisk occasionally so the sugars don’t scorch. Adjust the cayenne to make it milder or spicier. The sauce will thicken slightly as it cools. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

24

Serving Size:

1 tbs
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 23Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gSodium: 173mgCarbohydrates: 5gFiber: 1gSugar: 4gProtein: 1g

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© Adventures of a Nurse
Cuisine: American / Category: Appetizers

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Hi, I’m Carla, the recipe creator behind Adventures of a Nurse. After more than 25 years in nursing, I traded my scrubs for an apron and turned my love of cooking into a full-time food blog.

My recipes are all about easy comfort food, family favorites, and the dishes I grew up with in Central New York. You’ll find everything from simple weeknight dinners to Utica classics like Chicken Riggies and Utica Greens.

I’m glad you’re here—let’s get cooking! 💙
....Carla Adventures of a Nurse

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