Let me tell you—this honey mustard recipe is a total game-changer. Whether you’re using it as a dipping sauce for crispy chicken tenders, drizzling it over a fresh salad, or just enjoying it as a simple condiment, it’s the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and a little bit of zing. Seriously, it’s going to become your new go-to sauce. Trust me, you’re going to love it!
Why You’ll Love Honey Mustard
This recipe isn’t just about making a simple dip—it’s about elevating every meal it touches. Here’s why this honey mustard is a must-try:
Quick and Easy:
This recipe takes minutes to make and uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. You don’t need to spend a ton of time in the kitchen, but you’ll end up with something that tastes like it took a lot more effort than it did.
Perfect Balance of Flavors:
Sweet honey meets tangy mustard in a beautiful harmony. It’s not too sweet, not too sour—just the right combo to make your taste buds do a happy dance.
Versatile:
You can use this honey mustard with almost anything! Chicken, salads, fries, or even as a sandwich spread—this sauce makes everything taste better. You can also adjust the flavor to suit your personal taste.
Customizable:
Love a little heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some hot sauce. Want it extra tangy? Add a splash more vinegar. This recipe is totally adaptable to your liking.
Ingredients
(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Honey:
Honey adds the sweetness that balances out the sharpness of the mustard. It also gives the sauce a lovely smooth texture.
Mustard:
You can use yellow mustard for that classic taste or Dijon mustard for a more sophisticated flavor. Either way, it’s the tangy base of this sauce.
Mayonnaise:
Mayonnaise makes this sauce creamy and smooth. It gives the honey mustard a velvety texture and helps the flavors come together perfectly.
Apple Cider Vinegar:
A little apple cider vinegar adds a touch of acidity, giving the sauce that tangy kick that balances the sweetness of the honey.
Garlic Powder (optional):
For an extra depth of flavor, a pinch of garlic powder is all you need. It’s optional but adds a little savory note that works wonders.
Instructions
Let’s get to making this honey mustard! It’s super simple, so you’ll be done in no time:
Combine Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, add the honey, mustard, mayonnaise, and apple cider vinegar. If you’re using garlic powder, toss that in too.
Whisk Together:
Whisk everything together until smooth and well combined. Make sure there are no lumps of mustard or honey left—everything should be nice and creamy.
Taste and Adjust:
Give the sauce a quick taste. If you want it sweeter, add more honey. If you like it tangier, add a little more vinegar or mustard. Adjust the seasoning to your liking!
Chill and Serve:
Once the sauce is mixed, let it chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together even more. After that, it’s ready to serve!
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your homemade honey mustard with chicken nuggets, fries, on a sandwich, or as a salad dressing. You can even dip pretzels in it—it’s that good.
How to Serve Honey Mustard
Honey mustard is incredibly versatile, so here are some ideas for how you can serve it:
As a Dip for Chicken or Fries:
This is the classic way to enjoy honey mustard. Serve it alongside crispy chicken tenders, fries, or onion rings for the ultimate snack or appetizer.
On a Salad:
Use this honey mustard as a creamy dressing for a simple salad. It’s especially good on salads with grilled chicken or fresh greens.
As a Sandwich Spread:
Spread it on your favorite sandwiches or wraps for an extra flavor boost. It pairs especially well with turkey or chicken sandwiches.
With Pretzels or Veggies:
Honey mustard makes a great dip for pretzels or fresh veggies like carrots, celery, or cucumber slices.
Additional Tips
Here are some tips to get the most out of your honey mustard:
Store it in the Fridge:
Store any leftover honey mustard in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to a week. If it thickens up, just stir in a tiny bit of water or vinegar to bring it back to your desired consistency.
Customize the Flavor:
Feel free to experiment with the mustard variety. Yellow mustard will give you that classic flavor, while Dijon will add a bit more complexity and heat.
Make It Spicy:
If you like a bit of spice, you can add some hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or even some finely chopped jalapeños to your honey mustard.
Double the Recipe:
If you’re serving a crowd or planning to use this as a dip for multiple meals, double the recipe to make sure you have enough on hand!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different type of vinegar?
A1: Yes! While apple cider vinegar gives this sauce a mild tang, you can use white vinegar or even lemon juice for a different twist.
Q2: Can I make this honey mustard without mayonnaise?
A2: Yes, if you want a lighter version, you can skip the mayo and just use honey, mustard, and vinegar for a thinner, tangier sauce.
Q3: How long does this honey mustard last in the fridge?
A3: It’ll stay fresh for up to 1 week when stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
Q4: Can I freeze honey mustard?
A4: Freezing honey mustard isn’t recommended, as the texture might change when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a week.
Q5: Can I use this honey mustard as a marinade?
A5: Absolutely! This sauce makes a delicious marinade for chicken or pork. Just marinate your meat for a few hours and cook as usual.
Q6: How can I make this recipe vegan?
A6: To make this honey mustard vegan, use maple syrup instead of honey, and swap the mayonnaise for a plant-based version.
Q7: Can I adjust the sweetness of the honey mustard?
A7: Yes! If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more honey. If you like it more tangy, add more mustard or vinegar to balance it out.
Q8: Can I use mustard powder instead of prepared mustard?
A8: You can! Just mix 1 tablespoon of mustard powder with 1 tablespoon of water to create the mustard base, and then proceed with the recipe as usual.
Q9: Can I add other spices to the honey mustard?
A9: Yes! You can experiment with a pinch of paprika, cumin, or even turmeric for extra flavor. Adjust to your taste!
Q10: Can I make a larger batch?
A10: Definitely! You can easily double or triple the recipe if you need more sauce for a party or gathering.
Final Thoughts
This homemade honey mustard is incredibly simple to make and adds so much flavor to your meals. Whether you’re using it as a dip, a spread, or a dressing, it’s bound to become a favorite in your kitchen. Give it a try, and let me know what you think it’s going to take your meals to the next level! Enjoy!
Print
Honey Mustard Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-7 minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: ¾ cup (about 6 servings) 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This smooth and creamy homemade honey mustard is the perfect dipping sauce for chicken, fries, veggies, and more! Made with just 5 simple ingredients, this sauce comes together in 5 minutes for a quick and flavorful addition to any meal.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (or white distilled vinegar)
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
Instructions
-
Mix Ingredients:
- In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and cayenne pepper until smooth and creamy.
-
Serve & Store:
- Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for a more developed flavor.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- Make it spicy: Add more cayenne or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Lighter version: Swap mayo for Greek yogurt for a healthier option.
- Serving ideas: Use as a dip for chicken tenders, fries, pretzels, or as a spread for sandwiches and burgers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tbsp
- Calories: 90 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 3mg