Is there anything better than a creamy, tangy honey mustard sauce? This versatile condiment is perfect with chicken, pork, fries, or raw vegetables. Made from simple pantry staples—mayo, mustard, honey, and a few seasonings—this homemade honey mustard comes together in minutes and keeps well in the fridge.
Honey Mustard Sauce Ingredients
You’ll need:
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon sweet paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Pro tip:
Use sweet (regular) paprika for a classic flavor. If you enjoy a smoky note, substitute smoked paprika, but expect a noticeable change in the sauce’s taste.
Substitutions And Additions
Honey: A mild honey like clover or standard grocery-store honey works best if you want a balanced, familiar flavor. Wildflower honey is usually mild as well, while some single-flower or artisanal honeys can be quite bold and will change the final taste. If you prefer a tangier mustard profile, swap some or all of the yellow mustard for Dijon—but adjust honey to taste.
How To Make This Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe
Our recipe developer says:
A mason jar is an ideal container for storing and serving homemade sauce—shake or stir before using.
Step One: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, sweet paprika, garlic powder, and salt.
Step Two: Whisk until everything is fully incorporated and the sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust salt, honey, or mustard as needed.
Pro tip:
The sauce should be thick but still pourable, similar to a hearty salad dressing. If you want it thicker for dipping, add 1–2 extra tablespoons of mayonnaise, tasting as you go to reach your preferred texture.
How To Serve
Serve this honey mustard as a dip for breaded chicken tenders, soft pretzels, fries, or raw vegetables. It also works beautifully as a dressing for a grilled chicken salad or as a zippy burger topping. Because the recipe is so quick to make, you can customize the sweetness and tang to suit whatever you’re serving.
If you enjoy experimenting with sauces, this honey mustard pairs well alongside other favorites such as Alabama white sauce or Chick-fil-A–style sauce.
Storing This Honey Mustard Recipe
In the fridge: Store the sauce in a lidded airtight jar or container for up to one month. If the ingredients settle or separate slightly, stir or shake the jar before serving.
In the freezer: Freezing is not recommended. Mayonnaise-based sauces tend to separate and become grainy when thawed, so it’s best to make this sauce fresh as needed.
Smooth, creamy, and balanced between sweet honey and tangy mustard, this easy homemade honey mustard will lift simple meals and appetizers alike. It’s a basic recipe that’s perfect to tweak to your personal taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does honey mustard sauce last?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it will keep for up to one month.
Can I freeze honey mustard sauce?
No. Freezing is not recommended because the mayonnaise will separate and the texture will suffer once thawed.
What does honey mustard sauce pair well with?
It’s excellent with anything you’d normally dip—chicken tenders, pretzels, fries, or raw veggies. It also makes a bright salad dressing or sandwich spread.
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Honey Mustard Sauce
Prep time: 5 minutes • Total time: 5 minutes • Servings: about 1 cup
Ingredients
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon sweet paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a small bowl or jar.
- Whisk or shake until smooth and well blended. Adjust seasoning if desired.
Notes
- Swap smoked paprika for a smoky flavor, or use Dijon for a sharper mustard note.
- For a thicker dip, add 1–2 extra tablespoons of mayonnaise, tasting as you go.
- Store refrigerated in a sealed jar for up to one month.
Nutrition (approx.)
Calories: 1367 kcal • Carbohydrates: 56 g • Protein: 4 g • Fat: 127 g • Sugar: 53 g