A bright, sweet and vinegary alternative to traditional tomato-based bbq sauces, Carolina gold bbq sauce will quickly become your new favorite. Gold not only because it is so delicious, but because of the beautiful color it gets from the mustard base.
In this house, and probably most houses, bbq is serious business. We love it and have some kind of bbq at least once a week in the summer months. While we love a good tomato-based bbq sauce, Carolina gold bbq sauce is not that. This sauce recipe is made with mustard as a base. It has a tangy, sweet heat that is irresistible.
I can't think of a more perfect summer bbq dinner....a good pulled pork or brisket, some potato salad, a pasta salad and a refreshing cocktail. Follow that up with a classic lemon pie, and there you have it, the perfect summer bbq meal.
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Why you'll love this recipe
Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce is not your average tomato-based barbecue sauce. It stands out from the crowd with its distinct flavor profile and rich Southern heritage. Here are a few reasons why you'll love Carolina gold bbq sauce:
- It is super tangy and packed with flavor. Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce is known for its tangy and zesty taste. The combination of yellow mustard, vinegar, brown sugar and spices creates a unique flavor profile that is both sweet, tangy, spicy and totally addictive. The tanginess adds a bright contrast to the rich and savory flavors of grilled meats.
- It is a regional classic. It is a southern bbq staple that everyone everywhere loves. Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce comes from South Carolina. By using this sauce, you're embracing a rich culinary tradition that has been passed down through generations. It's a chance to experience the true taste of the South and add a touch of Southern charm to your meals.
- Homemade. It is made totally from scratch, so you know exactly what is in it. Making your own sauce allows you to control the ingredients. By making it from scratch, you can ensure that you're using minimal and quality ingredients. Plus, there's something special about the satisfaction of creating your own homemade sauce.
- It is different and true crowd pleaser. I cannot begin to tell you how many people have never had Carolina gold bbq sauce before, and when they have it, they love it. The color is so lovely and it has a unique and different flavor. If you are on the fence about it or think your guests won't like it, I suggest leaving your bbq meats unsauced and having a traditional bbq sauce alongside this Carolina gold bbq sauce. Let people decide! I guarantee, once they try this, they'll be all in!
Where does this bbq sauce come from?
I mean, it has the word Carolina in it, so...
This is a South Carolina bbq sauce recipe, different from the vinegar sauce that is common in North Carolina. Carolina gold bbq sauce is thicker and sweeter than North Carolina sauce.
Carolina gold bbq sauce has roots with Germans, who lived in South Carolina and added mustard to bbq.
Ingredients
Just a few simple ingredients you likely have in your pantry and you've got this amazing carolina gold bbq sauce.
- Yellow mustard
- Ketchup
- Honey
- Apple cider vinegar
- Worcestershire sauce
- Brown sugar
- Ground mustard
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Cayenne pepper
Instructions
Get ready here, this might be a tough one. Put all the ingredients in a saucepan and stir them together. Heat over low heat until it just simmers and cook for 10 minutes.
While you totally can serve the carolina gold bbq sauce straight away after cooking, I usually make this at least one day in advance and let it cool and hang out in the fridge to let all the flavors meld together.
Ingredient swaps and variations
While I think this classic Carolina gold bbq sauce is perfect as it is, the recipe itself is super adaptable. Here are some great swaps and variations you can try:
- Use molasses or maple syrup instead of honey or brown sugar for a deeper flavor
- Add tomato paste for a richer and more balanced sauce
- Use chipotle pepper and adobo sauce for some extra smoke and spice
- Use Frank’s hot sauce or Tabasco for more heat
Top tips
- Use a good mustard. I use French's .
- Be sure to simmer for at least 10 minutes. This will thicken the sauce and ensures the ingredients fully incorporate with each other.
Recipes for your next summer bbq
A little Carolina gold mustard bbq sauce on your main course and a few of these to round out your next bbq.
Equipment
- saucepan
Ingredients
- 1 cup yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoon ketchup
- 2 tablespoon Honey
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoon ground mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon 0nion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cool sauce completely and store in a mason jar or other airtight container.
Jennifer says
This recipe looks great. I would like to make a big batch of this. Can it be water bath canned?
Katie Beck says
Absolutely!