Carolina Gold Mustard Barbecue Sauce

Last Updated on January 26, 2024 by Carne Diem

Sauces, Rubs, and Accompaniments

Origin: North American, American Southeast

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This sweet and tangy Carolina mustard BBQ sauce is made with Mike’s Hot Honey for just a touch of heat. This classic South Carolina sauce is perfect for smoked pork or chicken, and makes for a great accompaniment for your BBQ meal.  No South Carolina barbeque is complete without a side of authentic Carolina Gold.

History of Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce

Originating in the central/midland region of South Carolina, this mustard based sauce was believed to have been created by German immigrants in the region. Keeping with their German heritage, spices were added to the mustard then the sauce was thinned with vinegar, giving it its classic tangy taste. To this day, this Carolina Gold Barbecue sauce remains a popular addition to the chopped or pulled smoked pork in the region.  It remains on of the 3 primary regional barbecue sauces of the Carolinas.

Making the South Carolina Mustard Sauce

This Carolina mustard-based sauce, is taken to the next level with Mike’s Hot Honey.

Making this easy Carolina mustard sauce could not be simpler. You just need too combine and simmer some common ingredients, let the sauce cool, and you are ready to eat. The entire sauce can be prepared in under 10 minutes.

Ingredients for Carolina Gold Barbeque Sauce

To make the South Carolina Mustard sauce you just need a few common ingredients.

Mustard-Traditionally this mustard based BBQ sauce is made with yellow mustard. For our Carolina mustard sauce recipe we use a combination of yellow mustard and Dijon mustard because we like the level of complexity the Dijon mustard adds to the gold sauce.

Ketchup-Ketchup adds a little bit of color and sweetness to the sauce.  Alternatively you can use a little tomato paste.

Brown Sugar-A bit of brown sugar also helps to balance the tanginess from the mustard and vinegar with a bit of sweetness. We prefer dark brown sugar as it contains more molasses, but you can use light brown sugar as well.

Black Pepper– Pepper adds a little bit a peppery backbone to the Carolina Gold Sauce.

Apple Cider Vinegar– Apple cider vinegar is the vinegar of choice for this southern barbeque sauce. This helps provide the characteristic “bite” of the sauce.  We prefer the taste of the apple cider vinegar to others like white vinegar. 

Worcestershire Sauce– A touch of Worcestershire sauce helps provide a little umami flavor to the BBQ sauce.

Garlic Powder– You will need just about ½ teaspoon of garlic powder. If desired you can substitute garlic salt, if you prefer a little more salt in the sauce.

Mike’s Hot Honey– Finally, we make this South Carolina BBQ Sauce with Mike’s Hot Honey. Again, this provides a little heat to the sauce and some additional sweetness.

Mix and heat the sauce

First, combine all of the Carolina mustard sauce ingredients in a sauce pan and stir to combine. Next, bring the sauce to a boil over medium-high heat then reduce to a simmer.

Continue to stir and cook the sauce over low heat for about 5 minutes, until all of the brown sugar has melted and incorporated into the sauce.

Finally, remove the golden BBQ sauce from the heat and place in a jar or airtight container. Refrigerate the sauce until needed.

For more great sauce and rub recipes, try some more of our favorites here:

What to serve the Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce with

In the Carolinas, pork is king. Carolina Gold sauce is traditionally served over slow smoked chopped or pulled pork. Of course the sauce will work with chicken, smoked turkey, or beef as well.  While traditionally used as a dipping sauce, the Carolina Gold can also be used as a binder, or mixed into BBQ favorites like baked beans to add a little extra Carolina zing.

Pair the sauce with barbeque favorites like Eastern North Carolina Style pulled pork, ribs, smoked chicken, or even Texas style brisket. Make it a part of a barbecue platter with baked beans, potato salad, Lexington Red Slaw, and cheesy corn.

Leftover Carolina mustard sauce also works great as a marinade for pork loin or pork chops, or as a binder for barbeque meats like pork butt or ribs.

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