Before we dive into the spicy-sweet magic of this golden-hued BBQ sauce, I just want to say: thank you for stopping by. Sharing recipes that have a story, a flavor punch, and a whole lotta personality is one of my favorite things—and this Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce is ALL of that and more.
It’s bold, tangy, and unapologetically Southern with that unmistakable mustardy kick. Whether you’re drizzling it over pulled pork, dunking crispy chicken tenders, or using it as a marinade, this sauce will level up your BBQ game in the best way.
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What is Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce?
Originating from South Carolina, Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce is a mustard-based barbecue sauce with a bright, tangy bite. Unlike traditional ketchup-heavy sauces, this one gets its rich golden hue from yellow mustard, and it’s balanced beautifully with vinegar, sweetness, and just the right kick of heat.
It’s a staple in Southern BBQ culture, especially with pulled pork, but it’s so versatile you’ll be reaching for it all grilling season long—and well beyond.
Why You’ll Love This Sauce
✨ Unique Flavor – Mustard lovers, rejoice! This sauce has zing, depth, and a little heat that makes it stand out.
🔥 Adjustable Heat – You’re in charge! Add more hot sauce or cayenne for a spicier finish, or leave it mellow and sweet.
🍯 Sweet & Tangy Balance – The mix of vinegar, honey (or brown sugar), and spices hits all the right notes.
🧄 Homemade Goodness – No preservatives, no artificial flavors—just a clean, crave-worthy sauce made in minutes.
What Does Carolina Gold Taste Like?
Imagine the boldness of yellow mustard meeting the tang of vinegar, mellowed out by the sweetness of honey and deepened with smoky spices. It’s zesty, a little fiery, slightly sweet, and totally addictive. The flavors hit in layers—first tangy, then sweet, and finally a slow, warming heat.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this golden goodness:
1 cup yellow mustard
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup honey (or brown sugar)
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp hot sauce (optional, for heat)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
1/4 tsp salt
Tools You’ll Need
🛠️ Mixing bowl
🛠️ Whisk
🛠️ Measuring cups and spoons
🛠️ Jar or bottle for storing (mason jars work perfectly!)
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
🔁 Honey vs. Brown Sugar – Both work beautifully. Honey gives a lighter sweetness, brown sugar adds a deeper molasses note.
🔥 Spice Level – Adjust hot sauce and cayenne to suit your heat preference. You can omit both for a milder sauce.
🍅 Ketchup Swap – Don’t love ketchup? Sub with tomato paste + a splash of water or leave it out for a purer mustard punch.
🍊 Zesty Twist – Add a splash of orange juice for a citrusy variation (great for grilled chicken!).
How to Make Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey (or brown sugar), ketchup, Worcestershire, and hot sauce (if using).
Step 2: Add Spices
Whisk in the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, cayenne, and salt.
Step 3: Simmer (Optional)
If you prefer a deeper flavor, pour the mixture into a saucepan and simmer on low heat for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step helps the flavors meld, but it’s totally optional.
Step 4: Cool & Store
Let the sauce cool completely. Pour it into a jar or bottle, and refrigerate until ready to use. The flavor gets better after a few hours—or even overnight!
What to Serve with Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce
🍖 Pulled Pork Sandwiches – A classic pairing!
🍗 Grilled Chicken or Wings – Baste it on while grilling or use as a dipping sauce.
🍟 French Fries or Sweet Potato Fries – Move over ketchup!
🥪 Smoky BBQ Burgers – Drizzle on top for a flavor bomb.
🥩 Steak Tips or Brisket – Give red meat a tangy twist.
Tips for the Best Homemade BBQ Sauce
✔️ Use good quality mustard – This is the base flavor, so pick one you love.
✔️ Let it sit – The longer it rests, the more the flavors develop.
✔️ Double the batch – Trust me, you’ll want extra!
✔️ Taste & tweak – Everyone’s palate is different. Start with the base and adjust the sweetness, spice, and tang to your liking.
Storage Instructions
🧊 Refrigerator: Store in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.
📦 Freezer: You can freeze it in ice cube trays or small containers for up to 3 months—perfect for pulling out just what you need!
🧼 Shake before use: The ingredients may settle over time. Just give it a good shake or stir before serving.
FAQ: Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce
❓ Can I use Dijon mustard instead of yellow mustard?
Yes! It’ll change the flavor slightly, adding more bite and complexity. Try half yellow, half Dijon for balance.
❓ Is this sauce gluten-free?
It can be! Just make sure your Worcestershire sauce and ketchup are labeled gluten-free.
❓ Can I use this as a marinade?
Absolutely. It works great as a marinade for pork, chicken, or even tofu. Just marinate for 1–4 hours before cooking.
❓ Is this kid-friendly?
If you leave out the cayenne and go easy on the hot sauce, it’s totally kid-approved!
Final Thoughts: Your New Favorite BBQ Sauce
Once you try this Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce, there’s no going back to store-bought! It’s bold, tangy, slightly sweet, and has just enough kick to keep things interesting. Best of all? You probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry right now.
So go ahead—make a jar, slather it on something smoky and delicious, and watch everyone ask for the recipe.
💛 Tried it? Leave a review below and share your saucy creations on Pinterest! Tag me—I’d love to see what you’re cooking!
Approximate Nutritional Info (per 2 tbsp serving)
Calories: 45 kcal
Carbs: 8g
Sugar: 6g
Fat: 1g
Protein: 0g
Sodium: 220mg
Note: Nutrition may vary depending on exact ingredients used.
Hungry for more Southern-inspired sauces? Try these next:
🌶️ Spicy Peach BBQ Sauce
🧄 Creamy Alabama White Sauce
🍅 Smoky Chipotle Honey BBQ Sauce
Happy BBQing, y’all! 🍖✨
