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Sweet, tangy, creamy, and almost dangerously delicious, this homemade honey mustard sauce instantly upgrades everything it touches. Luxuriously silky-smooth and perfectly sweet with just enough tang, it’s perfect on anything from salads and veggies to chicken nuggets and beyond. Best of all, this recipe for liquid gold is shockingly easy to make at home with pantry staples. Five minutes, one bowl, zero regrets.

“This is the best honey mustard recipe I’ve ever tried. It’s so good my entire family loves it, so I triple the recipe and keep a big storage jar in the fridge. Makes life easy when my son or husband wants chicken nuggets or I want a salad. Not to mention it’s so much better than the bottled dressing at the store with the long list of additives.”

– JILL
Close-up photo of bowl of homemade mustard sauce with a chicken nugget dipped into the sauce.

Update: This post was originally published in June 2022. I made updates to the article below to include more information about how to make honey mustard sauce at home.

Hi, friends! If you’re in the market for a quick, magically delicious condiment that turns everything and anything into a main character moment, meet the best honey mustard sauce. Perfectly sweet, beautifully tangy, ultra-creamy, and ready in 5 minutes, this homemade sauce proves culinary dreams really do come true.

Table of Contents

About this homemade honey mustard sauce

If you love the thick and creamy honey mustard dipping sauce from Chick-fil-A or Ken’s honey mustard spread, then prepare to fall in love!

This honey and mustard recipe is all about balance. Think: a silky, golden blend of naturally sweet honey, a duo of bold tangy mustards, a touch of fragrant spices, a hint of bright acidity, and just enough creaminess to make it irresistibly dip-worthy. The end result? A beautifully sweet honey mustard that perfectly clings to chicken nuggets, pretzels, fries, and veggies, and doubles as a luscious drizzle for salads, grain bowls, burgers, and sandwiches. (I personally love it on baked honey and mustard chicken and honey dijon roasted salmon and brussel sprouts.)

Best of all? This homemade honey mustard sauce comes together with an assortment of simple pantry staples in mere minutes—without any fancy kitchen equipment necessary. (Despite the website name, you will need a stirring device of some sort though, okay?)

Why you’ll love this recipe

A sublime combination of zippy, tangy, savory and sweet flavors, this kid-friendly homemade honey mustard sauce is sure to become a family favorite. Here’s why:

  • Delicious Flavor Balance. A duo of tangy mustards meets sweet honey, a kiss of rich brown sugar, and just enough acidity to brighten everything up.
  • Perfectly Creamy, Dip-Worthy Texture. Luxuriously smooth and perfectly glossy, this is truly the best honey mustard for dipping everything from fries to nuggets or veggies and beyond.
  • Made with Pantry Ingredients. You can make restaurant-quality home made honey mustard at home with basic pantry ingredients!
  • Ridiculously Easy, Less than 5 Minute Prep. This fast and flavorful dipping sauce is 100% fool-proof to prepare in 5 minutes or less. Literally, I set a timer.
  • Super Versatile. Best way to make anything taste good? Add honey and mustard sauce.
  • Meal-Prep Friendly. Double the recipe and store the homemade honey mustard sauce in the fridge to use throughout the week.

If you’re looking for more deliciously easy homemade sauces for dipping, be sure to try these fan-favorites next: bread dipping sauce with olive oil, Carolina BBQ sauce recipe, and white BBQ sauce recipe.

Overhead photo of honey, mustard, brown sugar, mayonnaise, and seasonings organized into individual bowls on a kitchen counter.

Ingredients for homemade honey mustard

As promised, you just need simple ingredients to make this gorgeously golden homemade honey mustard recipe:

  • Good Quality Mayonnaise. For the best creamy sauce, use a high-quality brand. While I’m a Duke’s girl through and through, Hellman’s/Best Foods or Blue Plate are great choices too.  
  • Honey. Lends a natural sweetness and silky mouthfeel. I like to use local raw honey, but use what you love. Just make sure it’s good-quality for the best flavor balance. Swap: While the taste will be slightly different, maple syrup or date syrup work as well. 
  • Yellow Mustard. I love the tang of bright yellow mustard. If you prefer, swap in more dijon or make your own using some dried mustard powder.
  • Dijon Mustard. Made with white wine and a bevy of tasty herbs and spices, dijon brings a complexity and gentle depth of flavor that feels fancy. Swap: An equivalent amount of stone ground mustard (which will give your honey mustard dipping sauce a bit of texture) or more yellow mustard work also.
  • Light Brown Sugar. While technically optional, I find that the molasses-y sweetness of brown sugar adds both irresistible body and flavor to this honey mustard dip. I don’t recommend skipping it.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar. A bit of acidity brightens the mustard sauce and balances the sweetness. Swap: While I recommend using ACV, you can try fresh lemon juice, white vinegar, white wine vinegar, or rice wine vinegar for a different flavor.
  • Garlic Powder and Onion Powder. These powdered alliums add tons of flavor without needing to bust out the cutting board.
  • Smoked Paprika. I love a hint of smoky goodness in my DIY honey mustard. Swap: Regular sweet paprika or Hungarian hot paprika work too.

Recipe variations

  • Vegan Version. Use your favorite plant-based mayonnaise substitute to make this honey mustard recipe vegan-friendly.
  • Spicy Honey Mustard. Add a little bit of cayenne pepper for a spicy mustard sauce.
  • Extra Sweet Version. Increase the honey or add a little more brown sugar to make this sauce extra kid-friendly.
  • Wholesome Twist. To give your honey dijon mustard a boost of protein, swap out some of the mayonnaise for plain Greek yogurt.
  • Honey Mustard Vinaigrette. Thin out the dressing with an extra splash of vinegar and a glug or two of olive oil to transform this recipe into a vinaigrette dressing. And, feel free to fancy it up with some chopped fresh herbs like parsley, tarragon, or cilantro if you’d like.
  • Smoky Chick-fil-A Style. Add a few tablespoons of your favorite barbecue sauce and this honey mustard sauce becomes iconic Chick-fil-A sauce.
Overhead photo of all the ingredients to make honey mustard sauce neatly arranged in a mixing bowl - before being stirred together.

How to make honey mustard

Making homemade honey mustard sauce from scratch is as easy as 1, 2, 3!

  1. Whisk the honey mustard ingredients: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise with both mustards, honey, 1 tablespoon sugar, vinegar, garlic powder and onion powder. Season with ¼ tsp salt and a pinch of pepper. Whisk to thoroughly combine.
  2. Adjust to taste: Taste the sauce and adjust for seasoning, adding more sugar or honey for sweetness and more vinegar for tang. Optional, chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and transfer to the refrigerator. Allow the dressing to chill for at least 30 minutes so the flavors can marry. Then, taste and adjust the dressing again.
  3. Use or Store: Use your honey dijon mustard as a dip, dressing, sauce or spread! Or store your homemade honey mustard for up to 2 weeks in the fridge.

Professional chef expert tips for perfect results

  • Use Quality Ingredients. Since this is a very simple sauce, using higher-quality ingredients (good mayo, mustard, and honey) will make a noticeable difference in flavor and mouthfeel. If you’re looking for truly the *best* honey mustard, you’ll need to start with quality ingredients.
  • Whisk Thoroughly. Be sure to whisk the sauce until fully smooth and no streaks of mustard or honey remain. You want the sauce to be glossy and completely uniform in color.
  • Chill It. A brief chill in the fridge lets the sauce thicken slightly and it also gives the flavors an opportunity to marry and meld, making the sauce more flavorful and cohesive.
  • Taste and Adjust. Always taste before serving and adjust the flavors to suit your tastebuds. Sometimes all it takes is a pinch of salt or a drop of acidity to make the sauce taste exactly how YOU like it.
Overhead action photo of a whisk stirring together honey and mustard sauce in a white bowl.

FAQ: frequently asked questions

You’ve got questions? I’ve got answers! If you have a question you don’t see listed below, please drop them in the comments section. I’m happy to help when I can! 

Is honey mustard the same as yellow mustard?

No, they’re not the same thing. Yellow mustard is simply one component or ingredient, while honey mustard is a full sauce that combines honey with mustards, mayo, acid, and seasonings.

Can I make this honey and mustard recipe without mayonnaise?

If you’re looking for traditional creamy-style homemade honey mustard sauce, you’ll want to use a good brand of mayo. However, you can use a good vegan mayo or swap out half the mayo for Greek yogurt if you’re looking for a lighter taste and mouthfeel. 

What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?

Dijon lends a deeply complex, sharp flavor to honey mustard sauces, so I don’t recommend skipping it if you don’t have to. However, if you’re in a pinch you can use more yellow mustard for a brighter flavor. Or you can use a stone-ground mustard, but it’ll change the flavor and texture slightly.  

Does honey mustard sauce contain dairy?

This recipe for honey mustard keeps tradition by relying on a simple combination of mayo, honey, and mustard for a dairy-free delicious dipping sauce.

Can I use this honey mustard sauce recipe as a marinade or glaze?

Yes, you sure can! It’s exceptional as a marinade before grilling and roasting. However, you’ll want to thin it out a little with olive oil before using it as a marinade. Plus, it’s delicious brushed on chicken, pork, or salmon during the last portion of grilling or roasting.

Is honey and mustard sauce gluten-free?

As written, this recipe is gluten-free. However, it’s best practice to always double check the labels on the mustard and mayonnaise just to be sure.

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, this sauce actually tastes better after chilling for a few hours. So I encourage you to make it in advance.

Can I freeze honey mustard?

Unfortunately, freezing isn’t recommended as mayonnaise turns grainy and separates during thawing. However, homemade honey mustard keeps for up to 2 weeks in the fridge, so you have plenty of time to use it!

Overhead action photo of a spoon lifting honey mustard sauce from a white bowl.

Serving this honey mustard recipe

This delectable DIY honey mustard recipe will add a little zip to just about anything you can think of. Here are some of my favorite ways to use it:

  • As a Dip. Obviously you’ll want to dish this up as a creamy dipping sauce for chicken mcnuggets, chicken tenders, french fries or zucchini fries, fish sticks, broccoli and cheese tots, fresh vegetables and crudités, or anything else you like to dip! Think of it as a replacement for marinara sauce or ranch.
  • Spread for Sandwiches. Try it as a flavorful mayo replacement on sandwiches, vegetarian black bean burgers, wraps, or for steamed veggies like artichokes, broccoli, or asparagus. 
  • Dressing for Salads. Drizzle over salads for a sweet-tangy finish. I personally love using this salad dressing on green pea salad with chicken and grain bowls.

Unique serving suggestions

What are YOUR favorite ways to use honey dijon sauce? Let me know in the comments below!

Storing leftovers

This simple honey mustard dipping sauce stores beautifully, so I always make a double batch.

  • Refrigerator Storage: Store any leftover homemade honey mustard sauce in an airtight container or jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. 
  • Freezing Instructions: Since this dijon honey sauce is mayonnaise based, I don’t recommend freezing it. That said, it’s so delicious you shouldn’t have a problem using it within 14 days!
  • Reheating Instructions: Not applicable. Simply stir the honey and mustard sauce well before using.
Overhead photo of a bowl of homemade honey mustard with chicken nuggets surrounding the bowl.

Deliciously zippy, perfectly tangy-sweet, and definitely kid-approved, this recipe for homemade honey mustard sauce is sure to become one of your favorite condiments.

Whisk up a batch today and witness how it can transform even the most ho-hum meal into a crave-worthy affair! Whether you spread it on sandwiches, serve it with veggie sticks, or use it to add zesty flavor to your side salads, I have a feeling you’ll be making it on repeat all year long. I know I do!

Until next time, cheers,

Cheyanne

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More delicious sauces for dipping and dressing!

If you love this DIY honey mustard sauce from scratch, be sure to try these delicious dressing and sauce recipes next:

Overhead photo of a bowl of honey mustard with a chicken nugget dipped into the sauce and more nuggets arranged around the bowl.

Homemade Honey Mustard Sauce

5 from 3 votes
Author: Cheyanne Holzworth
Total Time: 5 minutes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 24 servings
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Sweet, tangy, creamy, and almost dangerously delicious, this homemade honey mustard sauce instantly upgrades everything it touches. Luxuriously silky-smooth and perfectly sweet with just enough tang, it's perfect on anything from salads and veggies to chicken nuggets and beyond. Best of all, this recipe for liquid gold is shockingly easy to make at home with pantry staples. Five minutes, one bowl, zero regrets.

Equipment

  • 1 Mixing Bowl
  • 1 Whisk

Ingredients 

Instructions

  • Mix the Honey and Mustard Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise with both mustards, honey, 1 tablespoon sugar, vinegar, garlic powder and onion powder. Season with ¼ tsp kosher salt and a pinch of pepper.
    Whisk to thoroughly combine.
  • Adjust the Sauce to Taste: Taste the sauce and adjust for seasoning, adding more sugar or honey for sweetness and more vinegar for tang.
    Optional, Chill for Best Taste: Cover the bowl of honey mustard sauce with plastic wrap and transfer to the refrigerator. Chill for at least 30 minutes so the flavors can meld.
    Uncover, give the sauce a good whisk, taste it, and adjust the flavors again.
  • Enjoy Honey Mustard Sauce or Store for Later: Use the honey dijon mustard as a dressing or dipping sauce.
    Alternatively, store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

  • Recipe Yield: Approximately 1 1/2 cups of honey mustard sauce (24 tablespoons)
  • Need to Scale the Recipe? Hover your mouse over the number of servings in the recipe card. You’ll see a sliding scale pop up, you can use that to scale the recipe up or down as needed.
  • Got questions? I’ve got answers! If you ever run into an issue, have a question, or need any clarification – please feel free to drop them in the comments section. I’m happy to help when I can! 
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and the nutrition facts are an estimate based upon 24 servings. Exact information will depend upon the brands of ingredients and precise measurements used.

Nutrition

Calories: 15kcal    Carbohydrates: 4g    Protein: 1g    Fat: 1g    Saturated Fat: 1g    Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g    Monounsaturated Fat: 1g    Cholesterol: 1mg    Sodium: 28mg    Potassium: 7mg    Fiber: 1g    Sugar: 3g    Vitamin A: 12IU    Vitamin C: 1mg    Calcium: 2mg    Iron: 1mg
Course: Condiment, Sauce
Cuisine: American

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Overhead photo of a platter of chicken nuggets with a bowl of dijon mustard for dipping.