Can we talk about regional barbecue sauces for a hot minute? I’ve driven actual hours out of my way on road trips just to try different local BBQ joints – much to my family’s simultaneous amusement and annoyance.  Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce holds a special place in my heart – that mustard-forward tanginess cuts through rich, smoky barbecue in a way that tomato-based sauces just can’t match. This sauce has deep roots in South Carolina, particularly in the central “Mustard Belt” region, where German settlers brought their love of mustard in the 18th century and created something uniquely American.

Traditional Carolina Gold is pretty straightforward – yellow mustard, vinegar, and spices – but this version adds herbs that complement and elevate those classic flavors. The result is a sauce that honors tradition while bringing something new to the table.

Herb-Infused Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce

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Tangy Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce showcases mustard’s pungent bite enhanced with honey sweetness and aromatic herbs in this distinctive Southern tradition.

• Author: Amanda MacArthur
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Resting Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 2 Cups 1x
• Category: Sides & Sauces

Ingredients

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• 1 cup yellow mustard
• ½ cup apple cider vinegar
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or ½ teaspoon dried)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 small shallot, finely minced (optional)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (like Tabasco)
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon ground allspice

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Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat
2. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened
3. Let cool to room temperature before using – it will continue to thicken as it cools.

Notes

• Makes about 2 cups

This tangy Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce is traditionally served with pulled pork, where its mustardy kick balances perfectly with the rich, fatty meat. But don’t stop there! It’s also fantastic on grilled chicken, particularly thighs where the sauce creates an incredible glaze. For the ultimate easy dinner, brush it onto chicken pieces before baking, then brush again halfway through cooking for a gorgeous, flavorful finish.

It also makes an incredible dipping sauce for pretzel bites, roasted potatoes, or grilled vegetables. For a fun twist on deviled eggs, mix a little of this sauce with egg yolks instead of plain mustard – they’ll disappear in seconds at your next potluck! The sauce keeps well in the refrigerator for up to two weeks and actually gets better as the flavors meld, so don’t be afraid to make a double batch.

For authentic Carolina-style pulled pork, toss the meat with this Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce while it’s still warm so it can absorb all that tangy goodness! And if you’re feeling ambitious, set out bottles of different regional barbecue sauces at your next cookout – the resulting debates about which style is “correct” will provide entertainment long after the food is gone!

Has this Carolina Gold BBQ Sauceconverted you to the mustard side of barbecue? Or have you discovered an unexpected use for Carolina Gold that I need to know about immediately? Share your tangy adventures in the comments – barbecue traditions are meant to be both respected and playfully reinvented!