Carolina Gold Barbecue Sauce Recipe | CookOS

Carolina Gold Barbecue Sauce

Name: Carolina Gold Barbecue Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 3 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 tbsp butter; 2 cups yellow mustard; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper; 1/3 cup Worcestershire sauce; 1 tbsp honey; crushed red pepper flakes, to taste

Carolina Gold is a tangy, mustard-forward barbecue sauce that comes together quickly on the stovetop. Its blend of yellow mustard, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar makes it ideal for both grilling and dipping.

🌍American 🏷️Carolina gold sauce 🏷️Barbecue sauce 🏷️Bbq sauce 🏷️Mustard-based Southern

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Total

10 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$20–$33

Recipe Source

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Ingredients

4 tbsp butter
2 cups yellow mustard
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/3 cup Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp honey
crushed red pepper flakes, to tasteoptional

10 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
In a medium saucepan, combine butter, yellow mustard, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and honey.
2
Heat over medium heat, whisking constantly until the butter is melted and all ingredients are well combined.
3
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes until it's smooth and slightly thickened. Add crushed red pepper flakes to your desired level of heat.
4
Remove from heat. The sauce can be used immediately or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Melt butter over medium heat before adding mustard to prevent splattering and ensure even spice distribution.
Simmer the sauce for 10–15 minutes to allow flavors to meld and any harsh vinegar notes to mellow.
Taste as you go—mustard strength varies by brand, so adjust vinegar or brown sugar to balance tang and sweetness.
Crush red pepper flakes by hand just before adding for maximum heat and aroma.

Substitutions

Yellow mustard → Dijon mustard (will be sharper and less sweet; reduce by 1/4 cup and add extra honey)
Apple cider vinegar → White vinegar or rice vinegar (white will be harsher; use 2 tbsp less)
Brown sugar → Molasses or honey (molasses adds depth; use 1/3 cup molasses + 2 tbsp honey)

Storage & make-ahead

Store in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Freezes well for up to 3 months.

Common Questions

Can I make Carolina Gold sauce ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare the sauce up to 5 days ahead and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on low heat before serving.

How spicy is this Carolina Gold sauce?

The cayenne pepper provides mild heat, adjustable by adding more crushed red pepper flakes to taste. Start with the recipe amount and increase gradually.