This homemade honey mustard is a quick and flavorful sauce that’s creamy, tangy, and perfectly sweet. Ready in just 5 minutes, it’s made with simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Use it as a dip, drizzle, or marinade—it’s a versatile condiment that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Sweet and Tangy: Balanced flavor with just the right amount of sweetness from honey and tang from mustard.
Ready in 5 Minutes: Mix together quickly for an instant condiment.
Versatile: Works as a dip for chicken or vegetables, a drizzle for sandwiches, or a marinade for meats.
Simple Ingredients: Only 5 ingredients needed.
Kid-Approved: Loved by picky eaters and adults alike.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Stays fresh in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
⅓ cup Dijon mustard
¼ cup honey
¼ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (or white vinegar)
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Directions
Combine ⅓ cup Dijon mustard, ¼ cup honey, ¼ cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper in a medium bowl.
Whisk together until smooth and creamy.
Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate for a few hours to allow the flavors to blend.
Adjust consistency if needed: add more lemon juice to thin or reduce slightly for a thicker sauce.
Servings and timing
Yield: About 1 cup of honey mustard sauce
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Variations
Horseradish: Add 1 teaspoon fresh horseradish for extra zing.
Garlic: Mix in 1 small minced garlic clove or ¼ teaspoon garlic powder.
Smoked Paprika: Add ⅛ teaspoon for a subtle smoky flavor.
Yogurt Substitute: Swap mayonnaise for ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt for a tangier sauce.
Vinegar Substitute: Use white or apple cider vinegar instead of lemon juice.
Storage/Reheating
Store: In a clean jar with a tight-fitting lid in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Tip: Avoid double-dipping to keep it fresh longer.
Freeze: Not recommended; the sauce may separate after thawing.
FAQs
Can you just mix honey and mustard?
Yes, but adding mayonnaise, lemon juice, and cayenne creates a creamy, tangy, and more flavorful sauce.
Can I use regular yellow mustard?
You can, but Dijon mustard gives a smoother, richer flavor that balances the honey better.
Can I use whole-grain or stone-ground mustard?
Yes, but it will give a slightly grainy texture instead of a smooth, creamy sauce.
Does honey mustard contain dairy?
No, this recipe is dairy-free. Mayonnaise is made with eggs and oil, not milk.
Can I use this as a salad dressing?
Yes, thin it with 3 tablespoons lemon juice or vinegar and 3 tablespoons olive oil to make a dressing.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water and heat gently while stirring until thickened.
Can I use maple syrup instead of honey?
Yes, use a 1:1 swap. Flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
How long can I keep this sauce in the fridge?
Up to 2 weeks in an airtight container. Discard if it develops an off smell or taste.
Can I make a larger batch for meal prep?
Yes, the recipe scales well. Double or triple the ingredients as needed.
What foods pair best with this sauce?
It’s great for chicken tenders, vegetables, sandwiches, and as a marinade for meats.
Conclusion
This homemade honey mustard is quick, easy, and full of flavor. Creamy, sweet, and tangy with a hint of spice, it’s perfect for dipping, drizzling, or marinating. With just 5 ingredients and 5 minutes, it’s a simple, versatile sauce that will quickly become a kitchen favorite.
This homemade honey mustard sauce is creamy, sweet, and tangy with a gentle kick of spice. Made in just 5 minutes with simple pantry ingredients, it’s perfect for dipping, drizzling, or marinating.
Ingredients
1/3 cup Dijon mustard
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (or white vinegar)
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
In a medium bowl, combine Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, lemon juice (or vinegar), and cayenne pepper.
Whisk thoroughly until smooth and creamy.
Taste and adjust seasoning if desired.
Serve immediately or refrigerate for a few hours to allow flavors to develop.
Notes
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Add extra lemon juice to thin the sauce if needed.
For a thicker sauce, reduce lemon juice slightly.
Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for a tangier version.
Freezing is not recommended as separation may occur.