Name: Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 1 cup yellow mustard; Chili Pepper Madness; +1; Quiche My Grits; +1; ¼ cup apple cider vinegar; ¼ cup brown sugar; ¼ cup honey; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

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Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce is the tangy, mustardy star of any barbecue, perfect for slathering on ribs, chicken, or even grilled veggies for that authentic South Carolina vibe. This golden-hued sauce brings a zesty kick with a touch of sweetness, making it a must-have for summer cookouts, game-day spreads, or any time you want to elevate your BBQ game. I first tasted this sauce at a roadside joint in South Carolina, where the pitmaster swore by its versatility and bold flavor. I’ve been tweaking my own version ever since, and now it’s a staple at every grilling session—trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked too!

Why You’ll Love This Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce

Bold, tangy flavor: The mustard base with vinegar and honey creates a zippy, unforgettable taste that cuts through rich meats.
Super easy to make: Just whisk, simmer, and you’re done—no fancy equipment or hours of effort needed.
Incredibly versatile: Perfect for ribs, pulled pork, chicken, or even as a dipping sauce for fries or nuggets.
Crowd-pleaser: Its unique flavor stands out at BBQs, making everyone ask for the recipe.
Customizable heat: Adjust the spice level to your liking with a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce.
Dietary win: Naturally gluten-free and can be made vegan by swapping honey for maple syrup.
Weeknight-friendly: Whip it up in under 20 minutes for a quick flavor boost to any meal.

Ingredients for This Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce. I’ve included tips and substitutions to make it your own. A full list with exact measurements is in the instructions below.

Yellow mustard: The star of the show—use classic yellow for that authentic Carolina tang. Dijon can work for a fancier twist.
Apple cider vinegar: Adds that signature sharpness. White vinegar works if that’s what you have.
Honey: Brings a touch of sweetness to balance the tang. Swap with maple syrup for a vegan option or brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
Brown sugar: Enhances sweetness and adds a slight molasses note. Light or dark both work great.
Ketchup: Gives body and a subtle tomato backbone. Opt for a low-sugar version if you’re watching carbs.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami depth. Check for gluten-free or vegan versions if needed.
Hot sauce or cayenne pepper: For a gentle kick—adjust to your heat preference or skip for a milder sauce.
Butter: A small pat melts in for richness and a smooth texture. Use vegan butter or olive oil for a dairy-free option.
Salt and black pepper: To season and tie everything together. Freshly ground pepper makes a difference.
Optional spices: Paprika or garlic powder for extra depth, or chili powder for more heat.

How to Make Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce – Step-by-Step

Making Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce is a breeze, and I’ll walk you through each step with tips to ensure it’s perfect every time.

Gather Your Ingredients
Grab all your ingredients and a medium saucepan. Having everything ready makes this process smooth and quick. Tip: Use a measuring cup for liquids to keep things tidy and accurate.
Whisk the Base
In the saucepan, combine 1 cup yellow mustard, 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup honey, and 1/4 cup brown sugar. Whisk over medium heat until smooth. Tip: Don’t skip the whisking—it helps the sugar dissolve evenly for a silky sauce.
Add Depth and Seasoning
Stir in 1/4 cup ketchup, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp hot sauce (or a pinch of cayenne), 2 tbsp butter, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Keep whisking to blend everything. Tip: Use a wooden spoon here if you have one—trust me, it feels right for stirring this sauce.
Simmer to Meld Flavors
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Let it bubble for 10–12 minutes until it thickens slightly. Tip: Don’t let it boil too hard—it can make the vinegar too sharp. Low and slow is the way to go.
Taste and Adjust
Give the sauce a taste and tweak as needed—add a splash more vinegar for tang, a pinch of sugar for sweetness, or extra hot sauce for heat. Tip: Let it cool slightly before tasting to avoid burning your tongue!
Cool and Store
Remove from heat and let the sauce cool for 10 minutes. Pour into a jar or airtight container. It’s ready to use or store! Tip: The flavors get even better after sitting for a few hours, so make it ahead if you can.

Helpful Tips for Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce

Meal Prep: Make a double batch and store it in jars for up to 2 weeks in the fridge. It’s perfect for quick dinners or last-minute BBQs.
Storage: Keep in an airtight container or mason jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Freeze in small portions for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Warm gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave in 15-second bursts, stirring to keep it smooth.
Make Ahead: Prepare the sauce a day or two in advance to let the flavors meld. Just give it a good stir before using.
Pairing Suggestions: Slather on grilled chicken, pork ribs, or pulled pork sandwiches. It’s also amazing as a dip for sweet potato fries or a glaze for roasted veggies.
Creative Twists: Add a splash of bourbon for a smoky depth, or mix in crushed pineapple for a sweet-tangy twist. For a spicier version, toss in some chopped chipotle peppers.

FAQs About Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce

What makes Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce different from other BBQ sauces?
Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce stands out with its mustard-based tang, unlike tomato-heavy Kansas City or vinegar-based Eastern Carolina sauces. The honey and brown sugar add a perfect sweet balance.

Can I use this sauce for grilling?
Yes, but brush it on during the last 5–10 minutes of grilling to avoid burning the sugars. It’s also great as a finishing sauce or dip.

How can I make it less tangy?
Reduce the vinegar by a tablespoon and add an extra teaspoon of honey or brown sugar. Taste as you go to get it just right.

Is this sauce spicy?
It’s mildly spicy with the suggested hot sauce or cayenne, but you can skip those for a kid-friendly version or add more for extra heat.

Can I make it vegan?
Absolutely! Swap honey for maple syrup and use vegan butter or olive oil instead of regular butter. Check that your Worcestershire sauce is vegan-friendly.

I make this Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce all the time because it’s such a crowd-pleaser and takes any BBQ to the next level with minimal effort. My final tip? Brush it generously on ribs right before serving for that glossy, finger-licking finish. Try this Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce and let me know how it turns out—it’s one of my favorites for summer cookouts or cozy dinners!

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