No BBQ is complete without Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce and Vinegar Sauce. One is slightly thick and creamy, the other bright with a little kick.
At our house Cade handles the pulled pork and I take care of the sauces. Over the years I tested many versions and learned what works. The mustard sauce took the most trial and error, and eventually I added butter and a pinch of nutmeg—an odd combo that turned out to be a keeper. The vinegar sauce is simple but needs crushed red pepper and a tangy hot sauce; we prefer Texas Pete’s and will use Frank’s only if necessary.
The big tip for both sauces: make them a few days ahead. I’ve served them when made the day before and they were fine, but they improve after 2–7 days in the fridge when the flavors meld.
What is Carolina Style BBQ Sauce?
Carolina style refers to sauces based on vinegar and mustard. This contrasts with the sweeter, tomato- and molasses-based sauces common in other regions.
Can You Substitute White Vinegar For Apple Cider Vinegar?
Yes. White vinegar and apple cider vinegar are interchangeable, though apple cider vinegar carries a subtle fruity tang that changes the flavor slightly.
Can You Freeze BBQ Sauce?
Store leftover sauce in the refrigerator for up to a month. For longer storage, freeze the sauce for up to three months.
More BBQ Recipes You’ll Love:
Either of these sauces works as a substitute in recipes that call for BBQ sauce.
- BBQ Brisket Nachos
- BBQ Instant Pot Short Ribs
- Instant Pot BBQ Whole Chicken
- Grilled BBQ Chicken
- BBQ Meatball Sliders
- Smothered BBQ Beef Burritos
- Skillet BBQ Chicken and Potatoes
- BBQ Beef Sandwiches
- BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
- All of our summer recipes
Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce and Vinegar Sauce
Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce and Vinegar Sauce
Ingredients
Mustard Base BBQ
- 3/4 cup yellow mustard
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Texas Pete’s (or Frank’s) hot sauce, to taste
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Dash of liquid smoke
Vinegar Base BBQ
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup apple cider
- 1 1/4 teaspoons Texas Pete’s hot sauce (or Frank’s)
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 1/4 teaspoons crushed red pepper
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Mustard Base BBQ
- Combine all mustard-sauce ingredients in a bowl and whisk until smooth.
- Transfer to a jar, cover, and refrigerate for 1 day to 1 week for best flavor.
Vinegar Base BBQ
- Mix all vinegar-sauce ingredients in a jar, seal, and refrigerate for at least 2 days before serving.
Recipe Notes
Store sauces in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month. They improve with a few days of rest.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an approximation. Per serving: about 81 kcal, 16 g carbs, 1 g protein, 2 g fat, 545 mg sodium.
Classic BBQ Sauce
Carolina Pulled Pork
Easy Ribs