Mustard sauce is a versatile condiment that can elevate a variety of dishes, from sandwiches and burgers to roasted meats and vegetables. Making your own mustard sauce at home is surprisingly easy and allows you to customize the flavor to your liking. Whether you prefer a creamy, tangy, or slightly sweet mustard sauce, this guide will walk you through different methods and recipes to make mustard sauce that suits your taste perfectly.
What Is Mustard Sauce?
Mustard sauce typically combines mustard—either prepared mustard or mustard powder—with other ingredients like vinegar, cream, honey, or spices to create a flavorful sauce. It can be smooth or grainy, mild or spicy, and creamy or vinaigrette-style. Homemade mustard sauces often taste fresher and more vibrant than store-bought versions.
Basic Ingredients for Mustard Sauce
Here are common ingredients you’ll find in mustard sauce recipes:
– Mustard powder or prepared mustard (yellow, Dijon, or grainy)
– Vinegar (white wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or lemon juice)
– Sweetener (sugar, honey, or agave syrup)
– Cream or mayonnaise for creaminess
– Spices like garlic powder, turmeric, or pepper
– Salt to taste
How to Make Mustard Sauce: Three Popular Methods
1. Classic Creamy Mustard Sauce (Béchamel-Based)
This version is inspired by French home cooking and uses a béchamel sauce base, making it rich and smooth. It pairs wonderfully with chicken, fish, or toasted sandwiches.
Ingredients:
– 15 g butter
– 15 g flour
– 250 ml milk
– 1 small shallot
– 1 bay leaf
– A twig of thyme
– 2 cloves
– Salt and pepper
– 3-4 tablespoons cream
– 1 tablespoon grain mustard
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
– 1 teaspoon white vinegar
Instructions:
- Melt butter in a pan over low heat. Stir in flour and cook for 2 minutes to form a roux. Let it cool completely.
- Pierce the shallot with cloves. Heat the milk with the shallot, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper until simmering.
- Strain half the milk into the roux and whisk until smooth. Add the remaining milk and whisk again.
- Heat gently, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens and comes to a light boil.
- Reduce heat, stir in cream, vinegar, and mustards. Do not boil after adding mustard. Adjust consistency with more cream if needed.
- Remove herbs and serve warm.
This sauce is creamy, tangy, and perfect for elevating simple dishes.
2. Quick Honey Mustard Sauce
For a fast and sweet twist, honey mustard sauce is a crowd-pleaser. It’s great for dipping or as a spread.
Ingredients:
– ½ cup mayonnaise
– ¼ cup yellow mustard
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Whisk all ingredients together until smooth.
- Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity as desired.
- Store in the fridge and use within a week.
This no-cook sauce takes just minutes and adds a lovely balance of sweet and tangy flavors to sandwiches and salads.
3. Stove-Top Mustard Sauce (Grandmother’s Ham Sauce)
This traditional American mustard sauce is a little sweeter and tangy, perfect for ham or as a condiment.
Ingredients:
– ½ cup sugar
– ¼ cup white wine vinegar
– 4 tablespoons ground mustard
– 4 egg yolks
– 1 teaspoon kosher salt
– 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions:
- Whisk all ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly.
- Once it boils, strain the sauce through a fine sieve into a bowl.
- Cool, cover, and refrigerate.
This sauce is rich and creamy with a lovely mustard punch, ideal for holiday ham or sandwiches.
Tips for Making the Best Mustard Sauce
– Choose your mustard wisely: Yellow mustard powder is mild and classic, while Dijon or grain mustard offers more complexity. Avoid overly strong mustard powders unless you want a spicy kick.
– Control the heat: Cook mustard sauces gently; high heat can cause bitterness. Use low to medium heat and stir often.
– Balance acidity and sweetness: Vinegar or lemon juice adds tang, while sugar or honey balances it out. Adjust to your taste.
– Emulsify for creaminess: When making creamy sauces, slowly whisk in oil or cream to get a smooth texture.
– Experiment with herbs and spices: Add garlic powder, turmeric, paprika, or fresh herbs for extra flavor depth.
How to Use Mustard Sauce
Mustard sauce is incredibly versatile. Use it as:
– A dip for chicken tenders or fries
– A spread on burgers, sandwiches, or wraps
– A sauce for roasted or grilled meats
– A dressing base for salads or slaws
– A flavorful addition to mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables
Storing Mustard Sauce
Keep mustard sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Most homemade mustard sauces last about a week. Stir before serving if separation occurs.
Making mustard sauce at home is simple and rewarding. With just a few pantry staples, you can create a sauce that brightens any meal. Whether you like it creamy, sweet, or tangy, homemade mustard sauce is sure to become a kitchen staple. Enjoy experimenting with these recipes and find your perfect mustard sauce flavor!