SaveThis honey mustard recipe stirs together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey and a little lemon juice for a creamy, sweet and tangy dipping sauce. It takes about five minutes and no cooking. Serve it with chicken tenders, pretzels or fries, or thin it into a quick salad dressing. Below you’ll find what each ingredient does, how to make honey mustard with just honey and mustard, how to adjust the sweetness, and a few easy variations.
What Is Honey Mustard?
Honey mustard is a simple sauce that balances the sharp bite of mustard with the sweetness of honey. The creamy version, which is the one most people dip chicken into, adds mayonnaise for body and a smooth texture. A squeeze of lemon keeps it bright. Without the mayo, honey and mustard alone make a thinner, sharper sauce that works well as a glaze or a drizzle.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Mayonnaise (1/4 cup): makes the sauce creamy and mellows the mustard. Greek yogurt works for a tangier, lighter version.
- Dijon mustard (3 tablespoons): the sharp, tangy backbone. Dijon gives more bite than yellow mustard.
- Honey (3 tablespoons): sweetness that balances the mustard. A runny honey stirs in most easily.
- Lemon juice (2 teaspoons): brightens the sauce. Apple cider vinegar works too.
- Cayenne pepper (a pinch, optional): a little warmth in the background.
How to Make Honey Mustard
- Stir. In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice and cayenne (if using) until smooth.
- Taste and adjust. Add a little more honey if it’s too sharp, or more mustard if it’s too sweet.
- Serve. Serve right away, or cover and refrigerate until you need it.
How to Make Honey Mustard With Just Honey and Mustard
For a two-ingredient honey mustard, stir together 2 parts Dijon mustard and 1 part honey, for example 1/2 cup Dijon with 1/4 cup honey. Recipes for this simple version commonly use that ratio. It’s thinner and sharper than the creamy version, with no mayonnaise to soften it. Use it as a dip, brush it over chicken or salmon before baking, or spread it on sandwiches. For a sweeter sauce, add more honey a spoonful at a time.
Adjusting the Sweetness and Texture
| You want | Change |
|---|---|
| Sweeter | Add honey, 1 teaspoon at a time |
| Sharper | Add Dijon, 1 teaspoon at a time |
| Thicker, creamier | Add 1 to 2 tablespoons more mayonnaise |
| Thinner, for drizzling or salads | Whisk in water, 1 teaspoon at a time |
| Milder mustard flavor | Replace some of the Dijon with yellow mustard |
Allergy and Diet Notes
- Not for babies: do not give honey, or foods made with it, to children younger than 1 year old, as the CDC advises.
- Egg: mayonnaise usually contains egg, which is a major food allergen. Use an egg-free mayo if needed and check the label.
- Not vegan: honey isn’t vegan. Maple syrup and an egg-free mayo make a vegan-friendly version, though the flavor changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is honey mustard made of?
Creamy honey mustard is mayonnaise, mustard and honey, often with lemon juice or vinegar. The simplest version is just honey and mustard.
How do you make honey mustard with honey and mustard?
Stir 2 parts Dijon mustard with 1 part honey until smooth, then adjust with more honey if you want it sweeter.
What kind of mustard is best for honey mustard?
Dijon gives the most bite. Yellow mustard is milder, and whole-grain mustard adds texture. Many recipes mix two kinds.
Can I make honey mustard without mayo?
Yes. Use plain Greek yogurt for a creamy version, or skip the creamy element entirely and mix just honey and mustard.
How should I store honey mustard?
Because this version contains mayonnaise, keep it covered in the refrigerator at 40°F or below, and don’t leave it at room temperature for more than 2 hours (1 hour above 90°F).
More Dipping Sauces for Chicken
For more dipping sauces, try our peppery copycat Raising Cane’s sauce, a sweet and smoky honey BBQ sauce, or classic buttermilk ranch dressing.
