This McDonald’s Hot Mustard Sauce copycat is tangy, sweet, and just spicy enough to wake your whole mouth up. It mixes up fast (like, under 5 mins) and hits that nostalgic flavor you didn’t realize you missed. No cooking, barely any cleanup — just whisk, chill, and dip everything in sight.
Jump to RecipeQuick Summary
Prep time: 5 mins
Cook time: 0 mins
Flavor: tangy, sweet, spicy
Great for: dipping nuggets, fries, random cravings
Why I Like This Recipe
Didn’t even mean to make this. Just kind of… happened. But now it’s in my fridge, and honestly? It slaps. Like the original, but more kick — and I control the spice. Dangerous knowledge tbh.
Ingredients
- ½ cup brown mustard
- 2 tbsp corn syrup
- 4 tsp mustard powder
- 1½ tsp white vinegar
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1½ tsp sugar
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
How To Make Hot Mustard
- Dump it all in: Get a bowl. Add mustard, corn syrup, mustard powder, vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, and cayenne. No need to overthink it.
- Whisk it good: Use whatever you’ve got. Fork, whisk, spoon — just mix until it’s smooth.
- Taste test + adjust: Want it hotter? Add more cayenne. Too strong? A pinch more sugar helps.
- Store it smart: Pour into a jar or whatever container you’ve got. Lid on. Into the fridge.
- Let it rest: Chill for at least 4 hours (overnight’s better). The flavors really settle in.
- Use it on everything: Nuggets, fries, leftover pizza crusts — it’s chaos in a good way.

Tips for Success
- Use fresh mustard powder — old stuff loses its kick
- Let it chill. Don’t skip the rest or it’ll taste off
- Want it smoky? Add a pinch of smoked paprika
- Need it sweeter? Go for honey instead of corn syrup — just mix extra
- Don’t serve right away. Be patient. Worth it
Storage and Reheating
- Fridge: Keep it sealed in a jar or container. Use within 7 days.
- Freezer: Nah — this sauce is about freshness and texture. Don’t freeze.
- Reheat: Nope. Just stir if it separates a bit. It’s good cold.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use yellow mustard instead of brown?
Technically yeah, but it’s not the same. Brown’s got more depth. - Is the corn syrup necessary?
It balances the heat. But if you hate it, sub with honey or agave. - How spicy is it?
Mild kick. Add more cayenne if you want a punch. - Do I have to let it sit?
Yes. Flavors need time to chill and mingle. - Can I double the recipe?
Totally. Just keep the ratio and it scales fine.
Common Mistakes and How to Dodge Them
- Using old mustard powder: It loses its bite. If it’s been in the back of your spice drawer for 3 years? Toss it.
- Skipping the chill time: You’ll get something flat and overly tangy. Resting makes it mellow and rich.
- Adding too much cayenne too fast: It builds. Add a little, stir, taste. You can always add more — taking it out? Not so much.
- Serving straight from the whisk: No shade, but don’t do this. The sauce needs time to come together properly.
- Using low-quality mustard: Brown mustard is the base here. Don’t skimp. Dijon won’t give the same vibe.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 29 kcal
- Total Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 220mg
- Potassium: 28mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 6g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 0g
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Hot Mustard – Easy McDonald’s Copycat
Course: SauceCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy6
servings5
minutes29
kcalA spicy, tangy, sweet mustard dipping sauce that tastes like fast food nostalgia — but bolder and better.
Ingredients
½ cup brown mustard
2 tbsp corn syrup
4 tsp mustard powder
1½ tsp white vinegar
1 tsp soy sauce
1½ tsp sugar
¼ tsp cayenne pepper
Directions
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
- Whisk until smooth.
- Adjust seasoning to taste (more cayenne, sugar, etc.).
- Pour into a jar or airtight container.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- Stir before serving and dip away.
Notes
- Use fresh mustard powder for best flavor
- Let the sauce rest — it tastes better the next day
- Add smoked paprika for a deeper profile
- Swap corn syrup for honey if preferred