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If hot mustard has gone missing from your local McDonald’s menu or you want to avoid the trip, this simple, vegan-friendly, make-at-home recipe creates incredible spicy-sweet flavor with just a few minutes of work. This unique sauce is right at home on everything from chicken nuggets and fries to fresh, green salads or deli sandwiches.
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Table of Contents
What Is McDonald’s hot mustard?
There’s some intriguing mystery surrounding McDonald’s Hot Mustard — at least, as far as fast food sauces go. The uniquely tangy, spicy, sweetened mustard was discontinued nationally several years ago for reasons that still aren’t clear.
However, devoted fans of the popular sauce quickly learned that it was still available in some restaurants in some markets, though Mickey D’s corporate doesn’t provide any way to figure out which or say what’s behind the inconsistent availability.
Fortunately, this copycat recipe allows you to enjoy these big flavors at home, no trip to the Golden Arches to get packets of the sauce required.
Why you’ll love this recipe
Fast is an understatement when it comes to this tasty condiment. In fact, you’ll probably spend more time assembling your ingredients than actually bringing them together in the sauce! Plus, the flavors only improve the longer they mingle together, truly integrating the intense combination of mustards with a mix of umami, acidic, sweet, and spicy flavors.
Another significant benefit of this copycat McDonald’s hot mustard sauce recipe is the combination of brief prep time and long shelf life when stored properly. It’s easy to whip up a batch and have it ready in the fridge whenever you need an extra pop of distinctive flavor.
Ingredients
You may be surprised at the everyday ingredients that come together to make this hot mustard recipe truly sing:
- Spicy brown mustard
- Mustard powder
- Corn syrup
- Soy sauce
- Sugar
- White distilled vinegar
- Cayenne pepper
Ingredient notes
When making this recipe, make sure to use brown mustard like the kind made by Gulden’s, not the typical yellow mustard you may love on hot dogs or sandwiches. The yellow style doesn’t have the intense flavor needed for a true McDonald’s copycat.
In addition, feel free to sprinkle in a bit of turmeric. The vibrant spice can amp up the color of your hot mustard without altering the flavor much. Those who love a bit of spice can also add more cayenne pepper, while cooks who prefer the mild tang of mustard powder can stick to the recipe as written.
While some may want to skip the corn syrup, it’s essential for developing the right texture and adding a subtle sweetness to the hot mustard. Instead of leaving it out, swap it for some golden syrup, an alternative made from cane sugar that functions similarly.
How to make hot mustard
It’s easy to craft a batch of hot mustard in just minutes with common kitchen utensils:
- Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl.
- Stir until thoroughly mixed.
- Place the mustard in the fridge in an airtight container, and let it rest to develop flavors.
If possible, allow the mustard mixture to chill in a covered container for at least four hours, though overnight is even better.
How many calories are in McDonald’s hot mustard sauce?
According to McDonald’s, authentic hot mustard contains 53 calories per packet. However, our recipe maintains the same flavor while cutting the calories to just 29 per teaspoon.
Is hot mustard vegan?
Yes! Those avoiding animal products can indulge in their favorite McDonald’s sauce without worrying. With a base of plant-only products like mustard, vinegar, and powdered spices, it’s suitable for any vegan or vegetarian diet.
What to serve with McDonald’s hot mustard
The classic pairing with McDonald’s Hot Mustard is with deliciously breaded and fried chicken, like the chain’s famous McNuggets or chicken tenders. However, it’s also a great choice for dipping French fries or spreading on fried or grilled chicken sandwiches or hamburgers, too.
But don’t focus just on fast food. This hot mustard is the perfect sauce for fresh vegetables or crackers alongside ranch, bleu cheese, and other choices. It can also enhance many sandwiches and burgers and even work as a mouthwatering salad dressing in a pinch!
How to store
It’s easy to store McDonald’s Hot Mustard using the same airtight container you used to rest it after mixing. To extend its life even further, you can also freeze this mustard in a freezer safe container or bag. Defrost it in the fridge overnight before using.
How long does McDonald’s hot mustard last?
When kept in the refrigerator, McDonald’s hot mustard can last several weeks. Frozen mustard should be used within three months for the best quality.
Love McDonald’s? Check out these McDonald’s copycat recipes
- Big Mac Hamburger
- Secret Big Mac Sauce Recipe
- Best McDonalds Burger
- Egg McMuffins
- McDonald’s Peppermint Latte
- Shamrock Shake
- Hot Apple Pie
More favorite recipes for dipping sauce
- Special Sauce for Chicken
- Houlihan’s Honey-Mustard Sauce
- Zesty Sauce
- Campfire Sauce
- Sweet and Spicy Mustard Sauce Recipe
Check out even more popular sauces and dips along with the best copycat recipes ever.
McDonald’s Hot Mustard
Make you own McDonald’s hot mustard with ingredients you have in your kitchen.
4.98 from 49 votes
Print Pin Rate Add to Collection
Course: Sauces
Cuisine: American
Keyword: McDonald’s Recipes
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 29kcal
Author: Stephanie Manley
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup brown mustard
- 2 tablespoons corn syrup or golden syrup
- 4 teaspoons mustard powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl and stir until well blended.
Store in an airtight container overnight or for at least 4 hours before serving.
Video
Nutrition
Serving: 1teaspoon | Calories: 29kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 0g | Fat: 0g | Saturated Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 221mg | Potassium: 21mg | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 35IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 9mg | Iron: 0.2mg
