I love this sauce because it hits the perfect balance of creamy, tangy mustard with just the right amount of sweetness from honey. Garlic powder and apple cider vinegar add depth and brightness. It’s easy, versatile, and great for dipping chicken tenders, drizzling on salads, or spreading on burgers. I find it captures that iconic fast‑food flavor at home.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Creamy mayonnaise (½ cup)
- Yellow mustard (classic) — about 3 Tbsp
- Dijon mustard — 1 Tbsp
- Honey — 2 Tbsp (more if I want it sweeter)
- Apple cider vinegar — 1 Tbsp
- Garlic powder — 1 tsp
- Freshly cracked black pepper — ¼ tsp
directions
- I gather all the ingredients. Then in a bowl, I whisk together the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, apple cider vinegar, and honey. I mix until the sauce is completely smooth
- I taste and adjust—if I prefer more sweetness, I add an extra teaspoon of honey; more tang, a dash more mustard or vinegar
- I chill the sauce for at least one hour in the refrigerator so the flavors meld nicely—this deepens the taste and gives me that Whataburger-like profile
Servings and timing
This makes roughly ½ cup sauce, enough for about 4 servings. Prep takes about 4 minutes (whisk only), plus chill time of 1 hour or more (
Variations
- I can swap honey for maple syrup or agave for a vegan version.
- To personalize the flavor, I sometimes add cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Garlic powder can be replaced with a small clove of minced garlic if I want a bolder garlic note.
- A pinch of onion powder, smoked paprika, or chopped fresh herbs like dill or chives also enhances the flavor complexity
storage/reheating
I keep the honey mustard in a clean, airtight container in the fridge for 1–2 weeks. I always use a clean spoon to scoop it out to prevent spoilage. It doesn’t need heating—I use it chilled or at room temperature
FAQs
Can I make this vegan?
Yes—I substitute honey with maple syrup or agave syrup, and use vegan mayonnaise. The flavor stays creamy and sweet.
Is this sauce gluten‑free?
Yes—when using gluten-free mustard and mayonnaise, the sauce is naturally gluten‑free
What dishes work best with this sauce?
I use it as a dip for chicken tenders, fries, veggies, pretzels, or as a spread on burgers and sandwiches. It’s also great as a salad dressing with a drizzle of olive oil.
Can I freeze this sauce?
I don’t recommend freezing—it may separate. It stays best when stored refrigerated and used within two weeks
How do I make it spicier or thicker?
For heat, I add a dash of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper. To thicken, I can reduce vinegar slightly or increase the mayo proportionally—or whisk in a small amount of mustard powder.
Conclusion
I find this homemade version of Whataburger Honey Mustard Sauce hits all the right notes: creamy, tangy, slightly sweet, with complex flavor layers. It’s simple to make, stores well, and tastes like a fast-food classic made better at home. Let me know if you’d like ideas on adjusting sweetness, batch size, or pairing suggestions!
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Whataburger Honey Mustard Sauce
- Total Time: about 1 hour (including chilling)
- Yield: makes about ¾ cup (4 servings)
Description
A velvety, creamy honey mustard dipping sauce inspired by Whataburger — sweet honey balanced with Dijon and yellow mustards, brightened by apple cider vinegar and flavored with garlic and black pepper.
Ingredients
½ cup creamy mayonnaise
2 tablespoons honey (add more to taste)
3 tablespoons classic yellow mustard
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, yellow mustard, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, apple cider vinegar, honey, and black pepper until completely smooth.
Taste and adjust sweetness by adding more honey or tang by adding a pinch extra vinegar or mustard, to match your preference.
Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight) so the flavors meld and deepen.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
