This McDonald’s Hot Mustard copycat recipe recreates the bold, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce fans love—all with simple pantry ingredients. It’s perfect for dipping chicken nuggets, fries, or spreading on burgers and sandwiches. Made in just minutes, this homemade version is smooth, flavorful, and brings the classic fast-food favorite right to your table.

Homemade copycat McDonald's hot mustard sauce in a small bowl with nuggets for dipping
Save This Recipe Form

Want to save this recipe?

Enter your email below & I will send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get more great recipes from me on occasion!

If you’ve been missing the bold, tangy kick of McDonald’s Hot Mustard, this easy copycat recipe brings it back to life right in your own kitchen!

With a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors, this homemade version is great for dipping chicken nuggets, fries, or adding a flavorful twist to sandwiches and wraps.

Made with simple ingredients and ready in minutes, it’s a nostalgic favorite that’s too good not to keep on hand.

Small bowl of homemade McDonald’s hot mustard copycat sauce with chicken nuggets.

Why You Wil Love This Recipe!

  • Tastes Just Like the Original – Recreates the bold, tangy flavor you remember from McDonald’s.
  • Simple Ingredients – Made with pantry staples you likely already have at home.
  • Quick to Make – Ready in under 5 minutes—no cooking required!
  • Perfect for Dipping – Pairs perfectly with nuggets, fries, pretzels, and more.
  • Customizable Heat Level – Adjust the spice to make it as mild or bold as you like!

McDonald’s Hot Mustard Ingredients

Ingredients needed for Copycat McDonald's Hot Mustard Recipe on kitchen table.
  • Brown mustard – Tangy base with bold, zesty mustard flavor.
  • Corn syrup – Adds smooth sweetness and sticky texture.
  • Cayenne pepper – Brings subtle heat and spicy kick.
  • Soy sauce – Adds salty depth and umami richness.
  • Granulated sugar – Balances flavors with a hint of sweetness.
  • White vinegar – Provides acidity for a sharp tang.
  • Mustard powder – Intensifies mustard flavor and thickness.
  • Spicy brown mustard – Deep, bold flavor with extra heat.

How To Make Copycat McDonald’s Hot Mustard

Step One: In a medium bowl, add brown mustard, corn syrup, cayenne pepper, soy sauce, granulated sugar, white vinegar, mustard powder, and spicy brown mustard.
Whisk the mixture thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended and the sauce is smooth.

Step Two: Taste the sauce and adjust for sweetness or heat if needed—add a pinch more sugar or cayenne to suit your preference.

Step Three: Transfer the sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Use as a dipping sauce for nuggets, fries, or anything you’d pair with mustard! Store leftovers in the fridge for up to a week.

Bowl of copycat McDonald’s hot mustard sauce with nuggets.

Copycat McDonald’s Hot Mustard Sauce Recipe Tips

  • Use fresh mustard powder for the best flavor and intensity.
  • Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the heat level to your liking.
  • Mix well to ensure a smooth, creamy texture without lumps.
  • Let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to deepen the flavors.
  • Store in an airtight container and use within one week for freshness.
  • Try pairing the sauce with chicken nuggets, fries, sandwiches, or even pretzels.
  • For a thicker sauce, add a little more mustard powder or reduce vinegar slightly.

Storage Instructions

Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh for up to one week. Before serving, give it a quick stir to recombine any ingredients that may have separated. Avoid freezing, as it can change the texture and flavor.

Homemade copycat McDonald’s hot mustard sauce served in a small bowl with chicken nuggets nearby.

What To Serve With Copycat Recipe For McDonald’s Hot Mustard Sauce

This Copycat McDonald’s Hot Mustard sauce pairs perfectly with classic sides like crispy chicken nuggets, fries, and onion rings. It also makes a delicious dip for pretzels, chicken tenders, or even as a zesty spread on sandwiches and burgers.

Homemade McDonalds’ Hot Mustard Recipe Faqs

How long does homemade hot mustard last? Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it stays fresh for up to one week.

Can I adjust the spice level? Yes! Add more cayenne pepper for extra heat or reduce it for a milder sauce.

What can I use if I don’t have mustard powder? You can substitute with extra prepared mustard, but the flavor may be less intense.

Is this sauce gluten-free? Check the soy sauce brand you use, as some contain gluten. Use gluten-free soy sauce for a gluten-free version.

Can I make this sauce ahead of time? Absolutely! The flavors actually improve after chilling for at least 30 minutes in the fridge.

Can I use this sauce for other dishes? Yes, it’s great as a dip, sandwich spread, or even mixed into dressings for a tangy twist.

Small bowl of homemade copycat McDonald’s hot mustard sauce with chicken nuggets on the side.

More Easy Sauce Recipes

Don’t Forget To Pin!

Copycat McDonald's Hot Mustard Recipe

Copycat McDonald’s Hot Mustard Recipe

5 from 1 vote
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings

Description

This McDonald’s Hot Mustard copycat recipe recreates the bold, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce fans love—all with simple pantry ingredients. It’s perfect for dipping chicken nuggets, fries, or spreading on burgers and sandwiches. Made in just minutes, this homemade version is smooth, flavorful, and brings the classic fast-food favorite right to your table.

Ingredients 

  • 1/2 cup brown mustard
  • 2 tablespoons corn syrup
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons white vinegar
  • 4 teaspoons mustard powder
  • 1/2 cup spicy brown mustard

Instructions

  • In a medium bowl, add brown mustard, corn syrup, cayenne pepper, soy sauce, granulated sugar, white vinegar, mustard powder, and spicy brown mustard.
  • Whisk the mixture thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended and the sauce is smooth.
  • Taste the sauce and adjust for sweetness or heat if needed—add a pinch more sugar or cayenne to suit your preference.
  • Transfer the sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
  • Use as a dipping sauce for nuggets, fries, or anything you’d pair with mustard! Store leftovers in the fridge for up to a week.

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 42kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.003gSodium: 217mgPotassium: 45mgFiber: 1gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 38IUVitamin C: 0.3mgCalcium: 17mgIron: 1mg

Share this recipe

We can’t wait to see what you’ve made! Mention @forktospoon or tag #forktospoon!