McDonald’s Hot Mustard sauce is an old and traditional sauce served at the restaurant. It is packed with delicious, sweet, and spicy mustard flavors that are hard to resist.

However, discontinuing the hot mustard sauce in 2017 left many hearts sinking faster than a Happy Meal lost in the ball pit! For fans outside the US, particularly in regions like India, Canada, and Indonesia, where this sauce was never officially launched, the yearning for its taste remains unfulfilled.
But the quest continues as enthusiasts keep seeking the secret recipe for this popular dipping sauce. I have a copycat recipe that our chef prepared just for you. With just basic ingredients and steps, you can also get it done right.
Equipments Required
- Small Bowl: I used a small bowl to mix all the ingredients to make the sauce right in your kitchen. You can choose the bowl based on the serving.
- Whisk: Use a small whisk to mix all the ingredients until smooth.
- Spoon: I pour the spices using measuring spoons. This helps you add the appropriate amount, and you won’t spill anything as I do.

McDonald’s Hot Mustard Sauce Ingredients & Substitutions
Note: We have prepared the sauce recipe for five servings.
- 1 Teaspoon of Soy Sauce: I recommend that people with dietary restrictions substitute soy sauce with Tamari sauce.
- 1½ Teaspoons of Mustard Sauce: While McDonald’s uses Dijon mustard in its recipe, you can substitute regular mustard sauce for a similar taste and flavor.
- 2 Teaspoons of Cayenne Pepper: I substitute red paprika for cayenne pepper. It adds a subtle heat and spiciness to the sauce.
- 2 Tablespoons of Corn Syrup: If you want a healthier option, try substituting corn syrup with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- 2 Tablespoons of White Vinegar: Rice vinegar is a healthier substitute if you don’t have white vinegar.
- ¾ Cup Hot Mustard: Hot Mustard delivers intense heat and bold, pungent flavors, but for those with dietary restrictions, Horseradish sauce is an excellent substitute.
Preparation Time And Cooking Time
| Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 5 Minutes | – | 5 Minutes |
How To Make McDonald’s Hot Mustard Sauce At Home

Step 1
In a bowl, add yellow mustard.

Step 2
Then, add cayenne pepper, mustard powder, and soy sauce to the bowl.

Step 3
After that, add corn syrup and white vinegar.

Step 4
Give all the ingredients a good mix using a whisk.

Step 5
Your McDonald’s Hot Mustard recipe is ready!
McDonald’s Hot Mustard Sauce Recipe Video
Expert Tips That I Recommend
- Consistency – I achieve a creamy consistency by incorporating extra heavy cream, sour cream, Greek yogurt, or another vegan alternative into the sauce.
- Strain The Spices – I prefer to fine-mesh the ground spices for a better texture. This helps me eliminate solid lumps, resulting in a smooth texture.
- Proper Ratio of Ingredients – I suggest measuring the water to match the serving size before mixing the ingredients with the liquid. Ensure that all other ingredients are added accurately to achieve a perfect balance of flavors.
- Moisture-Free Spices – The sauce’s texture is perfect only when you use moisture-free ground spices or premium quality ingredients. For example, you can also use mustard seeds for ground mustard and see the magic happen.
- Herb Infusion – You can also infuse the sauce with natural herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil to bring out the aromatic flavors and delicate herbal notes.
- Resting – I let the sauce rest in the refrigerator before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and enhance better.
FAQs About McDonald’s Hot Mustard Sauce
Nutritional Information Per Serving
McDonald’s Hot Mustard sauce contains moderate calories, making it suitable for a balanced diet. Additionally, making this sauce at home will help you control the amounts of ingredients you add.
| Calories | 44 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 7.5 g |
| Sodium | 311. 3 g |
| Protein | 1.3 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.0 g |
| Fat | 1.2 g |
McDonald’s Hot Mustard sauce suits people with dietary restrictions, such as keto. However, people on gluten-free, vegan, DASH, or paleo diets can try other alternative options to make a suitable version of this sauce.

Recipe Variations For Different Diets
- Vegan-Friendly – Replace traditional mayonnaise and cheese with plant-based or nutritional yeast cheese cream to make this sauce vegan-friendly.
- Gluten-Free – You can substitute gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch for the soy sauce and flour for those avoiding gluten.
- DASH Diet – People on a DASH diet should avoid soy sauce or prefer consuming it in moderation. So, replace soy sauce with tamari sauce while making the McDonald’s Hot Mustard sauce at home.
Storing This Recipe
- When you prepare a large batch of McDonald’s Hot Mustard sauce, store it properly to prevent spoilage. Begin cooling the sauce to room temperature once it is prepared.
- I prefer to let the sauce sit for a while to prevent bacterial growth and spoilage.
- Then I pour the sauce into an airtight container with a tightly sealed lid, which helps extend its shelf life. Finally, I place the container in the refrigerator at 40 degrees Celsius.
What To Serve With This Recipe
- Chicken Nuggets – I love pairing the hot mustard sauce with crispy Chicken Nuggets. It is a classic combo where you can dunk the nuggets into a creamy, smooth mustard sauce and savor all the flavors.
- Sandwiches – A Grilled Chicken Sandwich, nestled between soft, pillowy buns, is perfectly paired with hot mustard sauce to elevate the flavors.
- Burritos & Wraps – Slather some hot mustard sauce on your Burritos and Wraps to relish the umami-rich Mexican flavors.
- Salads – I prefer giving my Salads a spicy makeover by drizzling a generous amount of Hot Mustard Sauce. This adds a spicy kick and enhances the overall flavors.
Printable Version
McDonald’s Hot Mustard Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 Teaspoon Soy Sauce
- 1½ Teaspoon Mustard Sauce
- 2 Teaspoons Cayenne Pepper
- 2 Tablespoons Corn Syrup
- 2 Tablespoons White Vinegar
- ¾ Tablespoon Hot Mustard
Equipment
- Small Bowl
- Whisk
- Spoon
Instructions
Video
Notes
- Consistency – I achieve a creamy consistency by incorporating extra heavy cream, sour cream, Greek yogurt, or another vegan alternative into the sauce.
- Strain The Spices – I prefer to fine-mesh the ground spices for a better texture. This helps me eliminate solid lumps, resulting in a smooth texture.
- Proper Ratio of Ingredients – I suggest measuring the water to match the serving size before mixing the ingredients with the liquid. Ensure that all other ingredients are added accurately to achieve a perfect balance of flavors.
- Moisture-Free Spices – The sauce’s texture is perfect only when you use moisture-free ground spices or premium quality ingredients. For example, you can also use mustard seeds for ground mustard and see the magic happen.
- Herb Infusion – You can also infuse the sauce with natural herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil to bring out the aromatic flavors and delicate herbal notes.
- Resting – I let the sauce rest in the refrigerator before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and enhance better.
Nutrition
More Dips And Sauces Recipes That You Can Try






Conclusion
Now you can easily follow the tips and tricks to make a better homemade version of this restaurant-style sauce. Let me know how your cooking experience goes in the comment section below.







This hot mustard sauce is a game changer! I can’t wait to try this copycat recipe at home. Thanks for sharing such a delicious twist on a classic!
This copycat recipe is amazing! I’ve missed that Hot Mustard Sauce from McDonald’s, and now I can make it at home. Can’t wait to try it out with my favorite nuggets! Thanks for sharing!
If you are a Hot Mustard fan from McDonald’s, you’re going to have so much fun making this at home! It really does taste so close to the original, and the best part is you can tweak the heat and sweetness exactly how you like it.