Ken’s Sweet and Spicy Honey Mustard Recipe

Ken’s has built quite a name for serving amazing food with bold flavors.

Last summer, I visited their downtown location and tried many dishes on their menu. What really caught my attention was not just the main courses, but the sauces they served with everything.

The Ken’s Sweet and Spicy Honey Mustard Recipe was something special. This golden sauce made every bite better.

It had the perfect balance of sweet honey and a spicy kick that made my chicken tenders taste amazing. The server told me that many people ask for extra portions to take home.

I noticed that many people want to make this at home, so I created this copycat version of Ken’s honey mustard to help everyone enjoy its sweet and spicy taste.

Is Sweet Hot Mustard The Same As Dijon Mustard

This is a common question I get. The short answer is no, they are not the same. Dijon mustard is smooth and has a sharp, tangy flavor. It is made from brown mustard seeds and white wine.

Sweet hot mustard is different. It is usually a blend of mustards, honey, and spices to create a flavor that is both sweet and has a kick.

In this copycat Ken’s sweet and spicy honey mustard, I use both yellow mustard and Dijon. The yellow mustard gives a classic flavor, and the Dijon adds a nice, deep tang.

Together, they create a perfect base for the sweet honey and spicy chili flakes.

Ken’s Sweet and Spicy Honey Mustard Ingredients

• Mayonnaise (1 cup) – This creamy base holds everything together and makes the sauce smooth. Mayonnaise adds richness and helps balance the strong mustard flavors. You can use light mayonnaise to reduce calories, but regular mayonnaise gives the best texture and taste.
• Honey (3 tablespoons) – Pure honey adds natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with mustard’s tang. Local honey works best and adds unique flavor notes. You can substitute with maple syrup or agave nectar, but honey gives the most authentic taste.
• Yellow Mustard (1 tablespoon) – This classic mustard provides the familiar tangy flavor most people love. It also gives our sauce that beautiful golden color. Dijon mustard alone can replace this, but you’ll lose some of the classic mustard taste.
• Dijon Mustard (1 tablespoon) – French Dijon mustard adds sophistication and smooth texture. It brings a wine-like sharpness that makes this sauce special. Regular mustard can work as a substitute, but the flavor won’t be as complex.
• Vinegar (1.5 tablespoons) – White vinegar adds brightness and helps preserve the sauce. It cuts through the richness and adds that perfect tangy kick. Apple cider vinegar makes a good substitute and adds subtle sweetness.
• Onion Powder (1/2 teaspoon) – Dried onion powder gives depth without chunks. It adds savory notes that complement the sweet honey. Fresh minced onion can work, but powder blends better and lasts longer.
• Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon) – Garlic powder adds that essential savory element. It enhances all other flavors without being too strong. Fresh garlic works too, but use less since it’s stronger.
• Chili Flakes (1/2 teaspoon) – These red pepper flakes bring the heat that makes this sauce special. They add color and spicy kick. Cayenne pepper can substitute, but use much less since it’s hotter.
• Black Pepper Powder (1/4 teaspoon) – Freshly ground black pepper adds warmth and complexity. It rounds out all the flavors perfectly. White pepper can work but won’t give the same depth.

Recommended Equipment

1. Glass bowl – Non-reactive surface for mixing
2. Spatula – For smooth blending action
3. Measuring cups – Accurate ingredient portions
4. Measuring spoons – Precise small measurements
5. Wire whisk – Creates smooth, creamy texture

How To Make Ken’s Sweet and Spicy Honey Mustard

Step 1 | Add the mayonnaise

Add the mayonnaise to your glass bowl first. One full cup gives you plenty of sauce for multiple uses. Make sure your mayonnaise is at room temperature so it mixes easily with other ingredients.

Step 2 | Add the honey

Next, add the honey directly to the mayonnaise. Three tablespoons might seem like a lot, but this sweetness balances the spicy elements beautifully. Pour it slowly so you can control the amount precisely.

Step 3 | Add the mustards

Add both types of mustard now—one tablespoon each of yellow mustard and Dijon mustard. The yellow mustard provides the familiar base flavor, while Dijon adds complexity and smoothness. These two together create the perfect mustard foundation.

Step 4 | Add the vinegar

Pour in the vinegar next. Use exactly one and a half tablespoons for the right tangy kick. The vinegar brightens all the other flavors and keeps the sauce from being too heavy or rich.

Step 5 | Add the seasonings

Add the onion powder, garlic powder, chili flakes, and black pepper powder all at once.

Step 6 | Mix everything together

Start mixing with your spatula or whisk. Begin slowly to avoid splashing, then increase your mixing speed. Keep whisking until the sauce becomes completely smooth and creamy. The color should be an even golden yellow with tiny red flecks from the chili flakes.

Step 7 | Taste and adjust

Taste the sauce and adjust if needed – add more honey for sweetness, more chili flakes for heat, or more vinegar for tang.

Step 8 | Rest and serve

The sauce is ready to serve immediately, but it tastes even better after sitting for 30 minutes. This resting time lets all the flavors blend together perfectly.

Expert Tips To Follow

• Adjust the Heat: The spice level is easy to change. Start with a little chili flake, taste the sauce, and then add more if you want it spicier. Everyone likes a different amount of heat.
• For a Thinner Sauce: If you want to use this as a salad dressing, it might be too thick. Just add a teaspoon of milk or water at a time and stir. Keep adding until it is as thin as you like.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: If your mayonnaise and honey are cold, they might not mix together well. Let them sit on the counter for 10-15 minutes before you start. This makes stirring much easier.
• Make it Smoother: If you want your sauce to be extra smooth, you can use a small mixer. A hand mixer on low speed for one minute will make it very creamy.

How to Serve This Honey Mustard

This Ken’s Sweet and Spicy Honey Mustard Recipe goes well with so many foods. It can be drizzled over crispy chicken tenders, used as a dip for fries, or spread inside a sandwich.

It also works beautifully as a dressing for a fresh salad. Some people like it as a glaze for grilled chicken or pork too.

At Ken’s Restaurant, this honey mustard is often served on the side with chicken strips and steak. It’s creamy enough to dip and smooth enough to pour over veggies or meats .

When chilled, it thickens slightly, making it perfect as a spread for burgers or wraps. Try adding a spoonful on roasted vegetables or use it as a dip during family get-togethers.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Make-Ahead: This is a fantastic sauce to make ahead of time. In fact, making it a few hours or even a day before you need it is a great idea.

The extra time in the refrigerator allows all the flavors to blend together perfectly. The taste becomes even richer and smoother.

How to Store: Always keep your honey mustard sauce in a container with a tight-sealing lid. A glass jar or a plastic container works very well.

Store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to one week. Always give it a good stir before you use it again.

Ken’s Sweet and Spicy Honey Mustard Recipe FAQs

1. Can I make a larger batch of this sauce?

You can definitely double or even triple this recipe to make a larger batch. It is great for parties and big family meals. Just make sure you have a large enough bowl to mix everything well and a big enough container to store it in the refrigerator.

2. Can I make this honey mustard sugar-free?

Yes, you can make a sugar-free version by substituting honey with a sugar-free liquid sweetener like Stevia drops or Monk Fruit syrup. These provide sweetness without calories or sugar spikes.

Start with a small amount, then adjust to taste. Keep in mind the flavor will be slightly different than traditional honey-based mustard.

3. Can I use this sauce as a marinade?

Yes, this honey mustard works well as a marinade for chicken, pork, or tofu. Coat your protein and refrigerate for 2–4 hours before cooking. The vinegar tenderizes while honey caramelizes during cooking, giving a flavorful crust. Avoid marinating too long, as the acidity can change the meat’s texture.

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Ken's Sweet and Spicy Honey Mustard Recipe

Yield: About 12

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Ken's Sweet and Spicy Honey Mustard recipe takes only 10 minutes to make! This creamy, tangy, and sweet sauce is perfect for dipping, spreading, or dressing.

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Ingredients

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 ½ tablespoons vinegar (white or apple cider)
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon chili flakes
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper powder

Instructions

1. Add the mayonnaise to your glass bowl first. One full cup gives you plenty of sauce for multiple uses. Make sure your mayonnaise is at room temperature so it mixes easily with other ingredients.
2. Next, add the honey directly to the mayonnaise. Three tablespoons might seem like a lot, but this sweetness balances the spicy elements beautifully. Pour it slowly so you can control the amount precisely.
3. Add both types of mustard now—one tablespoon each of yellow mustard and Dijon mustard. The yellow mustard provides the familiar base flavor, while Dijon adds complexity and smoothness. These two together create the perfect mustard foundation.
4. Pour in the vinegar next. Use exactly one and a half tablespoons for the right tangy kick. The vinegar brightens all the other flavors and keeps the sauce from being too heavy or rich.
5. Add the onion powder, garlic powder, chili flakes, and black pepper powder all at once.
6. Start mixing with your spatula or whisk. Begin slowly to avoid splashing, then increase your mixing speed. Keep whisking until the sauce becomes completely smooth and creamy. The color should be an even golden yellow with tiny red flecks from the chili flakes.
7. Taste the sauce and adjust if needed—add more honey for sweetness, more chili flakes for heat, or more vinegar for tang.
8. The sauce is ready to serve immediately, but it tastes even better after sitting for 30 minutes. This resting time lets all the flavors blend together perfectly.

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size: (per serving, 2 tbsp)
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 120Total Fat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1.5gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 180mgCarbohydrates: 7gSugar: 6g

This Ken’s sweet and spicy honey mustard recipe brings together creamy, sweet, and zesty flavors in every spoonful. It’s quick to make, simple to store, and goes well with many meals.

Try it as a dip, dressing, or sandwich spread to add a tasty twist to everyday dishes.