Popeyes knows how to cook chicken. But what takes it over the top? That little tub of Mardi Gras mustard sauce. Mardi Gras Mustard Sauce is a sweet, spicy, and southern-style dip you’ll want on everything. It is very bold and creamy in texture, has just the right kick, and makes everything better with any dish.
If you’ve ever dipped into that bold, zesty mustard sauce at Popeyes and thought, “What is this magic, and can I make it myself?” the answer is yes, you totally can. The best part? It’s surprisingly simple to whip up at home. Once you try it, don’t be surprised if you start making it on repeat.

Know about Mardi Gras Mustard Sauce
This sauce tastes like honey sauce but is a bit more flavorful. And, it has spicy brown mustard and mayonnaise base. Also, it contains real honey that gives it a bit of sweetness.
Although Popeyes doesn’t reveal its recipe secret, it is made of mustard, honey, and mayonnaise. Also, it has a small amount of horseradish to make it spicy. Moreover, garlic seasoning with salt balances the taste and provides rich texture with an astonishing flavor.
How to make Mardi Gras Mustard Sauce at Home?
You don’t need many fancy products to make this sauce at home. It’s effortless to make. So, let’s talk about it in detail.
Ingredients You Need
Spicy Brown Mustard
Take ¼ cup spicy brown mustard. If you can find Creole mustard, go for it. It has a coarser texture and more depth, giving your sauce a Southern and authentic flavor.
Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise gives the sauce a creamy base. It helps to smooth out the mustard’s boldness and blend everything. Take two tablespoons of mayonnaise, but don’t skip it; your sauce won’t give you that rich and dippable texture.
Honey
One tablespoon of honey is enough for making it sweet. However, you can increase the amount if you want to enhance the sweetness. Also, you can use brown sugar here. Yet, I would recommend using honey to keep the taste intact and exactly like Popeyes.
Prepared Horseradish
Use two teaspoons of prepared horseradish to add a sharp and peppery flavor. If you don’t have the prepared one, use fresh horseradish, finely chopped.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is a necessary ingredient to blend all the flavors. You need 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice here.
Garlic Powder
½ teaspoon of garlic powder adds a savory base and gives the sauce extra depth.
Cayenne Pepper
Although it’s optional, if you want it to be Popeyes-style spicy, add ¼ teaspoon. And see the result.
Salt
Just a touch of salt makes all the flavors pop. It sharpens the mustard, sweetens the honey, and evens everything out.
Step by Step Mardi Gras Sauce Recipe
Let’s make the sauce with our ready ingredients in four simple steps.
Step 1
Take all the ingredients into a bowl.
Step 2
Stir everything until it’s smooth.
Step 3
Taste it, then adjust if you need anything more, like heat, tang, or sweetness.
Step 4
Chill it for 15 minutes so that all the flavors are combined.
Tips
- Store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Please do not use it after 7 days; constantly stir it each time.
Best Food for Serving Mardi Gras Mustard Sauce
Chicken Tenders or Nuggets
If it is about chicken tenders or nuggets, this Mardi Gras mustard sauce shines here. That tangy, sweet, and spicy mix works with crispy chicken. Whether fried or baked, give those tenders a good dip and thank me later.
Fried Fish or Shrimp
This sauce adds a perfect little kick if you’re doing up some fried catfish or a batch of shrimp. Even grilled shrimp picks up a ton of flavor from it; it’s addictive.
Sandwiches or Burgers
Skip the ketchup and mayo for once. Spread this sauce on your chicken sandwich or burger; you’ve got something way more interesting.
Roasted Veggies
Yeah, veggies! This sauce brings them to life; it’s not fancy, just good.
Cajun Fries or Onion Rings
Forget ketchup; dip your fries or onion rings in this, and it’ll change your dipping game. Its subtle heat and zing make it difficult not to love.
Why is Everyone Obsessed with this Sauce?
Popeyes’ Mardi Gras Mustard sauce hits that rare flavor balance: “Spicy but not overwhelming, sweet but not sugary, creamy without being heavy.” It’s bold but doesn’t take over your whole meal. Instead, it lifts everything it touches.
For those who love sauces and aren’t afraid to bring the heat and flavor, this one is perfect.

Mardi Gras Mustard Sauce
Ingredients
- 1/4 Cup Spicy Brown Mustard
- 2 Tbsp Mayonnaise
- 1 Tbsp Honey
- 2 Tsp Prepared Horseradish
- 1 Tbsp Lemon Juice
- 1/2 Tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/4 Tsp Cayenne Pepper
- Salt As Per Taste
Instructions
- Combine the mustard, mayonnaise, honey, and horseradish in a small bowl.
- Add lemon juice, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and salt.
- Stir the mixture until it's completely smooth and well blended.
- Adjust the seasoning.
- Chill it for 15 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Serve.
Nutrition
Conclusion
Now you know the secret of Popeye’s Mardi Gras mustard sauce recipe. So, you don’t have to make a trip to their place every time you want some bold flavor. Moreover, it is so easy to make, and all the ingredients are pretty basic that you can get in any grocery store.
Finally, I recommend eating it right after making it with chicken. However, if you don’t want to take time every day to prepare it, keep it in an air-sealed container or jar in a refrigerator.
FAQ’s
What is Mardi Gras Mustard Sauce Made of?
Mardi Gras mustard sauce is made of Creole mustard, whole grain mustard, horseradish, and honey.
Is Mardi Gras Mustard the Same as Honey Mustard?
Not really; honey mustard sauce is smoother and sweeter. Mardi mustard sauce has more heat and a tangy flavor.
Can You Make Mardi Gras Mustard Sauce at Home?
Yes, absolutely! It’s easy to make at home. With a perfect mix of honey, mustard, mayonnaise, and horseradish.
What Dishes Pair Well With Mardi Gras Mustard Sauce?
All kinds of chicken dishes are good to go with this sauce. Also, you can use it in fries, sausage, or anything grilled.