Dijon Mustard Sauce

Dijon mustard sauce adds a smooth, tangy flavor that can make simple meals taste more refined. Spoon it over chicken, drizzle it on vegetables, or pair it with pork to balance creaminess with gentle sharpness.

This sauce comes together in minutes, making it an easy choice when time is short but flavor still matters. Keep it classic with cream and butter, or adjust it with herbs, wine, or honey for a sweeter note.

You can adapt the recipe to match what you have in your kitchen. Once you learn the basics, use it on roasted meats, as a dip for vegetables, or as a spread in sandwiches.

Why You Will Love Dijon Mustard Sauce

Dijon mustard sauce balances tangy, creamy, and savory flavors that work well with many dishes. Its smooth texture and mild spice make it easy to pair with meats, vegetables, or grains.

Many people like it because it uses just a few ingredients. Mix Dijon mustard, cream, broth, or herbs for a sauce that feels fresh and versatile.

It adapts to different cooking styles. Try a light, oil-free version for steamed vegetables, or a richer cream-based sauce with chicken or pork.

Key Benefits at a Glance

Feature	Why It Matters
Versatility	Works with chicken, fish, pork, and veggies
Simple Ingredients	Can be made quickly with pantry staples
Balanced Flavor	Tangy, savory, and not too strong
Customizable	Easy to adjust with herbs, wine, or cream

Using Dijon mustard sauce can help you enjoy more vegetables and grains. The sauce adds flavor without being heavy.

Dijon mustard sauce also connects to tradition. It comes from Dijon, France, and carries a history of mustard-making.

How To Make Dijon Mustard Sauce

This sauce comes together quickly with a few pantry staples and basic kitchen tools. It balances tangy mustard with creamy or savory elements.

Ingredients

The foundation of Dijon mustard sauce is Dijon mustard, which gives it a sharp, tangy flavor. Most recipes use a creamy element like heavy cream, sour cream, or Greek yogurt for smooth texture.

A small amount of vinegar or lemon juice adds brightness. Garlic or shallots bring depth. Salt and black pepper round out the flavor.

Some variations include honey for sweetness or chicken stock for a lighter base.

A typical ingredient list:

• 3 tbsp Dijon mustard
• ½ cup heavy cream or sour cream
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp lemon juice or white wine vinegar
• 2 tbsp chicken stock (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Adjust these ingredients depending on whether you want the sauce warm with meat or cool as a dip.

Instruments

You only need simple kitchen tools. Use a small saucepan for warm versions, or a mixing bowl for a chilled sauce.

A whisk combines mustard and cream smoothly. A spoon or spatula helps scrape down the sides.

If using garlic or shallots, use a cutting board and sharp knife for chopping. For larger batches, measuring cups and spoons ensure consistent results.

Optional tools like a fine grater for zest or a sieve for straining can refine the texture, but are not essential.

Step-By-Step Instruction

Heat a small saucepan over low to medium heat. Add a bit of butter or oil and sauté garlic or shallots until soft.

Whisk in the Dijon mustard. Slowly add cream or stock while stirring to avoid lumps.

Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened. Add lemon juice or vinegar for acidity.

Taste and adjust with salt and pepper. If using honey, stir it in at the end.

For a chilled version, whisk mustard, cream, and seasonings in a bowl until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

The sauce should be thick enough to coat a spoon but still pourable. Serve immediately when warm, or store cooled sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Tips & Tricks

Start with less mustard and taste as you go. Dijon has a strong bite, so add it slowly to control the flavor.

Pair Dijon with cream, broth, or butter to mellow its sharpness. These ingredients soften the tang while keeping the sauce rich.

For lighter meals, use yogurt or olive oil instead. Experiment with add-ins like white wine for brightness or fresh herbs for freshness.

Garlic or shallots make the flavor deeper without making the sauce heavy.

Adjustment	Effect on Sauce
Add cream or butter	Softer, richer flavor
Add white wine	Lighter, slightly acidic
Add herbs	Fresh, aromatic taste
Add garlic/shallots	Deeper, savory flavor

Adjust small details to match the sauce to chicken, pork, vegetables, or sandwiches.

Ingredient Substitute

If you don’t have Dijon mustard, you can use other common condiments. Each option has its own flavor, so choose based on your recipe.

Popular substitutes:

• Yellow mustard – milder and less sharp, good for dressings and marinades
• Spicy brown mustard – stronger flavor with more texture, works well in sauces
• Stone-ground mustard – similar creaminess with a rustic, grainy finish
• Horseradish or wasabi (in small amounts) – add heat and tang, use carefully

Substitute	Flavor Strength	Best Use Cases	Notes
Yellow mustard	Mild	Dressings, casseroles, marinades	Less tangy than Dijon
Spicy brown mustard	Medium-strong	Meat sauces, sandwiches	Coarser texture
Stone-ground	Medium	Vinaigrettes, dips	Rustic flavor, less smooth
Horseradish/wasabi	Strong	Small amounts in sauces	Use sparingly

Mix yellow mustard with a splash of white wine or vinegar to get closer to Dijon’s tang. Adjust the amount to keep flavors balanced.

What To Serve With Dijon Mustard Sauce

Dijon mustard sauce pairs well with meats and vegetables. Its tangy and slightly sharp flavor balances rich foods and adds depth to lighter dishes.

Popular pairings:

• Roasted chicken or pork
• Grilled steak or lamb
• Steamed or roasted vegetables
• Fish such as salmon or cod

Dish Type	Best Pairings with Dijon Mustard Sauce
Meats	Chicken, pork tenderloin, beef, lamb
Seafood	Salmon, cod, shrimp
Vegetables	Brussels sprouts, green beans, carrots
Grains/Pasta	Rice, potatoes, creamy pasta dishes

Use the sauce as a base for sandwiches and wraps. Spread a little on roast beef or turkey sandwiches for extra flavor.

Drizzle Dijon mustard sauce on salads to replace heavier dressings. It pairs well with arugula, spinach, or mixed greens.

Serve it with fries or roasted potatoes for a simple side. The creamy texture complements crispy potatoes.

How To Store Dijon Mustard Sauce

Store Dijon mustard sauce in the refrigerator after opening. Cold temperatures slow down flavor loss and help maintain texture.

Use an airtight container to prevent exposure to air and light. This keeps the sauce from drying out or separating.

When unopened, keep Dijon mustard sauce in a cool, dark pantry. Once opened, seal it tightly and refrigerate.

If stored correctly, Dijon mustard sauce can last several months and keep its sharp flavor.

Storage Location	Opened	Unopened
Refrigerator	6–12 months	Up to best-by date
Pantry	Not recommended	1–2 years

Use a clean spoon each time to reduce the chance of bacteria or food particles getting inside.

If the sauce changes color, smells off, or develops mold, discard it. Mustard rarely spoils quickly, but quality and safety drop when it is not stored properly.

Nutrition Breakdown

Dijon mustard sauce is low in calories compared to many creamy condiments. A single tablespoon usually contains around 15–20 calories, depending on the recipe and brand.

Most of these calories come from fat, with small amounts of carbs and protein. A simple serving of plain Dijon mustard is even lighter.

1 teaspoon has about 4 calories. 100 grams provides around 66 calories.

This makes it a low-calorie option when used as a spread or flavoring. When Dijon is blended into a creamy sauce, the nutrition shifts.

For example, 1 cup of Dijon sauce (236 g) may contain about 236 calories. It has roughly 16 g fat and 16 g carbs, but very little protein.

Added ingredients like cream, oil, or mayonnaise increase calorie density.

Typical Macronutrient Breakdown (per tablespoon sauce):

Nutrient	Amount	% of Calories
Fat	~1–2 g	50–70%
Carbs	~1 g	20–30%
Protein	<1 g	5–10%

Key nutrients may include small amounts of sodium, calcium, and iron. The values are usually minimal.

Dijon sauce adds flavor rather than nutrients. Homemade or restaurant versions can differ in fat and calorie content.

Using Dijon mustard on its own keeps calories low. Creamy Dijon sauces tend to be more energy-dense.