This $9 Mustard Makes Everything Taste Like Fall — Here Are 7 Ways to Use It

I like to think one of the moments that marked my transition from kid to adult was when I discovered that I suddenly liked mustard. As a kid, it was too pungent for my taste buds. But one day I was suddenly all in, and now I can’t get enough of the stuff. I keep a jar of Dijon in my fridge and a backup in the pantry, because I often go through it before I can get to the store. And when I order a sandwich from a deli, I always ask them to be generous with the spicy brown mustard.

But for years spicy mustard was the only type I thought I needed. Recently, however, I’ve been getting to know honey mustard, and all the wonders it can bring to a dish.

As the name implies, honey mustard is a blend of mustard and honey, which typically results in a mustard that’s more sweet than sharp. To me, honey mustard tastes like fall. It’s full of warm spices rounded with sweetness. But it really pops when cooking with it. Because of its sugar content, it caramelizes beautifully, and deepens the flavor of whatever it touches.

While you can make honey mustard by simply combining your favorite mustard with honey, there are a few brands out there that deliver a better-tasting end result. It’s important to note, however, that not all honey mustards on grocery store shelves are equal. And it’s important to distinguish between bottles of honey mustard dressing and the jars and bottles of actual honey mustard that you’ll find on the shelf with the French’s and Maille.

Ingelhoffer and Gulden’s are two easy-to-find brands, but if you see Honeycup, grab it. Hailing from Canada, this honey mustard is thick and syrupy in texture with serious zip.

Buy my favorite jar: Honeycup Uniquely Sharp Mustard, $8.49 at Amazon

1. Brushed on chicken or pork. The simplest way to dress up chicken is to brush it with honey mustard while it cooks. Or for a showstopping fall dinner, try swapping it out for the Dijon and honey in this glazed pork tenderloin.
2. Spread on salmon fillets. In a salmon rut? Slather fillets with honey mustard and stick them under the broiler.
3. Used as a dip for apples and pretzels. I feel comfortable enough to admit to you that I’ve definitely just popped open the jar and dipped apple slices or pretzels into it for a mid-afternoon snack.
4. Whisked into a vinaigrette. A teaspoon whisked into homemade vinaigrette not only lends a touch of sweetness, but it also helps emulsify it.
5. Turned into a dipping sauce. Need an instant sauce to dunk your chicken tenders or nuggets in? Combine honey mustard with an equal amount of mayo or Greek yogurt.
6. Tossed with vegetables before roasting. Root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes go especially well with the mustard, but regular potatoes and Brussels sprouts are also lovely. Add a generous spoonful when you toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting.
7. Added to a cheese board. The sweet bite of honey mustard goes so well with cheese — especially classic cheddar and creamy, buttery cheeses like Brie and Camembert. Put a jar or a small bowl out on your cheese board along with a spoon for drizzling.

There are countless ingredients clamoring for space in your kitchen. Taste Makers are the ones that actually make a dish amazing. Each month, we’re exploring one ingredient that has earned its place in our small kitchens and will make even simple food taste spectacular.

Your turn: What’s your favorite underrated ingredient in your pantry? What do you reach for when you want to elevate your cooking quickly and easily? Tell us in the comments below! We may give it the star treatment in an upcoming edition of Taste Makers.