If you’ve ever eaten at Zaxby’s, you know their Hot Honey Mustard sauce is pure perfection — the ideal balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy. It’s creamy, zesty, and just the right amount of kick to make every bite unforgettable. Whether you dip chicken fingers, fries, or even drizzle it over a sandwich, this sauce hits all the right flavor notes.
But what if you could make that same irresistible Zaxby’s Hot Honey Mustard recipe right in your own kitchen? Good news — you can! With a few simple ingredients, you can recreate this signature sauce at home in under 10 minutes. Let’s dive into this Zaxby’s copycat hot honey mustard recipe that tastes just like the real thing (maybe even better!).
What Is Zaxby’s Hot Honey Mustard?
Zaxby’s Hot Honey Mustard is one of the most popular dipping sauces on the Zaxby’s menu. It’s a creamy mustard-based sauce that combines the sweetness of honey, the tang of yellow mustard, and a touch of heat from cayenne or hot sauce. The result is a balanced flavor that’s both comforting and exciting — a must-have for chicken lovers.
Unlike regular honey mustard, Zaxby’s version has a subtle spiciness that enhances, rather than overpowers, its sweetness. It’s bold, flavorful, and totally addicting!
Why You’ll Love This Zaxby’s Hot Honey Mustard Recipe
This homemade version of Zaxby’s Hot Honey Mustard tastes so close to the restaurant version that your family might not even know the difference. Here’s why it’s a must-try:
- 🐝 Sweet and Tangy Perfection: The honey and mustard combination is pure harmony.
- 🌶️ Just the Right Heat: A touch of spice keeps it from being too sweet.
- 🕒 Ready in Minutes: You can whip it up in 5–10 minutes, no cooking required.
- 🧂 Customizable: Adjust the heat, sweetness, or tang to your taste.
- 🍗 Versatile: Perfect for dipping chicken fingers, nuggets, fries, or even veggies.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Zaxby’s Hot Honey Mustard Recipe
Creating your own Zaxby’s Hot Honey Mustard at home requires just a few pantry staples. Here’s what you’ll need:
Main Ingredients:
- ½ cup mayonnaise – Provides the creamy base for the sauce.
- 3 tablespoons yellow mustard – The tangy foundation flavor.
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard – Adds a touch of sophistication and spice.
- 3 tablespoons honey – For that sweet, sticky goodness.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar – Balances out the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot or Tabasco) – For the signature “hot” kick.
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper – Adds depth and heat.
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder – Enhances the flavor balance.
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
This Zaxby’s Hot Honey Mustard recipe couldn’t be easier. You’ll have your favorite sauce ready in minutes!
Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, and Dijon mustard. This creates a smooth, tangy foundation for your sauce.
Step 2: Add the Sweetness
Pour in the honey and apple cider vinegar, then whisk until smooth. You’ll notice the texture becoming creamy and glossy — exactly what you want.
Step 3: Bring the Heat
Add your hot sauce and cayenne pepper. Start with a small amount and taste as you go. You can always add more if you want it spicier.
Step 4: Season and Adjust
Sprinkle in garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until all ingredients are fully combined.
Step 5: Chill Before Serving
For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Taste Test: Does It Really Taste Like Zaxby’s?
Absolutely! This homemade version nails the signature balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy that makes Zaxby’s Hot Honey Mustard so irresistible. The honey softens the mustard’s sharpness, while the cayenne and hot sauce provide just enough heat to linger pleasantly.
If you want it even closer to the restaurant flavor:
- Use French’s Classic Yellow Mustard for authenticity.
- Opt for Duke’s Mayonnaise for a rich, Southern-style creaminess.
- Add a tiny splash of Worcestershire sauce to deepen the flavor.
How to Serve Zaxby’s Hot Honey Mustard Sauce
This sauce is so versatile you’ll want to use it on everything! Here are a few delicious ideas:
🍗 For Dipping
- Chicken fingers or nuggets
- French fries or waffle fries
- Fried pickles or onion rings
- Pretzels or potato wedges
🥪 As a Spread
- On chicken sandwiches
- With grilled burgers
- On turkey wraps or club sandwiches
🥗 As a Dressing
- Drizzle over a crispy chicken salad
- Mix with a splash of buttermilk to make a creamy salad dressing
🍖 For Grilling
- Brush on grilled chicken or pork chops
- Use as a glaze for baked wings or ribs
Storage Tips
Homemade sauces like this one store beautifully in the refrigerator. Follow these tips to keep your Zaxby’s Hot Honey Mustard tasting fresh:
- Store in an airtight container or mason jar.
- Keep refrigerated for up to 7–10 days.
- Stir before each use, as honey can settle slightly.
- Do not freeze — the texture can separate when thawed.
Pro Tip: Label the jar with the date you made it so you can keep track easily.
Recipe Variations
Want to make your Zaxby’s Hot Honey Mustard even more unique? Try one of these fun variations:
🔥 Extra Spicy Version
Add more cayenne or a splash of sriracha for extra heat. Perfect if you love spicy food.
🍯 Sweeter Version
Increase the honey by one tablespoon for a milder, dessert-like sweetness.
🧄 Garlic Lover’s Version
Add an extra pinch of garlic powder or even a small clove of freshly minced garlic.
🥛 Light Version
Use low-fat mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to reduce calories while keeping it creamy.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
(Based on about 2 tablespoons of sauce)
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Sugar: 7g
- Protein: <1g
- Sodium: 180mg
Keep in mind that these values may vary based on the brands you use and portion size.
Tips for the Perfect Copycat Zaxby’s Hot Honey Mustard
- Use good-quality honey. The flavor of your honey makes a big difference. Raw or clover honey works best.
- Don’t skip the chilling time. It’s the secret to developing that restaurant-style flavor.
- Adjust the heat gradually. Everyone’s spice tolerance is different — start small and taste as you go.
- Use both yellow and Dijon mustard. This combo gives you that perfect Zaxby’s balance of tangy and spicy.
- Make it ahead of time. The sauce tastes even better after sitting overnight.
What to Serve With Zaxby’s Hot Honey Mustard
This sauce isn’t just for dipping — it can enhance almost any meal. Try pairing it with:
- Crispy Chicken Tenders – The ultimate duo.
- Grilled Chicken Sandwiches – Add lettuce, tomato, and a drizzle of this sauce.
- Homemade Fries – Drizzle over your fries for a sweet and spicy twist.
- Salads – Especially a crispy chicken or bacon ranch salad.
- Wings – Toss them in this sauce for a mouthwatering glaze.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Zaxby’s Hot Honey Mustard spicy?
Yes, but only mildly! It has a gentle heat that balances beautifully with the honey’s sweetness. You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less hot sauce and cayenne pepper.
2. Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely. Substitute vegan mayonnaise and use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey for a plant-based version.
3. How long does homemade honey mustard last?
If stored properly in the refrigerator, it can last up to 10 days. Always check for freshness before serving.
4. What kind of mustard works best?
Use yellow mustard for that signature Zaxby’s flavor, but a touch of Dijon adds depth and creaminess.
5. Can I use this as a marinade?
Yes! This sauce makes a fantastic marinade for chicken or pork. Just coat the meat and let it rest for 1–2 hours before grilling.
Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Keep Making This Zaxby’s Hot Honey Mustard Recipe
This Zaxby’s Hot Honey Mustard recipe is proof that simple ingredients can create bold, unforgettable flavors. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy — and it’s incredibly easy to make. Once you try it, you’ll want to keep a jar of it in your fridge all the time.
Whether you’re hosting a cookout, making weeknight chicken tenders, or just craving your favorite fast-food flavor at home, this Zaxby’s Hot Honey Mustard copycat will not disappoint. It’s restaurant-quality sauce made simple, and it’ll quickly become a family favorite.
So grab your whisk, mix it up, and dip away — because this sweet and spicy magic deserves a permanent spot on your table.
