If you’ve ever dipped a crispy Popeyes chicken tender into that little golden tub of zesty, creamy magic, you already know why popeyes mardi gras mustard has a cult following. It’s bold, tangy, and layered with just the right amount of Cajun spice—and yes, I’ve recreated it at home in under 5 minutes.
This copycat Mardi Gras mustard sauce tastes *just like* the one from Popeyes, with creamy mayo, spicy mustard, horseradish kick, and a sweet finish from brown sugar. And bonus: it’s better than fast food because you get to control the ingredients, spice, and sweetness. If you love flavorful dips like Freddy’s Fry Sauce, this will be your new obsession.
Let’s break down exactly what goes into mardi gras mustard Popeyes style, and why it works so well.
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Table of Contents
What Is Popeyes Mardi Gras Mustard?
Popeyes Mardi Gras Mustard is a limited-time dipping sauce from the Louisiana-based fast-food chain Popeyes. It’s inspired by the bold flavors of New Orleans, combining zesty mustard, mayo, and a hit of Cajun seasoning. Unlike regular honey mustard, it’s chunkier, spicier, and just a little sweet, thanks to a dash of brown sugar and horseradish.
This creamy sauce walks the line between sweet and tangy, with a depth that makes it perfect for chicken tenders, sandwiches, or even roasted veggies. Whether you’re a Popeyes loyalist or a mustard fanatic, this mardi gras mustard sauce is a must-make.
Why You’ll Love This Copycat Recipe
- Big Flavor in 5 Minutes: Quick mix-and-serve, no cooking needed
- Creamy, Zesty, and Sweet: Hits all the right flavor notes
- Customizable: Make it spicier, sweeter, or vegan
- Great on Everything: Chicken, fries, sandwiches, even deviled eggs
If you’re into bold sauces, don’t miss our Hello Fresh Cream Sauce Base—another creamy favorite packed with savory flavor!
Ingredients Breakdown (And Why They Work)
Main Ingredients
- Whole Grain Mustard: Adds chunky texture and tangy bite
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base that mellows out the heat
- Horseradish: Gives it a signature zing (don’t skip this!)
- Brown Sugar: Balances out the heat with just a touch of sweetness
- Cajun or Creole Seasoning: Delivers that Popeyes-style spice blend
Optional Enhancers
- Cayenne or Paprika: Add extra heat or smoky depth
- Garlic Powder: For savory umami flavor
- Honey: To lean closer to a honey mustard style (optional)
Fun fact: the original popeyes mardi gras mustard sauce comes in at about 140 calories per 2 tbsp serving—so you can enjoy it guilt-free in moderation. (Homemade versions tend to run ~120 calories, depending on the mayo used.)
Popeyes Mardi Gras Mustard
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 3/4 cup 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This copycat Popeyes Mardi Gras Mustard sauce is bold, tangy, creamy, and takes just 5 minutes to make. It’s the perfect dipping sauce with Cajun spice and a hint of sweetness.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup whole grain mustard
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon prepared horseradish
- 1/2 teaspoon Cajun or Creole seasoning
- Pinch of garlic powder
- Optional: pinch of cayenne or paprika for heat
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon honey for sweetness
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, Cajun seasoning, and garlic powder.
- Add whole grain mustard and mayonnaise, then stir until well mixed.
- Add horseradish and mix thoroughly.
- Add optional cayenne/paprika or honey to taste if desired.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 15–30 minutes to let the flavors develop.
- Serve as a dip or spread.
Notes
Letting the sauce chill helps the flavors meld. You can adjust sweetness and spice levels to your taste. For a smoother texture, use Dijon mustard instead of whole grain.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
How to Make Popeyes Mardi Gras Mustard (Step-by-Step)
This mardi gras mustard popeyes copycat is as easy as mix, taste, chill. That’s it! You don’t need a blender, stove, or fancy ingredients—just a bowl, a whisk, and five minutes.
Quick Prep Method
- Mix Seasonings: In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon brown sugar, ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning, and a pinch of garlic powder.
- Add the Base: Stir in ¼ cup whole grain mustard and ¼ cup mayonnaise.
- Flavor Punch: Add 1 teaspoon horseradish and mix well.
- Optional Add-Ins: For heat, add a pinch of cayenne or paprika. For sweetness, add ½ teaspoon honey.
- Chill & Serve: Let the sauce rest in the fridge for 15–30 minutes to develop flavor. Then serve!
This recipe yields about ¾ cup, perfect for dipping a basket of chicken tenders or spreading on sandwiches.
Pro Flavor Tips
- Chill it: Resting helps the mustard and spice bloom for a more balanced sauce.
- Spice it your way: Cajun seasoning blends vary—add a pinch of salt if yours is low sodium.
- Texture swap: If you prefer a smooth sauce, use Dijon or yellow mustard instead of whole grain.
Love bold sauces with heat and depth? Try this alongside our Hello Fresh Tuscan Heat Spice blend for another spicy companion.
How to Use This Mardi Gras Mustard Sauce
This sauce isn’t just for Popeyes copycat meals—it’s a flavor-packed MVP that brings Cajun flair to everything it touches. Here are some delicious ways to use it:
- Dipping Sauce: Perfect for chicken tenders, nuggets, or waffle fries
- Sandwich Spread: Use in place of mayo on fried chicken sandwiches
- Burger Sauce: Especially great with spicy or Cajun-style patties
- Deviled Eggs: Stir into the yolk filling for a mustardy twist
- Dressing Base: Whisk with olive oil + vinegar for bold salads
- Marinade or Glaze: Use on grilled chicken, salmon, or tofu
Pair this with your favorite chicken or even homemade fries, topped with our Turkish Spice Blend HelloFresh for the ultimate flavor bomb.
Flavor Comparison: Mardi Gras Mustard vs. Other Sauces
Mardi Gras Mustard vs. Honey Mustard
While both are mustard-based, mardi gras mustard is bolder, spicier, and chunkier than your typical honey mustard. It features Cajun seasoning and horseradish, giving it a Louisiana kick that classic honey mustard lacks.
Is It the Same as McDonald’s Honey Mustard?
Nope! McDonald’s version is creamier and sweeter, almost like a dressing. Popeyes mardi gras mustard is spicier, tangier, and made with more texture thanks to the grainy mustard and seasoning blend. It’s more of a dipping sauce than a salad dressing.
Make It Your Way: Variations & Substitutions
- Smoother Texture: Use Dijon mustard instead of whole grain mustard
- Sweeter Sauce: Add ½ to 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- Spicier Kick: Increase cayenne or add hot sauce
- Vegan Option: Use vegan mayo and check the horseradish label
- Extra Creamy: Double the mayo for a milder dip
If you like customizing your spice blends, check out our Hello Fresh Fry Seasoning—it’s another fast-food-inspired DIY favorite.
Storage Tips & Shelf Life
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days
- Best Flavor: Let sit at least 30 minutes before using
- Not freezer-friendly: Mayo may separate when frozen
- Stir before serving: Spices may settle over time
Frequently Asked Questions
What is in Popeyes Mardi Gras Mustard?
It’s a creamy sauce made with mustard, mayo, horseradish, Cajun seasoning, and a touch of brown sugar for balance.
What is Mardi Gras sauce made of?
This copycat version uses whole grain mustard, mayo, brown sugar, horseradish, and Cajun seasoning with optional spices like paprika or cayenne.
What flavor is Mardi Gras Mustard?
It’s tangy, creamy, mildly spicy, and just a bit sweet—a bold, Cajun-flavored mustard sauce with zippy character.
Is Mardi Gras Mustard the same as honey mustard?
No. While both have mustard and sweetness, Mardi Gras Mustard is spicier, chunkier, and more savory than traditional honey mustard.
Is there a difference between honey mustard and honey mustard dressing?
Yes—dressing versions are thinner and sweeter, made with added vinegar or oil, while dipping sauces are thicker and creamier.
What kind of honey mustard does McDonald’s use?
McDonald’s honey mustard is smooth, sweet, and mild—more of a dressing than a bold dipping sauce like Popeyes’ version.
Final Thoughts
This popeyes mardi gras mustard copycat recipe gives you all the zesty flavor of the original with a quick homemade twist. Bold, creamy, and made in minutes, it’s the perfect sauce for dipping, spreading, or drizzling over your favorite meals. And since you made it yourself, you control the heat, the sweetness, and every last ingredient.
Looking for more homemade fast-food favorites? Check out:
