McDonald’s Special Edition Gold Sauce Recipe

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I couldn’t resist trying to replicate this golden gem of a condiment myself. McDonald’s Special Edition Gold Sauce has made waves with its unique blend of tangy vinegar, sweet honey, bold mustard, and smoky undertones—drawing inspiration from Southern barbecue traditions. And honestly, who wouldn’t want to drizzle that goodness over their favorite dishes at home?

How to make McDonald’s Special Edition Gold Sauce

McDonald’s Special Edition Gold Sauce is a limited-time dipping and sandwich sauce made with a blend of vinegary North Carolina-style barbecue flavor, honey, mustard, and smoky notes.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup yellow mustard
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix the Mustards and Honey: In a mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup yellow mustard, 1/4 cup honey, and 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard. Stir until the mixture is well blended.
2. Add the Base Ingredients: Gradually add 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar and 1/4 cup mayonnaise to the mustard-honey mixture. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
3. Incorporate the Sweetener and Flavor Enhancers: Add 2 tablespoons of brown sugar to the bowl. Mix thoroughly until the sugar is fully dissolved.
4. Season with Worcestershire Sauce and Spices: Stir in 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon onion powder. Continue to whisk until all the spices are evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
5. Adjust the Seasoning: Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Give the sauce a good stir and do a taste test. Adjust any ingredient proportions to match your flavor preference.

Tips for the Perfect Gold Sauce:

• Consistency Check: If you prefer a thicker McDonald’s Special Edition Gold Sauce, add a bit more mayonnaise. For a thinner consistency, you can add a splash of water or more apple cider vinegar.
• Sweetness Balance: If the McDonald’s Special Edition Gold Sauce is too tangy, add a bit more honey or brown sugar. Conversely, if it’s too sweet, increase the amount of Dijon mustard for a sharper flavor.
• Smoky Flavor Enhancement: For a more pronounced smoky flavor, consider adding a small dash of liquid smoke or increasing the smoked paprika.
• Refrigeration: Allow the sauce to sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This resting time helps all the flavors to meld together, creating a more harmonious taste.
• Storage: Store your homemade McDonald’s Special Edition Gold Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should keep well for about 1 to 2 weeks.

What to serve with

McDonald’s Special Edition Gold Sauce is a versatile condiment that pairs well with a variety of dishes. With its tangy, smoky, sweet, and slightly mustard-like profile, it can elevate both classic comfort foods and creative dishes.

1. Crispy Chicken

Gold Sauce was designed with chicken in mind, so it’s a perfect match! Here are ways to pair it:

• Chicken Nuggets or Tenders: Dip crispy chicken nuggets or tenders into the sauce for a flavor boost. The smoky sweetness complements lightly breaded and fried textures perfectly.
• Grilled Chicken: Use it as a topping or glaze for grilled chicken breasts or thighs. The tangy and slightly smoky flavor contrasts beautifully with the charred notes from grilling.
• Fried Chicken Sandwiches: Spread the sauce on a bun when making a crispy chicken sandwich—it replaces the need for mayonnaise or ketchup with a unique twist.

2. Fries and Potato-Powered Foods

Whether fried, baked, or mashed, potatoes are a fantastic vehicle for Gold Sauce:

• French Fries: Dunking golden fries into Gold Sauce is pure perfection. The sweetness and smokiness play beautifully off crispy textures.
• Potato Wedges: Dip seasoned potato wedges into the sauce for a play on smoky and savory.
• Tater Tots or Hash Browns: Snack favorites like these become even tastier when paired with a generous side of Gold Sauce.

Ingredients Substitutes

If you’re trying to replicate McDonald’s Special Edition Gold Sauce at home but don’t have certain ingredients on hand, don’t worry! The great thing about this recipe is its flexibility, and with a few substitutions, you can still craft a delicious sauce that’s close to the original.

1. Yellow Mustard

Yellow mustard forms the base of the Gold Sauce, contributing its tangy and slightly sharp flavor. However, if you’re out of this classic condiment, here are alternatives:

• Dijon Mustard: A slightly more refined option with a milder, smoother tang. Adding a touch more honey can balance out its boldness to mimic the taste of yellow mustard.
• Whole Grain Mustard: This provides a heartier texture and a slightly nuttier flavor. It works well if you don’t mind a more textured sauce.
• Stone-Ground Mustard: Similar to whole grain but smoother, it offers a sharper flavor that can be mellowed with extra sweetness.
• Dry Mustard Powder: Mix 1 tablespoon of mustard powder with a teaspoon of water to replicate 1 tablespoon of yellow mustard.

2. Honey

Honey brings sweetness and smoothness to the sauce, balancing the tanginess. If you don’t have honey or prefer an alternative sweetener, consider the following:

• Maple Syrup: A natural and slightly earthy sweetener that works great. It provides a deeper flavor while retaining the sweetness.
• Agave Syrup: A mild, natural sweetener with a neutral flavor. It blends easily and won’t overpower other ingredients.
• Brown Sugar: Dissolve the brown sugar in a small splash of warm water to make it similar in texture to honey. It’ll add a slight molasses undertone to the sauce.
• Corn Syrup or Golden Syrup: These are thicker options that can imitate the texture of honey but are sweeter, so use slightly less.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar

The acidity in apple cider vinegar provides brightness and tang to the sauce. If you don’t have it, here are substitutes:

• White Vinegar: A sharper, more intense option that can mimic the tang. Use slightly less (about ¾ of the amount) to avoid overpowering the flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice works well as a substitute if you’re looking for acidity with a hint of citrus flavor.
• Rice Vinegar: Mild and slightly sweet, rice vinegar is a suitable alternative that won’t disrupt the overall balance of the sauce.

4. Mayonnaise

Mayonnaise adds creaminess and a rich, smooth texture to Gold Sauce. If you’re looking to replace it, here’s what you can use:

• Greek Yogurt: A protein-packed, slightly tangy alternative that’s a great choice for a lighter, healthier option. Choose plain and full-fat for the creamiest result.
• Sour Cream: Offers a similar creamy texture with a tangy bite. It’s less dense than mayo but does the job well.
• Vegan Mayo: For those avoiding eggs, vegan mayo replicates the texture and taste of traditional mayonnaise.
• Cream Cheese (Softened): Mix cream cheese with a splash of milk to create a creamy consistency similar to mayo.

5. Brown Sugar

Brown sugar adds sweetness and a hint of molasses that deepens the flavor of the sauce. If you’re out of brown sugar, try:

• White Sugar + Molasses: Combine 1 tablespoon of molasses with 1/4 cup white sugar to create homemade brown sugar.
• White Sugar: Though it lacks the molasses undertones, white sugar can work in a pinch.
• Coconut Sugar: A natural and slightly caramel-like sweetener that mimics brown sugar closely.

6. Dijon Mustard

Dijon mustard provides a bold tang and sharpness. If you don’t have it:

• Yellow Mustard: Increase the amount of yellow mustard to compensate for missing Dijon. It will be milder but still gets the job done.
• Horseradish Mustard: Adds a spicy kick like Dijon but may need to be balanced with extra honey for sweetness.
• Spicy Brown Mustard: This is robust in flavor and adds a slight kick—use cautiously to avoid overwhelming the sauce.

7. Worcestershire Sauce

This ingredient brings a savory umami depth to the sauce. If you don’t have it, substitute as follows:

• Soy Sauce + Splash of Vinegar: Mix equal parts of soy sauce and vinegar for a flavor profile similar to Worcestershire.
• Balsamic Vinegar + Soy Sauce: For a sweeter, slightly tangy substitute, this combination works well.
• Fish Sauce + Honey: Use sparingly, as fish sauce can be strong, but it mimics the salty, savory profile of Worcestershire sauce.

8. Smoked Paprika

Smoked paprika provides a smoky, slightly spicy flavor. If you don’t have it:

• Regular Paprika: It lacks the smokiness but still offers mild sweetness and color.
• Chipotle Powder: Adds both smokiness and an extra kick of spice. Reduce the quantity to avoid overwhelming the sauce.
• Liquid Smoke: A small drop of liquid smoke can mimic the smokiness of smoked paprika—but use sparingly!

9. Garlic Powder

Garlic powder adds depth and savory notes. If you don’t have this pantry staple:

• Fresh Garlic: Mince 1 small garlic clove for every 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder. Allow the sauce to sit longer for the flavors to balance.
• Onion Powder: Though not garlic, onion powder can add a similar savory touch if garlic isn’t available.

10. Onion Powder

Onion powder is another element that adds subtle savory depth. Replacements include:

• Grated Fresh Onion: Use about 1 teaspoon of grated onion for 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder. A quick grating will ensure you get the flavor without chunks.
• Chives or Shallots: Though milder, these can add an onion-like hint to the recipe when chopped finely.

11. Salt and Pepper

Salt and pepper amplify the flavors of the other ingredients. If you want to experiment, consider:

• Sea Salt or Kosher Salt: For a milder alternative to table salt.
• Black Pepper Alternatives: White pepper (for a less noticeable color) or cayenne pepper (for a spicy kick) can be used sparingly to customize the heat and seasoning.

Final Thoughts

With McDonald’s Special Edition Gold Sauce, the possibilities are endless! Whether it’s a casual fry-snack night or a BBQ-themed meal, this crowd-pleaser sauce will make any dish shine with its rich, Southern-inspired flavors.

More Sauce Recipes:

• Copycat Wendy’s Sweet and Sour Sauce Recipe
• Copycat Trader Joe’s Cajun Alfredo Recipe