Honey mustard is a mustard-based condiment that is most often used as a dip for finger foods, a salad dressing, or as a glaze or marinade for meat. Unlike many other varieties of mustard, this one derives its name from the combination of flavors rather than from the growing location or variation of the plant used as the main ingredient.
Honey mustard is a combination of mustard, usually a mild variety, and honey or artificial honey flavoring. Though some types are made from hot mustard and some vary in tang, sharpness, and spiciness, the addition of honey or honey flavoring naturally gives the mustard a sweeter flavor than the mustard base alone would have.
Some popular varieties of this condiment include hot honey mustard and honey Dijon mustard. While some people enjoy the flavor of honey mustard on a variety of foods, it is most frequently offered at restaurants as a condiment to accompany onion rings, french fries, chicken, and salads. It also makes a good accompaniment to soft baked pretzels.
In addition to its use as a condiment, honey mustard also adds flavoring to marinades and glazes for meat. It's often used in chicken recipes, but can also work well with pork dishes; and certain varieties also compliment beef and vegetable dishes, such as stir fry.
Honey mustard is sold in stores in prepared forms in plastic squeeze containers as well as glass jars. It may also be sold in sauce form. While most people find plain mustard varieties compliment other condiments such as ketchup and mayonnaise, honey mustard is typically favored as a single condiment used alone. As a glaze or marinade, it may be combined with other ingredients or spices to further enhance the flavor of the meat to be cooked.