When you think of BBQ, you might imagine sweet, tangy tomato sauces or smoky vinegar selections. But in South Carolina, we’ve got something special: mustard-based BBQ sauce, and it’s been a big part of our tradition for centuries. At Maurice’s Piggie Park, we’re proud to carry on this tradition, serving up bold, flavorful dishes with a sauce that’s all our own. In this blog, we’ll explore the history of this golden sauce that defines South Carolina BBQ.
Where Mustard-Based BBQ Sauce Began
The roots of mustard-based BBQ sauce stretch back to the 1700s when German immigrants settled in the Lowcountry and Midlands of South Carolina. They brought their love for mustard-based recipes, often using mustard in their cooking to add a tangy kick. As they adapted to Southern BBQ traditions, mustard found its way into the sauce recipes, and a new style of BBQ was born.
This mustard sauce wasn’t just another condiment but the perfect partner to the region’s slow-cooked, tender meats. The sharpness of the mustard balanced beautifully with the rich flavors of smoked pork, creating a distinct taste that quickly became a local favorite.
What Makes Mustard-Based Sauce So Special?
For starters, it’s not your typical BBQ sauce. The mustard gives it a zesty, tangy kick that sets it apart from the sweeter, tomato-based varieties or the sharp vinegar-based sauces. A typical South Carolina mustard BBQ sauce recipe combines yellow mustard, vinegar, sugar, salt, and a blend of spices, sometimes adding a touch of sweetness with honey or brown sugar. It’s perfect for pork, chicken, beef, and beyond.
The sauce’s boldness complements the smoky, tender meat it’s paired with, and it’s a key player in what makes South Carolina BBQ stand out from the rest of the country.
Maurice’s Piggie Park: Where Mustard Sauce Reigns Supreme
At Maurice’s Piggie Park, mustard sauce is more than just a topping — it’s the star of the show. Maurice Bessinger, the man behind the magic, was a true pioneer of mustard-based BBQ sauce, and made this regional specialty popular all across the USA. His recipe, passed down through the generations, is still going strong today. That zesty, golden sauce is a signature element of every plate we serve.
Whether it’s our tender pulled pork, juicy chicken, or fall-off-the-bone ribs, you can count on us to deliver a genuinely Southern BBQ experience, complete with our famous mustard sauce.
Why Mustard BBQ Sauce Is Here to Stay
Mustard-based BBQ sauce isn’t just a taste; it’s a South Carolina legacy. It’s our state’s history, culture, and flavors all wrapped up in a bottle. Whether you’re a long-time mustard BBQ lover or new to the scene, this sauce is here to stay, and once you try it, you’ll see why.
Taste the Tradition at Maurice’s Piggie Park BBQ in Columbia, SC, and the Surrounding Areas
At Maurice’s Piggie Park, we’re all about family, flavor, and tradition. Whether you’re from the Midlands or just visiting, we invite you to enjoy the South Carolina BBQ experience. Grab a plate of our slow-cooked goodness and enjoy the bold, tangy Carolina mustard sauce that makes our BBQ special.