The Number One Way to Use Up All That Mustard Powder in Your Pantry

We're maniacs for mustard: we put it on our sausages, our salmon, our turkey club sandwiches... you name the dish, we find an excuse to spread mustard on it. So it's not surprising that it's a common item on our grocery list.

However, we had no idea how ridiculously easy it was to actually create! While you can opt to make your own mustard from mustard seeds, we've found that the fastest and most convenient way to make mustard is to use something that only seems to collect dust in most people's pantries—mustard powder.

We'll be showing you the basic steps to making the standard mustard flavor first. But this easy recipe should really be seen as a blank canvas for the myriad kinds of mustard that you can make based on your favorite flavors!

The Basic Ingredients

2 Tbsp. mustard powder
1-2 Tbsp. water (1 Tbsp. for thicker mustard, 2 Tbsp. for thinner mustard)
a splash of apple cider vinegar

The Number One Way to Use Up All That Mustard Powder in Your Pantry — *Image by Nick & Bay Nigro/Food Hacks Daily*

The Basic Directions

Combine the mustard powder and water in a nonreactive mixing bowl.
Stir until combined.
Mix in a small splash of apple cider vinegar, to taste.

15 seconds wasn't an exaggeration—as you can see, that's literally all the time you need to make your own mustard. And chances are high that it tastes way better than the radioactive yellow stuff you buy at the store.

And now, it's time to take your basic mustard mix and make it spectacular:

1. Honey Mustard

Take your base mustard and mix in a teaspoon (or more) of honey, depending upon how sweet you want it. This tastes glorious on spiced sausages, barbecued burgers, or pastrami sandwiches.

2. White Wine Mustard

Or, if you prefer a more refined flavor, use your base mustard and mix in a teaspoon of white wine. This type of mustard tastes fantastic when spread on a baguette with lox and a bit of cream cheese and chopped chives, or served alongside sliced honey ham.

3. Cayenne Mustard

Some like it hot! If you're a fellow hot-head, take your base mustard and mix in a bit of cayenne pepper and a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce. Then, slather this hot mustard on sandwiches with applewood-smoked bacon and maple-roasted turkey, or alongside your salami and olives on a charcuterie platter.

4. And More!

These are just a few of our personal favorite ways to jazz up this simple mustard recipe. However, the possibilities are endless! Here are some other flavor variations you can try:

fresh herbs (like thyme, rosemary, or oregano)
beer or cider
mustard or caraway seeds (such as dijon-style mustard)
maple syrup
dried fruits (like cranberries or blueberries)
bacon
candied pecans
roasted garlic

Whether you're indulging in a soft, warm pretzel or firing up the grill to make a feast for friends, we hope you have fun getting creative with this easy homemade condiment.

What's your favorite addition to homemade mustard? Share it with us in the comments below!