Dijon Mustard

Oftentimes when we think of a French mustard, our thoughts are of a condiment which brings intense warmth to our tongues and opens up the airways. Dijon is that mustard. 

It’s unapologetically pungent, yet balanced. There is a momentary bitterness from the mustard seeds, a background sweetness from the white wine and sugar, and a delicate acidity from the vinegar. 

This complex set of flavors gives it the versatility we look for in a mustard. And whether it is spooned atop a grilled hamburger at your next BBQ, used to dress a potato salad when dinning al fresco this summer, smeared on a turkey sandwich this homemade Dijon mustard recipe is one you are bound to make again and again.

What is Dijon Mustard?

Dijon mustard originated in the Dijon metropolitan area of Northeast France. Originally, verjus, a highly acidic juice made from unripe and unfermented grapes, replaced vinegar and was mixed with mustard seeds to make Dijon. Today, most commercial brands will use both white wine and vinegar, as we have done in our recipe.

The use of white wine and black or brown mustard seeds separates Dijon from other mustards. Black and brown mustard seeds are progressively more pungent and bitter than yellow mustard seeds. Dijon is either smooth or coarse-ground, and the choice of blending to coarse-ground makes for a far more interesting mustard.

Keys to Success

Here are a few tips to make the perfect Dijon mustard from scratch:

• Use a white wine you would drink, preferably something with a bit more body like chardonnay. Although a Chablis will also produce an excellent mustard.
• Use plastic or glass instead of metal when soaking the mustard seeds in vinegar, and in storing the finished mustard. The acid and the metal react with one another and produce off-putting flavors.
• Use a blender (countertop or immersion) instead of a food processor for the mustard seeds to break down properly. Here is a guide to everything you need to know about high speed blenders and our top immersion blender picks if you’re in the market for one. 
• Mix the mustard 60 seconds at a time so you don’t overwork the motor. 

Swaps and Substitutions

There are so few ingredients in this recipe, shift one too far off-center, and the result can be a mustard that is too bitter, too pungent, or not pungent at all. Here are a few swaps and substitutions that you can make without compromising the flavor of mustard:

• Use a peppery red wine, like a Syrah or Grenache, instead of white wine.
• Replace the distilled white vinegar with apple cider vinegar. The bitterness will be subtle with a soft pungency.

How to Store Homemade Dijon Mustard

For a stronger flavor let the Dijon mustard sit at room temperature for two hours before use. When you’re ready store the mustard in the refrigerator in glass or plastic. It will keep for up to six months.

More Homemade Condiment Recipes

• Honey Mustard
• Ketchup
• Easy Aioli
• How to Make Mayonnaise in a Blender or Food Processor
• Homemade Tartar Sauce