Unleash the Flavor: Copycat Planet Hollywood Creole Mustard Sauce
I remember the first time I tasted this sauce. It was at Planet Hollywood, surrounded by movie memorabilia and the excited chatter of fellow diners. The Cap’n Crunch Chicken was the star of the show, but it was the accompanying Creole Mustard Sauce that truly stole my heart. Its creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy profile was an absolute revelation. I knew immediately I had to recreate this culinary magic at home. Over the years, I’ve tweaked and perfected this recipe to capture that same iconic flavor. Now, I’m thrilled to share my version with you!
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Servings: About 1 1/2 cups
- Yield: 1 1/2 cups
- Dietary Type: Not specified, but can be adjusted (see Variations & Substitutions)
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Creole mustard (or 1/4 cup Dijon mustard)
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon horseradish
- 1/2 teaspoon cider vinegar
- 1 dash Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon water
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon green onion, sliced in 1/4 inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon garlic, crushed
- 1 teaspoon chopped green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped celery
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped onion
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl or food processor
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Creole mustard (or Dijon mustard), yellow mustard, and horseradish.
- Add the cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and red wine vinegar.
- Stir in the water, cayenne pepper, and salt.
- Incorporate the sliced green onion, crushed garlic, finely chopped green bell pepper, finely chopped celery, and finely chopped onion.
- Mix all ingredients together thoroughly. You can either whisk vigorously by hand until everything is well combined, or for an even smoother consistency, use a food processor.
- If using a food processor, simply add all ingredients and pulse until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Be careful not to over-process, as this could make the mayonnaise break down.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You may want to add a little more cayenne pepper for extra heat or a pinch more salt to balance the flavors.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Expert Tips & Tricks
- Fresh is Best: Using fresh herbs and vegetables truly elevates this sauce. If you have the time, chop them yourself rather than relying on pre-cut versions.
- Mustard Matters: While Dijon mustard can be substituted, seeking out true Creole mustard will bring you closer to the original Planet Hollywood flavor. Creole mustard tends to be coarser and spicier.
- Garlic Power: Crushing the garlic releases more of its pungent flavor compared to mincing.
- Spice Level: Adjust the cayenne pepper to suit your heat preference. Start with a smaller amount and add more to taste.
- Emulsification is Key: When mixing by hand, whisk vigorously to ensure the sauce is smooth and well emulsified. If the sauce appears broken or separated, add a teaspoon of cold water and whisk again until it comes back together.
Serving & Storage Suggestions
This Creole Mustard Sauce is fantastic served chilled alongside grilled chicken, fish, or vegetables. Of course, it’s the perfect accompaniment to “copycat” Planet Hollywood Cap’n Crunch Chicken.
- Serving: For an attractive presentation, place the sauce in a small bowl and garnish with a sprig of fresh parsley or a sprinkle of paprika.
- Storage: Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freezing is not recommended, as the mayonnaise can separate and become grainy upon thawing.
- Reheating: This sauce is best served cold, so reheating is not necessary.
Nutritional Information
(Approximate values per serving, based on 1/4 cup serving size)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal | 16% |
| Total Fat | 30g | 46% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 15mg | 5% |
| Sodium | 700mg | 30% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 5g | 2% |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.5g | 2% |
| Sugars | 2g | 4% |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
Variations & Substitutions
- Vegan Option: Use vegan mayonnaise and Worcestershire sauce to make this recipe completely vegan.
- Spicier Version: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Sweeter Version: A touch of honey or maple syrup can add a subtle sweetness to balance the spice.
- Herbaceous Variation: Incorporate other fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives for a different flavor profile.
- Low-Fat: You can use a light mayonnaise to reduce the fat content, but be aware that this may affect the overall texture and flavor.
- Dijon vs. Creole: If you can’t find Creole mustard, Dijon will work in a pinch, but consider adding a tiny pinch of horseradish or a bit more cayenne to compensate for the lack of Creole mustard’s signature kick.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! In fact, it’s recommended to make it at least 30 minutes in advance to allow the flavors to meld. The sauce will taste even better after a few hours in the refrigerator.
Q: I don’t have fresh green bell pepper, celery, or onion. Can I use dried?
A: While fresh is ideal, you can substitute dried. Use about 1/4 teaspoon of each dried herb or vegetable, rehydrated slightly with a drop of water. Keep in mind the flavor will be more concentrated.
Q: What can I use instead of horseradish?
A: If you don’t have horseradish, you can try using a small amount of wasabi paste for a similar pungent flavor.
Q: How long will this sauce last in the refrigerator?
A: Stored properly in an airtight container, this sauce will last for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Q: My sauce is too thick. How can I thin it out?
A: Add a teaspoon of water or vinegar at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
Now it’s your turn to experience the magic of this Copycat Planet Hollywood Creole Mustard Sauce! Recreate a little bit of that nostalgic dining experience right in your own kitchen. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the ingredients to personalize the flavor to your liking. And, of course, let me know how it turns out. I’d love to hear your thoughts and any variations you create! Pair this amazing sauce with some crispy fried chicken or even as a dip for your favorite veggies and enjoy!
