Five Unexpected and Delicious Ways to Cook with Mustard

Most people think of mustard as a key ingredient in a simple vinaigrette or a condiment for a hot dog. And while it is certainly essential for those dishes, there are so many varieties of mustard and inspiring ways to cook with it that go well beyond the obvious. Whole grain mustard can add both sweetness and bitterness to a dish, whereas Dijon offers serious heat. "I think the biggest misconception is that whenever you cook with mustard, it has to taste like mustard. Instead, it should be used like salt or vinegar. A little bit of mustard in your braised chicken recipe, for example, brightens the whole dish," says Chef Brandon Collins, Maille's mustard sommelier. When shopping for mustard—whether it be Dijon, whole grain, or yellow—choose one that is minimally processed with only a handful of ingredients so that the mustard flavor shines. Here, five recipes to help you enjoy this spicy staple in a whole new way.

How to Cook with Dijon Mustard

Creamy Dijon mustard is seriously spicy and incredibly creamy. While we love it spread on a sandwich or mixed with mayonnaise for a speedy Dijonaise, it's a powerful condiment that packs a punch in other recipes, too. Here are some of our favorite ways to cook with it.

Little Gems, Asparagus, and Peas with Creamy Mustard Vinaigrette

We had to include one mustard vinaigrette recipe, and this one is about as good as it gets. Lemon juice, vinegar, Dijon mustard, nigella seeds, and olive oil are whisked until emulsified for a perfect dressing to go over crisp spring vegetables.

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Spinach-Artichoke Cannelloni Crepes with Mustardy Cheese Sauce

Crepes don't always have to be sweet, and we're sure this savory recipe will become a part of your regular dinner routine. Vegetarian crepes are smothered in an ooey-gooey cheese sauce that gets its piquancy from two tablespoons of sharp Dijon mustard.

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Grilled Halibut Steaks with Potatoes, Olives, and Onions

Each and every element of this spectacular grilled fish dinner gets dressed with an herb vinaigrette made with the usual combination of vinegar, Dijon mustard, and olive oil, plus a few tablespoons of fresh herbs for bright green color and earthy flavor.

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How to Cook with Whole-Grain Mustard

Whole-grain mustard balances sweet and bitter flavors with its grainy texture. We love cooking with whole-grain mustard because you can see the individual seeds, which hints at the flavor waiting in each dish.

Creamy Mustard Chicken with Couscous

Just two tablespoons of whole-grain mustard adds heat and acidity to fatty, flavorful chicken thighs and drumsticks in this spectacular weeknight dinner recipe. The meat is dressed in a rich cream sauce made with leeks, whole-grain mustard, wine, and chicken broth.

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Caramelized Mustard-Marmalade Wings

Skip the usual buffalo sauce in favor of another spicy sauce. Whole-grain and Dijon mustard work double duty for these finger lickin' baked chicken wings that are perfect for game day.

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