Essential Sauces and Condiments to Elevate Your Cooking: 12+ Homemade Recipes to Try Today
Looking to add more flavor to your everyday cooking? These 12+ easy homemade sauces and condiments will transform even the simplest meals into restaurant-quality dishes. From creamy classics like tartar sauce and Roquefort sauce to bold favorites like pesto and Big Mac-style burger sauce, each recipe is quick to prepare with simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
Whether you’re grilling, roasting, meal-prepping, or just want to spice up a sandwich, these essential sauces will become staples in your recipe collection.
Each sauce includes step-by-step instructions, tips for storage, and serving suggestions to help you make the most of every drop.
Browse the full list below, and don’t forget to bookmark this page—it’s your new go-to guide for homemade sauces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze homemade sauces and condiments?
Some sauces like pesto or garlic herb butter freeze very well. For creamy sauces like hollandaise or Roquefort, it’s best to enjoy them fresh, as the texture may split when frozen and thawed.
How long do these sauces last in the fridge?
Most homemade sauces will keep for 3 to 7 days in an airtight container in the fridge. Sauces with vinegar, lemon, or cooked vegetables (like ketchup or Caesar dressing) often last longer than dairy-based ones.
Are these sauces gluten-free?
Many of these recipes are naturally gluten-free, especially the tartar sauce, pesto, and ketchup. For others, simply ensure the mustard, vinegar, or cheese used is certified gluten-free if needed.
Which sauce is best for steak?
For grilled meats and steaks, we recommend the Roquefort sauce or garlic herb butter. They bring rich, savory depth and pair beautifully with beef, lamb, or even grilled mushrooms.
Other Posts You May Like:
- Want a cheese-forward sauce that screams indulgence? Try our Creamy Roquefort Sauce for Chicken or Steak — bold, rich, and surprisingly easy.
- For steak night perfection, don’t miss our step-by-step guide on How to Make Roquefort Sauce.
- Skip the store-bought bottle — this Easy Homemade Ketchup Recipe is tangy, sweet, and made with real ingredients.
- Love Caesar salads but hate mayo? This Classic Caesar Dressing Without Mayonnaise has all the flavor, none of the fuss.
- Elevate pasta night with this Authentic Homemade Pesto Recipe — bright, garlicky, and bursting with basil.
- Make brunch feel like a restaurant treat with our foolproof Easy Hollandaise Sauce.
- Recreate the world’s most iconic burger sauce at home — here’s the secret to our Big Mac–Style Sauce (Mac Michel).
- Need a quick weeknight dinner idea? This Creamy Mustard Chicken with Mushrooms is fast, affordable, and full of flavor.
- Tartare fans, rejoice! Try our Fresh Tuna Tartare with Lime and Sriracha — elegant, zesty, and dinner-party ready.
- Craving comfort food with a punch? This Mustard Chicken Recipe checks all the boxes.
- Ever wanted a homemade Big Mac? Meet the Mac Michel, our from-scratch tribute to the classic.
- Add a vibrant, tangy twist to your side dishes with this Grated Carrot Salad and Mustard Vinaigrette.
- Planning a barbecue or picnic? This Greek Pasta Salad with Oregano Vinaigrette is fresh, herby, and crowd-pleasing.
- Take your steak to the next level with our Creamy Mushroom Sauce — luxurious and easy to master.
- Pair your homemade pesto with pasta in this quick, flavorful Homemade Pesto Pasta Recipe.
