10+ Sauce Recipes You’ll Love to Make at Home

Sauces can elevate any meal, adding flavor and excitement to your dishes. If you want to spice up your cooking, having a variety of sauce recipes on hand can make all the difference.

From creamy dressings to tangy marinades, the right sauce can transform simple ingredients into something special.

Making your own sauces at home is easier than you might think. With just a few basic ingredients, you can whip up delicious sauces that suit your taste and complement your favorite meals.

Whether you are grilling, sautéing, or baking, there’s a sauce recipe that can enhance your cooking experience.

1) Classic Marinara Sauce

Classic marinara sauce is a simple and tasty dish you can make at home. It’s perfect for pasta or as a base for other recipes.

You only need a few ingredients for this sauce. Fresh garlic, whole peeled tomatoes, tomato paste, and basil work well together. Olive oil and salt add flavor too.

To start, heat olive oil in a pan. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.

Next, add the tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir in the basil and a bit of salt to taste. Let it simmer for about 30 minutes.

This sauce is a great choice for an easy weeknight meal. Enjoy it on your favorite pasta or as a dipping sauce.

Ingredients

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. Stir in whole peeled tomatoes and tomato paste.
4. Add chopped basil and salt.
5. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

2) Creamy Garlic Aioli

Creamy garlic aioli is a tasty sauce you can use for many dishes. It’s perfect as a dip for fries, a spread for sandwiches, or a topping for grilled meats.

To make this easy sauce, you just need a few simple ingredients. Combining mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, and a bit of salt makes a delicious blend. You can adjust the garlic to match your taste.

Here’s how to make it!

Ingredients

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2-3 garlic cloves, finely grated
• 1-2 teaspoons lemon juice
• Pinch of salt

Cooking Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, add the mayonnaise.
2. Stir in the grated garlic.
3. Add the lemon juice and a pinch of salt.
4. Mix well until creamy and smooth.
5. Taste and adjust the garlic or salt if needed. Enjoy!

3) Savory Barbecue Sauce

This savory barbecue sauce is perfect if you want a flavor-packed addition to your grilled dishes. It’s made with simple ingredients that create a unique taste.

You’ll enjoy the blend of garlic, shallots, and spices in this recipe. The combination adds depth to your meats and veggies.

Feel free to adjust the spice level to suit your taste. If you like it spicier, add more chili for a little kick.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small shallot, chopped
• 1-2 scotch bonnet chilis, chopped (to taste)
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Black pepper, to taste
• A hint of allspice

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and shallots. Sauté until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
3. Stir in chilis and thyme. Cook for another 2 minutes.
4. Add lime juice, black pepper, and allspice. Mix well.
5. Remove from heat and let cool before using.

4) Zesty Chimichurri Sauce

Zesty chimichurri sauce adds a fresh and vibrant flavor to your meals. It’s perfect for grilled meats, veggies, or as a dipping sauce. This sauce is easy to make, and it brings a burst of herbs and spices to your plate.

To make this sauce, you’ll mix fresh parsley, oregano, garlic, red wine vinegar, and chili flakes. Olive oil is added for richness, while salt enhances the flavors. You can even experiment by adding roasted red peppers for an extra twist.

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh oregano, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes
• Salt, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine parsley, oregano, and garlic.
2. Add the olive oil and red wine vinegar.
3. Stir in chili flakes and salt to taste.
4. Mix well and enjoy!

5) Rich Hollandaise Sauce

Rich Hollandaise sauce is a creamy and tangy addition to many dishes. It pairs wonderfully with eggs, vegetables, and seafood. Making it at home is easier than you might think.

To start, you will need 4 large egg yolks, 2 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice, and 10 tablespoons of unsalted butter. You may also want a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.

Ingredients

• 4 large egg yolks
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• 10 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• Pinch of cayenne pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and lemon juice until smooth.
2. Slowly add the melted butter while continuously whisking to thicken the sauce.
3. Mix in the salt and cayenne pepper.
4. Serve warm over your favorite dishes.

6) Spicy Sriracha Mayo

Spicy Sriracha mayo is a quick and tasty sauce you can make at home. It adds a kick to sandwiches, burgers, and sushi. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up.

To make this creamy sauce, you will need mayonnaise, Sriracha, and a bit of lemon juice. Garlic can add extra flavor, too. Adjust the amount of Sriracha based on how spicy you like it.

Mix these ingredients in a bowl until smooth. You can taste it and add more Sriracha if you want it spicier. This sauce is perfect for dipping fries or drizzling over your favorite dishes.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 3 tablespoons Sriracha sauce
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine mayonnaise and Sriracha.
2. Add lemon juice and minced garlic, if using.
3. Stir until well mixed.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

7) Tangy Tzatziki Sauce

Tangy tzatziki sauce is a creamy dip that pairs well with many dishes. It’s cool and refreshing, making it perfect for a summer snack or as a side for grilled meats.

To make this easy sauce, you’ll need yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and fresh herbs like mint or dill. These ingredients combine to create a traditional Greek flavor.

You can enjoy tzatziki with pita bread, vegetables, or as a sauce on gyros and kebabs. It adds a nice tanginess that enhances any meal.

Ingredients

• 4 oz English cucumber, peeled and seeded
• 16 oz Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped fine
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Dice the cucumber into small pieces.
2. In a bowl, mix the cucumber, yogurt, minced garlic, mint, and lemon juice.
3. Stir well and add salt to taste.
4. Chill the sauce in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.

8) Sweet Teriyaki Glaze

Making a sweet teriyaki glaze adds a delicious touch to grilled or baked dishes. It has a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors that enhances the taste of meats and vegetables.

To start, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, and sesame oil in a bowl. You can also add ginger and garlic for more flavor.

Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Stir it until the sugar dissolves completely. You’ll notice it thickening as it cooks.

Once it reaches your desired consistency, remove it from the heat and let it cool. Now, your sweet teriyaki glaze is ready to use!

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, and sesame oil.
2. Add ginger and garlic, then stir well.
3. Heat the mixture in a saucepan over medium heat.
4. Simmer until it thickens, about 5-10 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and let cool before using.

9) Robust Pesto Sauce

Robust pesto sauce is packed with flavor. It combines fresh basil, garlic, nuts, and cheese for a delightful taste. You can use it to dress pasta, drizzle on pizza, or add to sandwiches.

To make this sauce, you need just a few key ingredients. Fresh basil brings brightness, while garlic adds a nice kick. You can choose between pine nuts, walnuts, or even almonds for a different twist.

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1/3 cup pine nuts or walnuts
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a food processor, combine basil, garlic, and nuts.
2. Pulse until everything is finely chopped.
3. Add Parmesan cheese and blend.
4. Slowly pour in olive oil while mixing until smooth.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

10) Buttery Beurre Blanc

Buttery Beurre Blanc is a classic French sauce that adds richness to your dishes. It’s made mainly with butter, shallots, and white wine. This sauce is perfect for fish, chicken, or vegetables.

To make it, start by cooking the shallots in a bit of butter over medium heat. Then add white wine and reduce it until it thickens. Gradually whisk in cold butter until creamy and smooth.

You’ll love the way this sauce elevates your meals while being simple to prepare.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons shallots
• 1/4 cup dry white wine
• 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 stick)
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped shallots and sauté until soft.
3. Pour in the white wine and vinegar. Simmer until reduced.
4. Whisk in the remaining butter. Add one tablespoon at a time until smooth.
5. Season with salt and serve warm.