Hey there! If you ask me, a great sauce can turn any ordinary dish into something downright delicious. Whether you’re cooking for friends, family, or just yourself, these homemade sauce recipes will have you covered. Today, I’m sharing my top 10 go-to sauces that are super easy to whip up. Let’s get saucy!
Why Make Your Own Sauce?
There’s something so satisfying about crafting your own sauces at home. You get to control the ingredients, customize flavors, and ditch unnecessary preservatives. Plus, it’s fun—like giving your dishes a personal touch!
Table of Contents
- Alfredo Sauce
- Tartar Sauce
- Teriyaki Sauce
- BBQ Sauce
- Enchilada Sauce
- Cranberry Sauce
- Big Mac Style Sauce
- Honey Mustard Sauce
- Pesto Sauce
- Garlic Parmesan Sauce
1. Alfredo Sauce
Ingredients:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 cup grated Parmesan
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional)
How to Make:
Melt butter, sauté garlic, add cream, stir in Parmesan until smooth. Season and enjoy over pasta.
2. Tartar Sauce
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mayo
- 2 tbsp pickle relish
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp chopped onion
- Salt & pepper
How to Make:
Mix all ingredients and chill. Great with seafood!
3. Teriyaki Sauce
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water
How to Make:
Simmer everything except cornstarch slurry, then stir in slurry to thicken.
4. BBQ Sauce
Ingredients:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper
How to Make:
Simmer all ingredients for 15 minutes. Adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Enchilada Sauce
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp oil
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1/4 cup chili powder
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt
How to Make:
Make roux with oil/flour, stir in spices, add broth and tomato sauce, simmer until thick.
6. Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients:
- 12 oz cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- Orange zest (optional)
How to Make:
Boil water/sugar, add cranberries, simmer until thick.
7. Big Mac Style Sauce
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 2 tbsp French dressing
- 1 tbsp pickle relish
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt & pepper
How to Make:
Mix all ingredients and chill before serving.
8. Honey Mustard Sauce
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp mayo
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt & pepper
How to Make:
Whisk all ingredients until smooth.
9. Pesto Sauce
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh basil
- 1/2 cup Parmesan
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/3 cup pine nuts or walnuts
- 3 garlic cloves
- Salt
How to Make:
Blend all ingredients until smooth.
10. Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan
- Salt & pepper
- Fresh parsley
How to Make:
Sauté garlic in butter, add cream, stir in Parmesan, season to taste.
FAQs About Homemade Sauces
How long can I store homemade sauces?
Most will keep 1–2 weeks in the fridge in a sealed container.
Can I freeze any of these sauces?
BBQ, Alfredo, and cranberry sauces freeze well. Just thaw and stir.
Are these sauces gluten-free?
Many are naturally gluten-free. Always check soy/Worcestershire labels.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes! Tweak chili or hot sauce amounts as you like.
Are these sauces good for meal prep?
Absolutely. They’re perfect for adding variety to your weekly meals.
Final Thoughts
And there you go—10 super tasty sauces to spice up your cooking game. Trust me, once you start making these, you’ll wonder why you ever used store-bought! Give them a try and let me know your favorites!