25 Condiments You Didn’t Know You Could Make

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By Renee Gardner

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Making your own condiments can be easier than you think. These 25 recipes show you how to create sauces, dressings, and spreads at home. Each recipe uses simple ingredients and takes reasonable time to prepare. Homemade condiments add fresh flavor to everyday meals without extra fuss.

A jar of grapefruit blood orange curd with grapefruit slices and a spoon.
Grapefruit Blood Orange Curd. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Strawberry Rhubarb Jam

Biscuits and strawberry rhubarb jam in a jar on a cutting board.
Strawberry Rhubarb Jam. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Strawberry Rhubarb Jam combines fresh strawberries and tart rhubarb for a balanced, sweet-tart flavor. It takes about 45 minutes to make. This jam uses sugar and lemon juice to enhance the natural fruit taste. It’s perfect for spreading on toast or adding to yogurt.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Rhubarb Jam

15-Minute Stovetop Hollandaise Sauce

A jar of hollandaise sauce next to a bowl of asparagus.
15-Minute Stovetop Hollandaise Sauce. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This 15-Minute Stovetop Hollandaise Sauce is a creamy, buttery sauce made with eggs, butter, and lemon juice. Ready quickly, it’s great for eggs Benedict or steamed vegetables. The sauce is rich with a slight tang from the lemon. It adds smooth texture and flavor to many dishes.
Get the Recipe: 15-Minute Stovetop Hollandaise Sauce

Meyer Lemon Curd

A glass of lemon curd on a wooden board next to sliced lemons and a spoon, with a gray cloth in the background.
Meyer Lemon Curd. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Meyer Lemon Curd is a tangy, sweet spread made from Meyer lemons, sugar, eggs, and butter. It takes about 20 minutes to prepare. This curd offers a bright citrus flavor with a smooth texture. Use it on toast, scones, or as a dessert topping.
Get the Recipe: Meyer Lemon Curd

Bourbon Butterscotch Sauce

Bourbon butterscotch sauce in a glass jar on brown paper.
Bourbon Butterscotch Sauce. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Bourbon Butterscotch Sauce blends butter, brown sugar, cream, and bourbon for a rich, caramel-like flavor. The recipe takes around 15 minutes. It’s smooth and sweet with a subtle boozy warmth. Ideal for drizzling on ice cream or pancakes.
Get the Recipe: Bourbon Butterscotch Sauce

Creamy Garlic Dressing

A bowl of creamy garlic dressing with carrots and tomatoes on a blue cloth.
Creamy Garlic Dressing. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Creamy Garlic Dressing mixes garlic, mayonnaise, and herbs to create a tangy, flavorful dressing. It takes just 10 minutes to make. This dressing is smooth and rich with a strong garlic punch. Perfect for salads, sandwiches, or dipping veggies.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Dressing

Orange Cranberry Sauce

A bowl of cranberry sauce with cranberries, oranges and lemons.
Orange Cranberry Sauce. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Orange Cranberry Sauce combines fresh cranberries and orange zest for a tart, sweet sauce. It takes about 20 minutes to prepare. This sauce is bright and refreshing, balancing citrus and berry flavors. It pairs well with roasted meats or holiday dishes.
Get the Recipe: Orange Cranberry Sauce

Guinness Gravy

Mashed potatoes with gravy being poured on top.
Guinness Gravy. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Guinness Gravy uses Guinness beer, beef stock, and seasonings to create a deep, savory sauce. It takes about 30 minutes to make. This gravy has rich malty notes with a smooth texture. It’s perfect over meats or mashed potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Guinness Gravy

Tahini Sauce

A jar with a white sauce pouring out of it.
Tahini Sauce. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Tahini Sauce blends tahini paste, lemon juice, garlic, and water for a creamy, nutty sauce. Ready in about 10 minutes, it offers a smooth, slightly tangy taste. This sauce works well on salads, grilled vegetables, or as a dip.
Get the Recipe: Tahini Sauce

Meaty Tomato Sauce

Meaty tomato sauce on a bed of spaghetti noodles in a white background, with a pan of sauce and a bowl of noodles.
Meaty Tomato Sauce. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Meaty Tomato Sauce is made with ground beef, tomatoes, onions, and herbs for a hearty flavor. It takes about 40 minutes to prepare. This sauce is thick, savory, and perfect for pasta or casseroles. It brings a satisfying depth to simple dishes.
Get the Recipe: Meaty Tomato Sauce

Homemade Date Syrup (Silan)

Jar of date syrup.
Homemade Date Syrup (Silan). Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Homemade Date Syrup, or Silan, is a sweet syrup made from cooked dates. It takes about 45 minutes to make. This syrup has a rich, caramel-like sweetness with fruity undertones. It can be used as a natural sweetener in baking or drizzled on pancakes.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Date Syrup (Silan)

Small Batch Blueberry Jam

Small batch blueberry jam featured in the middle of the table with biscuits, coffee, and serving plates.
Small Batch Blueberry Jam. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Small Batch Blueberry Jam uses fresh blueberries, sugar, and lemon juice for a sweet-tart spread. It takes roughly 45 minutes to prepare. The jam is thick with a fruity blueberry flavor. Great on toast or stirred into oatmeal.
Get the Recipe: Small Batch Blueberry Jam

Fresh Pico De Gallo

Overhead of pico de gallo in white bowl with veggies around.
Fresh Pico De Gallo. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Fresh Pico De Gallo is a simple salsa made with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice. Ready in 10 minutes, it’s bright and zesty. This fresh sauce adds a crunchy texture and tangy flavor to tacos or grilled meats.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Pico De Gallo

Spicy Homemade Green Hot Sauce

Green hot sauce on black background.
Spicy Homemade Green Hot Sauce. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Spicy Homemade Green Hot Sauce uses green chiles, garlic, and vinegar for a sharp, spicy flavor. It takes about 20 minutes to prepare. This sauce has a bold heat and tang. It works well as a condiment or marinade.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Homemade Green Hot Sauce

Hearty Marinara Sauce

A closeup of hearty marinara sauce in a wooden spoon over a pot of finished marinara sauce.
Hearty Marinara Sauce. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Hearty Marinara Sauce combines tomatoes, garlic, onions, and herbs for a thick, flavorful sauce. It takes about 45 minutes to make. This sauce is rich and slightly sweet with a robust tomato taste. Perfect for pasta or dipping.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Marinara Sauce

Honey Lime Jalapeno Vinaigrette

A jar of honey jalapeno lime vinaigrette sits on a cutting board surrounded by limes, cilantro, and jalapenos.
Honey Lime Jalapeno Vinaigrette. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Honey Lime Jalapeno Vinaigrette blends honey, lime juice, jalapenos, and oil for a sweet and spicy dressing. Ready in 10 minutes, it’s bright and tangy with a mild kick. This vinaigrette pairs well with salads or grilled chicken.
Get the Recipe: Honey Lime Jalapeno Vinaigrette

Thai Sweet Chili Sauce

Sweet chili sauce in a small bowl on a light green cloth.
Thai Sweet Chili Sauce. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Thai Sweet Chili Sauce mixes sugar, vinegar, garlic, and red pepper flakes for a balanced sweet-heat flavor. It takes about 15 minutes to prepare. This sauce is thick and sticky with a spicy touch. Great for dipping or glazing.
Get the Recipe: Thai Sweet Chili Sauce

Garlic Aioli

Garlic aioli in a mixing bowl with a spoon in it, garlic cloves, and dill around it.
Garlic Aioli. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Garlic Aioli is a creamy sauce made with garlic, egg yolks, lemon juice, and oil. It takes about 10 minutes to prepare. The sauce is rich with a strong garlic flavor. Use it as a dip or sandwich spread.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Aioli

Maple Bacon Bourbon Jam

Maple bourbon bacon jam.
Maple Bacon Bourbon Jam. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

Maple Bacon Bourbon Jam combines maple syrup, bacon, and bourbon for a smoky-sweet condiment. It takes about 30 minutes to make. This jam is rich and savory with a hint of sweetness. Ideal for burgers or breakfast dishes.
Get the Recipe: Maple Bacon Bourbon Jam

Gluten-Free Mayonnaise

Knife in a small mason jar of homemade mayonnaise.
Gluten-Free Mayonnaise. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

Gluten-Free Mayonnaise is a simple sauce made from eggs, oil, and vinegar. It takes 10 minutes to prepare. This mayo is smooth and creamy with a mild tang. Perfect for sandwiches or salads without gluten concerns.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Mayonnaise

Southern-Style Molasses Barbecue Sauce

A small glass bowl filled with barbecue sauce sitting beside a spoon with barbecue sauce.
Southern-Style Molasses Barbecue Sauce. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Southern-Style Molasses Barbecue Sauce blends molasses, vinegar, and spices for a bold, tangy flavor. It takes about 20 minutes to make. This sauce is thick with a smoky sweetness. Great on grilled meats or as a dip.
Get the Recipe: Southern-Style Molasses Barbecue Sauce

Marinade for Steak

A cooked steak on a cutting board being sliced with beef juices.
Marinade for Steak. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Marinade for Steak combines soy sauce, garlic, oil, and spices for a savory flavor boost. Ready in 10 minutes, it tenderizes and seasons the meat. This marinade is balanced with salty and aromatic notes. Ideal for grilling or pan-searing.
Get the Recipe: Marinade for Steak

Honey Teriyaki Sauce Recipe (Paleo & Gluten Free)

Honey Teriyaki Sauce Recipe (Paleo & Gluten-Free) in a glass jar with a spoon.
Honey Teriyaki Sauce Recipe (Paleo & Gluten Free). Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Honey Teriyaki Sauce blends honey, tamari, ginger, and garlic for a sweet and savory sauce. It takes about 15 minutes to make. This sauce is smooth with a hint of spice. Perfect for glazing meats or vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Honey Teriyaki Sauce Recipe (Paleo & Gluten Free)

Easy Avocado Lime Crema

A white bowl filled with creamy avocado sauce, garnished with chopped cilantro, and a gold spoon resting in the bowl.
Easy Avocado Lime Crema. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Easy Avocado Lime Crema is a smooth sauce made with avocado, lime juice, and sour cream. Ready in 10 minutes, it’s creamy with a fresh citrus note. This crema adds a cool, tangy flavor to tacos or grilled dishes.
Get the Recipe: Easy Avocado Lime Crema

Easy Baharat Spice Mix Recipe

A wooden bowl filled with ground spices, accompanied by a wooden spoon. Whole spices and peppercorns are scattered on a white surface around it.
Easy Baharat Spice Mix Recipe. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Easy Baharat Spice Mix blends common Middle Eastern spices like cumin, coriander, and cinnamon. It takes 5 minutes to prepare. This mix is warm and aromatic, adding depth to many dishes. Use it for seasoning meats or vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Easy Baharat Spice Mix Recipe

Grapefruit Blood Orange Curd

A jar of grapefruit blood orange curd with grapefruit slices and a spoon.
Grapefruit Blood Orange Curd. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Grapefruit Blood Orange Curd combines citrus juices, sugar, eggs, and butter for a tart, creamy spread. It takes about 20 minutes to make. This curd has a bright, tangy flavor with smooth texture. Great on toast or as a dessert filling.
Get the Recipe: Grapefruit Blood Orange Curd

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