These sauces cover everything from bold barbecue flavors to creamy, tangy, and spicy favorites. Whether you’re looking for something to spoon over grilled chicken, toss with pasta, or dip your fries into, there’s plenty to explore. Some of these are quick pantry-friendly options, while others bring in fresh ingredients and slow simmering for big flavor. A great sauce can elevate even the simplest meals, and this list is full of ideas to keep things interesting.

Mustard Cream Sauce with Chicken

Mustard Cream Sauce with Chicken. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

This sauce combines the tang of mustard with the richness of cream, creating a velvety finish. It clings beautifully to chicken, adding flavor without overpowering. Often simmered in the same pan, it picks up extra depth from the meat. A cozy choice for a weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Mustard Cream Sauce with Chicken

Fresh Tomato Sauce with Garlic and Basil

Fresh Tomato Sauce with Garlic and Basil. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Ripe tomatoes, garlic, and basil come together in this simple sauce. It’s light but full of natural flavor, especially when tomatoes are in season. Quick to cook and versatile enough for pasta, pizza, or dipping. A go-to for fresh summer meals.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Tomato Sauce with Garlic and Basil

How to Make Enchilada Sauce

How to Make Enchilada Sauce. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

This recipe walks you through making a smoky, bold sauce for enchiladas. It usually features dried chili powder, garlic, and broth. The sauce thickens as it simmers and is essential for layering flavor. A pantry-friendly staple for Tex-Mex nights.
Get the Recipe: How to Make Enchilada Sauce

Homemade BBQ Sauce

Homemade BBQ Sauce. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

This barbecue sauce hits all the classic notes: sweet, tangy, and smoky. Made with a base of ketchup, vinegar, and spices, it’s easy to customize. It works well for brushing on ribs, chicken, or pulled pork. A must-have for grilling season.
Get the Recipe: Homemade BBQ Sauce

Spicy Barbecue Sauce

Spicy Barbecue Sauce. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

This version of BBQ sauce brings the heat with hot peppers or cayenne. It keeps the sweetness but adds a bold kick. Ideal for those who like their grilled food with extra punch. A small batch can go a long way.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Barbecue Sauce

Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe

Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Honey and mustard balance each other in this classic dipping sauce. It’s creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet. Great for chicken tenders, sandwiches, or salads. Easy to whisk up in just a few minutes.
Get the Recipe: Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe

Peach Barbecue Sauce

Peach Barbecue Sauce. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Sweet peaches blend into a smoky, tangy barbecue base for a fruity twist. The sauce simmers into a smooth texture with bits of soft fruit throughout. It’s especially good on grilled chicken or pork. A fun seasonal update to the usual BBQ lineup.
Get the Recipe: Peach Barbecue Sauce

Marcella Hazan’s Tomato Sauce with Onion and Butter

Marcella Hazan’s Tomato Sauce with Onion and Butter. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

This famous recipe uses just a few ingredients—canned tomatoes, butter, and an onion. The onion simmers whole, infusing the sauce without dominating it. It’s incredibly simple but deeply flavorful. Serve over pasta or keep on hand as a base.
Get the Recipe: Marcella Hazan’s Tomato Sauce with Onion and Butter

Comeback Sauce with a Kick

Comeback Sauce with a Kick. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Comeback sauce is a Southern favorite, made with mayo, ketchup, hot sauce, and spices. It’s creamy, tangy, and just spicy enough to keep things interesting. Works as a dip, spread, or burger topping. The name says it all—people keep coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Comeback Sauce with a Kick

Easy Louisiana Style Hot Pepper Sauce Recipe

Easy Louisiana Style Hot Pepper Sauce Recipe. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

This sauce uses fresh or fermented peppers blended with vinegar and salt. It’s thinner than salsas and designed to be dashed over food. The bold, vinegary heat livens up everything from eggs to greens. A homemade version of the iconic Southern staple.
Get the Recipe: Easy Louisiana Style Hot Pepper Sauce Recipe

Tiger Sauce

A close-up view of tiger sauce in a glass jar placed on a wooden surface next to a green cloth and a metal spoon.
Tiger Sauce. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

Tiger sauce is a blend of sweet, tangy, and spicy elements. It’s often used as a glaze or dipping sauce for meats. It brings layers of flavor without overwhelming the dish. Great for wings, stir-fries, or anything that needs a flavor boost.
Get the Recipe: Tiger Sauce

Easy Honey Sriracha Sauce

Easy Honey Sriracha Sauce. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Honey and sriracha combine into a spicy-sweet glaze that works with nearly everything. The heat of the chili sauce is balanced by the sticky sweetness. Use it as a marinade, drizzle, or dip. A fast way to bring bold flavor to the table.
Get the Recipe: Easy Honey Sriracha Sauce

Tomato and Mascarpone Sauce

Close-up shot of spaghetti with tomato and mascarpone sauce topped with parsley on a black plate.
Tomato and Mascarpone Sauce. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This creamy tomato sauce uses mascarpone to add richness without heaviness. It has a smooth texture and slightly sweet taste. Works well with pasta or as a base for baked dishes. A comforting twist on traditional tomato sauces.
Get the Recipe: Tomato and Mascarpone Sauce

BBQ Sauce

A spoon with a jar of BBQ sauce on it.
BBQ Sauce. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

This general BBQ sauce recipe delivers that signature sweet-smoky profile. It usually starts with tomato or ketchup, with added vinegar, sugar, and spices. A staple for slathering on anything grilled or smoked. Easy to adjust for personal taste.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Sauce

Bang Bang Sauce

A bowl of Bang Bang sauce.
Bang Bang Sauce. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Bang bang sauce is creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet. Made with mayo, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha, it’s bold and punchy. A favorite for shrimp, chicken, or crispy vegetables. Great for dipping or drizzling.
Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Sauce

Blackened Ranch Sauce

A hand dips a crispy breaded zucchini stick into a bowl of blackened ranch sauce.
Blackened Ranch Sauce. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

This take on ranch dressing adds smoky, spicy seasoning to the creamy base. It’s thick and flavorful, perfect for wings or fries. The “blackened” spices bring a Cajun twist. A bold upgrade to regular ranch.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Ranch Sauce

Vegan Pesto Sauce

Homemade basil pesto in a glass jar surrounded by fresh basil leaves and a slice of lemon.
Vegan Pesto Sauce. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

This version skips the cheese but keeps all the herb-forward flavor. Nutritional yeast or nuts add richness, while garlic and lemon brighten things up. Toss it with pasta, spread on sandwiches, or spoon over vegetables. Quick to blend and freezer-friendly.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Pesto Sauce

Beer Cheese Sauce

Cheese dip in a white bowl.
Beer Cheese Sauce. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Beer and cheese melt together into a rich, savory sauce ideal for dipping or pouring. The beer adds depth and slight bitterness that balances the sharpness of the cheese. It’s great with pretzels, fries, or over burgers. Thick, melty, and highly snackable.
Get the Recipe: Beer Cheese Sauce

Creamy Avocado Sauce

Avocado sauce in a bowl with it's ingredients surrounding it.
Creamy Avocado Sauce. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Blended avocado makes this sauce smooth and light, with a fresh flavor. Lime juice, garlic, and herbs give it a punchy finish. Use it on tacos, grain bowls, or as a dip. It’s a good way to use up ripe avocados fast.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Avocado Sauce

Eastern North Carolina Vinegar Barbecue Sauce

Close-up of a glass jar filled with liquid containing chili flakes. A spoon is dipped into the mixture, and the vibrant red and orange colors of the chili stand out against the clear liquid.
Eastern North Carolina Vinegar Barbecue Sauce. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

This thin, spicy blend packs a vinegary punch with a touch of heat and sweetness. It skips tomato and mustard, keeping the focus on sharp, clear flavor. Designed to soak into pulled pork, it adds brightness without overpowering the meat.
Get the Recipe: Eastern North Carolina Vinegar Barbecue Sauce

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. I’ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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