Sauces have the power to transform any dish, adding depth, flavor, and richness to your meals. This collection of 20 sauce recipes offers something for every palate. Whether you’re looking to elevate your pasta, drizzle over grilled meats, or pair with fresh vegetables, these sauces are versatile, easy to make, and guaranteed to impress.

Fresh Tomato Sauce with Garlic and Basil

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

Capture the essence of summer with this simple yet flavorful tomato sauce. Made with fresh tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and a handful of vibrant basil, it’s an all-time classic for pasta lovers.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Tomato Sauce with Garlic and Basil

Homemade BBQ Sauce

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

Elevate your grilling game with this smoky and tangy BBQ sauce. Perfectly balanced with a hint of sweetness, it’s ideal for slathering on ribs, chicken, or even burgers straight off the grill.
Get the Recipe: Homemade BBQ Sauce

Homemade Caramel Sauce

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

This rich and silky homemade caramel sauce is a treat for your sweet tooth. Drizzle it over ice cream, pancakes, or freshly baked brownies for an extra dose of indulgence.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Caramel Sauce

Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe

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

This honey mustard sauce brings the perfect combination of sweetness and tanginess. It’s a versatile companion for dipping chicken tenders, dressing salads, or spreading on sandwiches.
Get the Recipe: Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe

Buffalo Ranch Sauce Recipe

A bowl of Buffalo Ranch Sauce garnished with herbs, on a white cloth background.
Buffalo Ranch Sauce Recipe. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

Spicy meets creamy in this buffalo ranch sauce that takes your wings and fries to the next level. It’s the ultimate choice for those who love a little heat with their dips.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Ranch Sauce Recipe

Lobster Ravioli Sauce

Closeup of a red and yellow lobster ravioli on a fork.
Lobster Ravioli Sauce. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Pair delicate lobster ravioli with this luxurious cream-based sauce. Subtle notes of garlic and fresh herbs amplify its seafood elegance without overpowering the flavors.
Get the Recipe: Lobster Ravioli 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 luscious tomato and mascarpone sauce delivers a creamy twist on the classic tomato sauce. It’s a velvety addition to your favorite pasta dishes or baked casseroles.
Get the Recipe: Tomato and Mascarpone Sauce

Healthy Tartar Sauce

A dish of healthy tartar sauce on a plate.
Healthy Tartar Sauce. Photo credit: The Honour System.

Lighten up your seafood with this healthier tartar sauce alternative. Packed with bold flavors from fresh herbs and pickles, it’s a better-for-you option without sacrificing taste.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Tartar Sauce

Barbecue Sauce

Barbecue sauce in clear jar with spoon dripping above.
Barbecue Sauce. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Whether you like it smoky, sweet, or spicy, this homemade barbecue sauce is a must-have. It brings depth of flavor to any grilled meats or roasted vegetables you pair it with.
Get the Recipe: Barbecue 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.

Add a bit of Southern flair to your dips with blackened ranch sauce. Its zesty, smoky kick works incredibly well with everything from veggies to fried shrimp.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Ranch Sauce

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.

This bold and slightly spicy tiger sauce is the ultimate condiment. Its tangy sweetness pairs beautifully with everything from grilled meats to fried snacks.
Get the Recipe: Tiger Sauce

McDonald’s Breakfast Sauce

McDonald’s Breakfast Sauce Recipe in a glass bowl on a saucer with a copper spoon.
McDonald’s Breakfast Sauce. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

Craving that creamy and tangy sauce from your favorite McDonald’s breakfast sandwich? Now you can recreate it at home for a nostalgic, delicious start to your morning.
Get the Recipe: McDonald’s Breakfast Sauce

Soy-Free Soy Sauce

Small bowls of soy sauce with wooden chopsticks on dark background.
Soy-Free Soy Sauce. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Love the umami flavor of soy sauce but need to go soy-free? This alternative is just as savory and versatile, perfect for stir-fries, marinades, and more.
Get the Recipe: Soy-Free Soy Sauce

Spicy Sweet Sriracha Sauce

An overhead shot of spicy sweet sriracha sauce in a white ramekin next to a pile of sweet potato waffle fries on a wooden cutting board.
Spicy Sweet Sriracha Sauce. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Sweet and spicy lovers, rejoice! This sriracha-infused sauce brings the perfect balance of heat and a touch of sweetness to your meals.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Sweet Sriracha Sauce

Filet Mignon with Peach Mango Cilantro Sauce

Filet Mignon with Peach Mango Cilantro Sauce. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Transform your filet mignon with this fruity and herbaceous sauce! Juicy peaches, sweet mangoes, and fresh cilantro create a vibrant complement that elevates the meat’s natural flavors.
Get the Recipe: Filet Mignon with Peach Mango Cilantro Sauce

Spicy homemade green hot sauce

Green hot sauce on black background.
Spicy homemade green hot sauce. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Bright, fresh, and spicy, this green hot sauce is the condiment your tacos, nachos, and even scrambled eggs have been missing.
Get the Recipe: Spicy homemade green hot sauce

Bang Bang Sauce

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

Creamy, sweet, and with just the right amount of heat, bang bang sauce is a flavor explosion. Drizzle it over shrimp, chicken, or veggies for an irresistible kick.
Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Sauce

Beer Cheese Sauce

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

Rich and gooey, this beer cheese sauce is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Serve it with warm pretzels, fries, or even pour it over nachos for a cheesy upgrade.
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.

Smooth, creamy, and full of good fats, this avocado sauce is your go-to for salads, tacos, or grain bowls. It’s fresh, light, and endlessly versatile.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Avocado Sauce

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.

This sticky, tangy, and mildly spicy Thai sweet chili sauce is perfect for dipping spring rolls, drizzling over grilled meats, or tossing into stir-fried dishes.
Get the Recipe: Thai Sweet Chili 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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