The secret to great cooking is in the sauce. These recipes range from creamy to spicy and make everything taste better. One spoonful can transform an ordinary dish into something unforgettable.

White Sauce

A plate of tortellini covered in a creamy white sauce, garnished with black pepper, next to a fork and a small bowl.
White Sauce. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Creamy, smooth, and endlessly versatile, this White Sauce is a kitchen essential. Use it for pasta, veggies, or as a base for casseroles and soups. With just a few ingredients, you can create a sauce that elevates any meal.
Get the Recipe: White 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.

This Spicy Sweet Sriracha Sauce combines heat, tang, and sweetness in perfect balance. With just three ingredients, it’s quick to make and incredibly versatile. Drizzle it on tacos, noodles, or grilled meats for an instant flavor boost.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Sweet Sriracha Sauce

Spicy Dipping Sauce

An onion ring being dipped into Spicy Dipping Sauce.
Spicy Dipping Sauce. Photo credit: The Honour System.

This Spicy Dipping Sauce strikes the perfect balance of creamy and bold. Quick to make and incredibly versatile, it’s ideal for everything from fried appetizers to grilled meats. Dip, drizzle, or spread—it’s good on just about anything.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Dipping 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.

This McDonald’s Breakfast Sauce copycat recipe captures the perfect mix of creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors. With only six ingredients, it’s simple to make and endlessly versatile—great for breakfast sandwiches or any meal of the day.
Get the Recipe: McDonald’s Breakfast 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.

Simple yet deeply flavorful, Marcella Hazan’s Tomato Sauce with Onion and Butter is a timeless classic. Made with just a few ingredients, it delivers rich, velvety perfection every time. Ideal for pasta nights, it’s a sauce you’ll come back to again and again.
Get the Recipe: Marcella Hazan’s Tomato Sauce with Onion and Butter

Peach Barbecue Sauce

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

Sweet, smoky, and just a little tangy, this Peach Barbecue Sauce adds a fruity twist to traditional BBQ flavors. It’s perfect for glazing grilled chicken, ribs, or even burgers. Once you try it, you’ll want to keep a jar on hand all summer long.
Get the Recipe: Peach Barbecue 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.

Classic and full of depth, this Hearty Marinara Sauce features hand-crushed tomatoes, garlic, onion, and herbs. It’s the kind of Italian staple that transforms any pasta or pizza night into something special. Simple ingredients, big flavor.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Marinara 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 homemade Tiger Sauce delivers a bold mix of tangy, spicy, and sweet flavors. Perfect as a dip, marinade, or drizzle, it instantly upgrades meats, sandwiches, and seafood. A little goes a long way to wake up your taste buds!
Get the Recipe: Tiger Sauce

Spicy Barbecue Sauce

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

Turn up the heat with this Spicy Barbecue Sauce that balances smoky, sweet, and bold flavors. It’s perfect for ribs, wings, or grilled veggies, adding a kick that keeps everyone coming back for more. Homemade BBQ has never tasted this good.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Barbecue Sauce

Dairy-Free Caramel Sauce

Small mason jar with homemade caramel sauce in it and a spoon pulling out the caramel with a blue linen behind it.
Dairy-Free Caramel Sauce. Photo credit: Fitasamamabear.

This Dairy-Free Caramel Sauce is rich, creamy, and indulgent—without any butter or cream. It’s naturally sweet and perfectly smooth, making it a guilt-free topping for desserts, fruit, or coffee drinks.
Get the Recipe: Dairy-Free Caramel 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.

Inspired by Popeyes, this Blackened Ranch Sauce is smoky, creamy, and a little spicy. It’s the ultimate dip for fries, chicken, or sandwiches—and it only takes minutes to make. You’ll want to put it on everything.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Ranch Sauce

Healthy Tartar Sauce

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

This Healthy Tartar Sauce is light, creamy, and packed with fresh flavor. Made from scratch with wholesome ingredients, it pairs perfectly with seafood favorites like fish fillets or crab cakes. A guilt-free twist on a classic condiment.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Tartar Sauce

Raspberry Sauce

Raspberry Sauce. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

This fresh Raspberry Sauce is smooth, vibrant, and bursting with berry flavor. Made from raspberries and blueberries, it’s a silky topping that’s perfect over cheesecake, pound cake, or ice cream. A simple way to elevate any dessert!
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Sauce

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.

This Buffalo Ranch Sauce blends creamy ranch with tangy heat for a flavor-packed dip or drizzle. Perfect for wings, fries, or veggies, it’s ready in minutes and adds just the right punch. Say goodbye to plain ranch—this one’s got attitude.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Ranch Sauce Recipe

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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