Condiments are the unsung heroes of the kitchen, capable of transforming even the simplest dish into something memorable. Whether you’re slathering a sandwich, drizzling over grilled meats, or adding a dollop to roasted veggies, the right condiment can bring brightness, depth, and excitement to your meals. Making your own condiments at home not only ensures fresher flavors and fewer additives, but also allows you to tailor each recipe to your taste. From classic spreads and sauces to bold, globally inspired creations, these 13 best and essential condiment recipes will elevate your cooking and impress your guests. Each recipe is designed to be easy, versatile, and packed with flavor—so you can skip the store-bought bottles and enjoy fresh, homemade goodness every time. Dive in and discover how a few pantry staples, fresh herbs, and a little creativity can open up a world of flavor in your kitchen.
Quick Olive Tapenade
Quick Olive Tapenade is a Mediterranean classic that adds instant sophistication and bold flavor to your table. This briny, umami-packed spread is made by blending a mix of green and black olives with capers, garlic, anchovies (optional), lemon zest, and a generous drizzle of olive oil. The result is a chunky, savory paste that’s bursting with complexity—salty, tangy, and deeply aromatic. Tapenade is incredibly versatile: spread it on crostini for an easy appetizer, use it as a topping for grilled chicken or fish, or swirl it into pasta for a punch of flavor. It’s also fantastic as a sandwich spread or as part of a cheese board. Making tapenade at home takes just minutes in a food processor and allows you to adjust the saltiness and texture to your liking. You can add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for extra brightness, or a touch of chili flakes for heat. This condiment keeps well in the fridge, making it a great make-ahead option for entertaining. Quick Olive Tapenade is the perfect way to elevate everyday meals and bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your kitchen. Get the recipe: Quick Olive Tapenade
Salsa Verde
Salsa Verde is a vibrant, herby sauce that brings freshness and zing to a wide variety of dishes. Traditionally made with tomatillos, cilantro, lime juice, jalapeños, and garlic, salsa verde is tangy, a little spicy, and incredibly versatile. It’s a staple in Mexican cuisine, where it’s spooned over tacos, grilled meats, eggs, or roasted vegetables. The tartness of the tomatillos balances the heat of the chilies and the brightness of the lime, creating a sauce that wakes up your palate. Making salsa verde at home is easy—just roast or boil the tomatillos and blend with the other ingredients. Adjust the heat by adding more or less jalapeño, and stir in diced avocado for a creamy twist. This condiment is also great as a marinade for chicken or fish, or as a dip for chips. Homemade salsa verde is fresher and more vibrant than anything you’ll find in a jar, and it’s a must-have for anyone who loves bold, lively flavors in their cooking. Get the recipe: Salsa Verde
Chili Garlic Sauce
Chili Garlic Sauce is a fiery, garlicky condiment that instantly adds heat and depth to any dish. Made with fresh chilies, garlic, vinegar, and a touch of sugar, this sauce is both spicy and tangy, with a punch of savory richness from the garlic. It’s a staple in Asian kitchens, perfect for drizzling over noodles, dumplings, stir-fries, or grilled meats. The beauty of making chili garlic sauce at home is that you can control the level of heat and sweetness to suit your taste. Blend red chilies (like Fresno or Thai), garlic, vinegar, salt, and sugar until you reach your desired consistency—smooth or chunky. Simmer briefly to meld the flavors, then cool and store in the fridge. This sauce is also fantastic as a base for other dressings or as a spicy addition to mayo or yogurt dips. Homemade chili garlic sauce is fresher and more customizable than store-bought versions, making it a must for spice lovers and adventurous cooks alike.
Get the recipe: Chili Garlic Sauce
Garlic Butter Sauce
Garlic Butter Sauce is pure decadence, combining the richness of butter with the bold aroma of garlic for a sauce that instantly elevates any meal. This classic condiment is made by gently sautéing minced garlic in melted butter, sometimes with a splash of lemon juice, fresh parsley, or a pinch of chili flakes for extra flavor. The result is a silky, aromatic sauce that’s perfect for drizzling over steak, seafood, pasta, or roasted vegetables. It’s also a fantastic dipping sauce for bread or as a finishing touch for baked potatoes. Making garlic butter sauce at home is quick and easy, and you can adjust the amount of garlic or add herbs to match your dish. It keeps well in the fridge and can be reheated or used to sauté other ingredients. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just want to add a touch of luxury to a weeknight meal, garlic butter sauce is a must-have in your condiment repertoire. Get the recipe: Garlic Butter Sauce
Simple Walnut Pesto
Simple Walnut Pesto is a nutty, herbaceous twist on the Italian classic, delivering a creamy, flavorful sauce that’s perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or roasted veggies. By blending walnuts with fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, and parmesan cheese, you create a pesto that’s rich and earthy, with a slightly milder flavor than traditional pine nut versions. The walnuts add a pleasant bitterness and creamy texture, making this pesto both affordable and delicious. It’s easy to make in a food processor and can be adjusted with more or less garlic, cheese, or herbs to suit your taste. Use walnut pesto as a pasta sauce, spread it on toast, swirl it into soups, or toss it with roasted potatoes for a burst of flavor. It also freezes well, so you can make a big batch and enjoy it anytime. Simple Walnut Pesto is a versatile, crowd-pleasing condiment that brings a touch of Italy to your kitchen. Get the recipe: Simple Walnut Pesto
Italian Salsa Verde
Italian Salsa Verde is a punchy, tangy green sauce that’s a staple in Italian kitchens. Made with parsley, capers, anchovies, garlic, lemon zest, and olive oil, this condiment is bright, bold, and packed with umami. It’s traditionally served with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or as a zesty dip for bread. The combination of fresh herbs, briny capers, and savory anchovies creates a sauce that cuts through rich dishes and adds a burst of freshness. Making Italian salsa verde at home is as simple as chopping the ingredients finely and mixing with oil and lemon. Adjust the anchovy and caper levels to your liking, and add a splash of vinegar for extra tang. This sauce keeps well in the fridge and is a fantastic way to use up fresh herbs. Italian salsa verde is a must for summer barbecues, hearty roasts, or whenever you want to add a Mediterranean twist to your meal. Get the recipe: Italian Salsa Verde
Green Harissa Sauce
Green Harissa Sauce is a North African-inspired condiment that brings vibrant color and bold flavor to your table. Made with fresh herbs like cilantro and parsley, green chilies, garlic, lemon juice, and spices such as cumin and coriander, this sauce is herbaceous, a little spicy, and deeply aromatic. It’s delicious with grilled meats, roasted veggies, or as a sandwich spread. The bright green color makes it a showstopper, while the blend of herbs and spices adds complexity and depth. Making green harissa at home allows you to adjust the heat and herb balance to your preference. Use it as a marinade, a finishing sauce, or a dip for bread and crudités. Green Harissa Sauce is a fantastic way to add global flair and freshness to your meals, and it’s sure to become a new favorite in your condiment collection. Get the recipe: Green Harissa Sauce
Pistachio Butter Tzatziki Sauce
Pistachio Butter Tzatziki Sauce offers a unique Mediterranean twist on the classic Greek dip. Combining creamy Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and a spoonful of pistachio butter, this sauce is refreshing, tangy, and subtly nutty. The pistachio butter adds richness and a hint of sweetness, elevating the traditional tzatziki to something special. Serve it as a dip for veggies, a sauce for grilled meats, or a spread in wraps and sandwiches. Making this sauce at home allows you to control the texture and flavor—add more garlic for punch, or extra lemon for brightness. Pistachio Butter Tzatziki keeps well in the fridge and is a great make-ahead option for parties or meal prep. It’s a crowd-pleasing condiment that brings a touch of luxury and creativity to your table. Get the recipe: Pistachio Butter Tzatziki Sauce
BBQ Sauce
BBQ Sauce is a smoky, tangy, and slightly sweet condiment that’s a must-have for grilling season. Homemade BBQ sauce is far superior to bottled versions, allowing you to adjust the sweetness, spice, and smokiness to your liking. Start with a base of tomato sauce or ketchup, add vinegar, brown sugar or honey, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and your favorite spices—think smoked paprika, garlic powder, and chili powder. Simmer until thick and glossy, then cool and store in the fridge. Use BBQ sauce to slather on ribs, chicken, or burgers, or as a dipping sauce for fries and nuggets. It’s also great as a glaze for roasted vegetables or tofu. Making your own BBQ sauce is easy and rewarding, and it’s sure to become a staple for summer cookouts and comfort food nights. Get the recipe: BBQ Sauce
Homemade Pizza Sauce
Homemade Pizza Sauce is the secret to next-level pizza night. This sauce balances tangy tomatoes with garlic, herbs, and a hint of sweetness, making it perfect for classic Margherita or loaded veggie pies. Start with canned or fresh tomatoes, simmer with garlic, olive oil, oregano, basil, and a pinch of sugar until thickened. Blend for a smooth sauce or leave it chunky for rustic appeal. Spread it on pizza dough, use it as a dipping sauce for breadsticks, or spoon over baked chicken or eggplant. Homemade pizza sauce is fresher and more flavorful than store-bought, and you can adjust the seasoning to suit your taste. Make a big batch and freeze in portions for quick, delicious pizzas anytime. Get the recipe: Homemade Pizza Sauce
Basic Brown Butter Sauce
Basic Brown Butter Sauce is a French-inspired classic that adds rich, nutty flavor to everything it touches. By slowly cooking butter until the milk solids caramelize and turn golden brown, you create a sauce that’s perfect for drizzling over pasta, roasted veggies, or fish. Add fresh sage or a squeeze of lemon for extra depth. Brown butter sauce is quick to make and instantly elevates simple dishes, bringing out the sweetness in vegetables and adding complexity to grains and proteins. Store any leftovers in the fridge and reheat gently before using. Get the recipe: Brown Butter Sauce
Homemade Mayonnaise
Homemade Mayonnaise is a creamy, tangy spread that’s leagues above anything in a jar. Made with eggs, oil, mustard, and lemon juice, it’s the perfect base for sandwiches, dressings, and dips. Whisk or blend the ingredients until thick and glossy, adjusting the acidity and seasoning to your taste. Homemade mayo is fresher, richer, and more customizable than store-bought, and it keeps well in the fridge for up to a week. Use it as a base for aioli, tartar sauce, or ranch dressing, or simply spread on your favorite bread.
Get the recipe: Homemade Mayonnaise
Classic Chimichurri Sauce
Classic Chimichurri Sauce is an Argentinian favorite—herby, garlicky, and packed with fresh parsley, oregano, garlic, vinegar, and olive oil. It’s the ultimate topping for grilled meats, vegetables, or even sandwiches, adding brightness and a punch of flavor to every bite. Making chimichurri at home is easy and allows you to adjust the herbs and acidity to your liking. It keeps well in the fridge and is perfect for summer barbecues or hearty winter roasts. Get the recipe: Chimichurri Sauce
Homemade condiments are the key to unlocking new flavors and elevating your everyday meals. With these 13 best and essential condiment recipes, you’ll have a toolkit of bold, fresh, and versatile sauces and spreads that can transform everything from sandwiches to grilled meats and roasted veggies. Making your own condiments means you can control the ingredients, tailor the flavors, and enjoy the satisfaction of creating something truly special. Keep a few of these in your fridge or pantry, and you’ll always be ready to add a burst of flavor, color, and creativity to any dish. Try a new recipe this week and discover just how easy and rewarding homemade condiments can be!
