Homemade sauces have the power to transform any meal, adding layers of flavor, richness, and personality to everything from pasta and grilled meats to salads and roasted vegetables. Whether you’re looking for classic tomato sauces, creamy dressings, spicy salsas, or inventive nut-based blends, making your own sauces at home is easier than you might think—and the results are always worth it. Below are 18 homemade sauce recipes, each with a unique flavor profile and a suggested use, so you can elevate weeknight dinners, weekend brunches, and everything in between. Each entry includes a brief description and a recipe link so you can try them yourself.
1. Classic Homemade Tomato Sauce
A rich, deeply flavored tomato sauce is a kitchen staple. Made with ripe tomatoes, butter, olive oil, onions, garlic, and fresh basil, this sauce simmers slowly to develop a sweet, savory depth that’s perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a base for other dishes. It’s inspired by Marcella Hazan’s famous recipe and can be made with fresh or canned tomatoes, making it accessible year-round. A true classic that never disappoints. Get the recipe: Homemade Tomato Sauce
2. Super Simple Marinara Sauce
This marinara sauce is the definition of simplicity: just tomatoes, onion, garlic, olive oil, and oregano, simmered together for a bright, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce. With no chopping required and only five ingredients, it’s perfect for busy nights and pairs beautifully with pasta, meatballs, or even as a dipping sauce for breadsticks. Get the recipe: Super Simple Marinara Sauce
3. Easy Pasta Sauce
Ready in just 10 minutes, this easy pasta sauce combines olive oil, onions, garlic, basil, red pepper flakes, and crushed tomatoes for a quick, flavorful topping for pasta, polenta, or grilled sausages. The addition of a pat of butter at the end adds a silky finish, making it a go-to for last-minute dinners. Get the recipe: Easy Pasta Sauce
4. Cheese Sauce
Creamy cheese sauce is a crowd-pleaser for everything from nachos and baked potatoes to steamed veggies and macaroni. Made with butter, shredded cheddar, milk, cornstarch, garlic powder, and a hint of cayenne, this sauce comes together quickly on the stovetop and can be customized with your favorite cheeses. Get the recipe: Cheese Sauce
5. Honey Mustard Sauce
Sweet, tangy, and creamy, honey mustard sauce is perfect as a dip for chicken tenders, a spread for sandwiches, or a salad dressing. With Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, vinegar, and spices, it’s ready in minutes and keeps well in the fridge. Get the recipe: Honey Mustard Sauce
6. Sweet and Sour Sauce
This homemade sweet and sour sauce is a takeout favorite you can make at home. Pineapple juice, ketchup, brown sugar, soy sauce, and garlic powder are thickened with cornstarch for a glossy, tangy sauce that’s perfect for stir-fries, chicken, or as a dipping sauce for egg rolls. Get the recipe: Sweet and Sour Sauce
7. Garlic Parmesan Sauce
A rich, creamy sauce made with butter, garlic, flour, Italian seasoning, broth, cream, and lots of Parmesan. This sauce is wonderful over pasta, drizzled on roasted vegetables, or used as a pizza sauce for a white pizza. It’s a restaurant-style favorite you can whip up at home. Get the recipe: Garlic Parmesan Sauce
8. BBQ Sauce
Homemade BBQ Sauce is smoky, tangy, and sweet, made with ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and spices. Simmered together, it’s perfect for grilled meats, burgers, pulled pork, or as a dipping sauce for fries. Adjust the spices to suit your taste. Get the recipe: BBQ Sauce
9. Gravy Sauce
A classic gravy made from butter, flour, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings, this sauce is the finishing touch for mashed potatoes, roast beef, or turkey. It’s rich, savory, and comes together in minutes on the stovetop. Get the recipe: Gravy Sauce
10. Peanut Sauce
Smooth, garlicky, and gingery with a spicy sesame kick, this peanut sauce is perfect for noodles, salads, grilled meats, or as a dipping sauce for spring rolls. It’s quick to make and incredibly versatile, adding a punch of flavor to any dish. Get the recipe: Peanut Sauce
11. Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
Bright and smoky, this roasted red pepper sauce is delicious on eggs, potatoes, sandwiches, pizzas, burgers, and more. Blended with olive oil, garlic, tomatoes, and parsley, it’s a vibrant way to add color and flavor to your meals. Get the recipe: Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
12. Romesco Sauce
A Spanish-inspired sauce made in just five minutes, romesco combines roasted red peppers, tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and parsley for a nutty, tangy sauce that’s fantastic with grilled chicken, vegetables, or crispy potatoes. Get the recipe: Romesco Sauce
13. Cilantro Vinaigrette
This tangy, herbaceous vinaigrette is made with cilantro, olive oil, vinegar, and a touch of garlic. It’s a bright, zesty dressing for salads, grilled veggies, or tacos, and comes together in minutes. Get the recipe: Cilantro Vinaigrette
14. Chimichurri Sauce
An Argentinian classic, chimichurri is a punchy green sauce made with parsley, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and red pepper flakes. It’s the ultimate topping for grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or even sandwiches. Get the recipe: Chimichurri Sauce
15. Honey Caramel Sauce
Sweet, sticky, and irresistible, this honey caramel sauce is perfect for drizzling over ice cream, pancakes, or yogurt. Made with honey, sugar, cream, and a pinch of salt, it’s an easy way to add a gourmet touch to desserts. Get the recipe: Honey Caramel Sauce
16. Green Harissa Sauce
Herbaceous and a little spicy, green harissa sauce is made with fresh herbs, garlic, olive oil, and spices. It’s a bold, versatile condiment that pairs beautifully with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or as a spread for sandwiches. Get the recipe: Green Harissa Sauce
17. Homemade Mayonnaise
Skip the store-bought and make your own creamy, rich mayonnaise at home with eggs, oil, vinegar, and mustard. It’s perfect for sandwiches, salads, and as a base for other dressings and sauces. Get the recipe: Homemade Mayonnaise
18. Red Wine Chocolate Sauce
For a decadent dessert topping, try red wine chocolate sauce—rich, smooth, and sophisticated. Made with dark chocolate and a splash of red wine, it’s perfect for drizzling over cakes, fruit, or pancakes for a grown-up treat. Get the recipe: Red Wine Chocolate Sauce
With these 18 homemade sauce recipes, you can elevate every meal—whether you’re dressing up a simple salad, adding flair to grilled meats, or transforming a bowl of pasta. Each sauce brings its own unique flavor and character, turning everyday dishes into something special. Try a few and discover how easy and rewarding homemade sauces can be!
