18 Condiment Recipes To Have On Hand For Meals

What lives in a jar, wakes up a sandwich, and secretly judges the store-bought stuff on your shelf? Homemade condiments, of course.

One spoonful can turn a plain burger into a main character and give grilled chicken a personality makeover. Sweet, spicy, tangy, or bold, you get to call all the flavor shots.

Once you taste the difference, that dusty bottle in the fridge door might start feeling very nervous.

1. Homemade Ketchup

Picture this: a lazy Saturday afternoon, the scent of simmering tomatoes filling your kitchen, and the satisfaction of knowing exactly what goes into that red squeeze bottle. Homemade ketchup delivers a brightness store versions just can’t match.

Combine crushed tomatoes, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, onion powder, and a pinch of clove in a saucepan. Let everything bubble down until thick and glossy, then blend until smooth.

The whole process takes about an hour, but the payoff lasts weeks in your fridge.

Burgers, fries, meatloaf, and scrambled eggs all get a flavor boost. Once you taste the difference, those plastic bottles lose their appeal.

2. Dijon-Style Mustard

There’s something about the sharp tang of good mustard that wakes up a sandwich from its midday slump. Dijon-style mustard brings sophistication without fuss, and making it at home means you skip the preservatives.

Grind yellow and brown mustard seeds, then soak them in water and vinegar overnight. Blend with a touch of honey, salt, and turmeric until you reach that signature creamy consistency.

The bite mellows after a few days in the jar.

Slather it on roast beef, whisk it into vinaigrettes, or use it as a marinade base. This condiment is the overachiever of the fridge door.

3. Classic Mayonnaise

Watching oil and egg yolk come together into a thick, glossy mayonnaise feels like a small kitchen triumph that rewards patience and a steady whisk. Begin with a pasteurized egg yolk (or pasteurized whole egg), a teaspoon of Dijon mustard, and a squeeze of lemon juice in a bowl.

Neutral oil gets drizzled in slowly while you whisk without stopping, allowing the mixture to thicken into a smooth emulsion.

Salt and a touch of white pepper finish the flavor, turning a few simple ingredients into something rich and versatile. Spread it on sandwiches, stir it into potato salad, or use it as a base for aioli and other flavored sauces that make homemade mayo hard to resist.

4. Chimichurri

One whiff of this vibrant green sauce and you’re transported to a summer cookout, the grill sizzling and laughter floating through the backyard. Chimichurri is Argentina’s gift to grilled meat lovers everywhere.

Finely chop fresh parsley and oregano, then mix with minced garlic, red pepper flakes, fresh lemon juice, and olive oil. Let the flavors marry for at least 30 minutes before serving.

The herb-forward brightness cuts through rich, charred proteins beautifully.

Drizzle it over steak, chicken, or roasted vegetables. Leftover chimichurri also makes an excellent marinade for tomorrow’s dinner.

5. Salsa

Weekend snack cravings often start with the crisp snap of a tortilla chip diving into fresh, lively salsa. Homemade version easily outshines jarred options, bringing bright, just chopped flavor to the table in only minutes.

Ripe tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro get diced and tossed with lime juice and salt for a simple, balanced mix.

Heat level stays in your control by keeping or removing the jalapeño seeds before everything rests briefly to let the flavors mingle.

Scoop it with chips, spoon it over tacos, or scatter it across grilled fish for a bowl of sunshine any time of year.

6. Basil Pesto

The aroma of fresh basil blending with toasted pine nuts is enough to make anyone pause and breathe deeply. Pesto brings instant Italian flair to pasta, sandwiches, and even scrambled eggs.

Blend fresh basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, grated Parmesan, garlic, and olive oil until smooth but still slightly textured. Season with salt and a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.

The vibrant green color signals freshness in every spoonful.

Toss with hot pasta, spread on crusty bread, or swirl into soups. Pesto is the multitasker your meal plan didn’t know it needed.

7. Guacamole

Devotion runs deep for ripe avocados turned into smooth, zesty guacamole that lets fresh flavor take center stage. Best versions keep things simple, highlighting the fruit’s natural richness instead of burying it under too many add ins.

Ripe avocados get mashed with lime juice, diced red onion, chopped cilantro, and a pinch of salt for a clean, balanced base.

Diced tomato and jalapeño can join the mix for extra color and heat, especially if you like a little kick.

Spoon it onto tacos, spread it over toast, or scoop it up with chips during movie night for a snack that always disappears fast.

8. Hummus

Creamy, nutty, and endlessly versatile, hummus has earned its spot as the snack drawer MVP. Making it from scratch means you control the tahini-to-chickpea ratio and garlic intensity.

Blend cooked chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil until silky smooth. Add a splash of ice water to achieve that restaurant-quality texture.

Season with cumin and salt, then drizzle with olive oil and paprika before serving.

Dip vegetables, spread it in wraps, or use it as a base for grain bowls. Hummus is the friend who shows up ready to elevate any meal.

9. Tzatziki

Cool, tangy, and refreshing, tzatziki is the Mediterranean answer to summer heat and spicy foods. Greek yogurt and cucumber come together in a sauce that feels both indulgent and virtuous.

Grate cucumber and squeeze out excess moisture, then mix with thick Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and fresh dill. Chill for at least an hour so the flavors meld together.

The result is creamy perfection with a hint of crunch.

Serve alongside grilled lamb, dollop on falafel, or use as a dip for pita chips. Tzatziki makes everything taste like a vacation.

10. Ranch Dressing

Ranch dressing is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, beloved by kids and adults alike for its creamy, herby goodness. Homemade ranch tastes brighter and fresher than anything you’ll find in a bottle.

Whisk together buttermilk, mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, and chives. Add a squeeze of lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.

Let it rest in the fridge for an hour before serving.

Drizzle over salads, use as a dip for chicken wings, or pour over baked potatoes. Ranch is the condiment equivalent of a warm hug.

11. Barbecue Sauce

Smoky, sweet, tangy flavor with a sticky finish makes homemade barbecue sauce taste like summer in a spoon. Making it yourself lets you lean sweeter or spicier depending on what kind of kick you want that day.

Ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and a touch of cayenne simmer together until thick and glossy.

Slow bubbling on the stove fills the air with a mouthwatering aroma that seems to drift far beyond your kitchen.

Brush it over ribs, spoon it onto pulled pork, or serve it alongside grilled chicken to turn any backyard meal into something special.

12. Teriyaki Sauce

Sweet, salty, and gloriously glossy, teriyaki sauce brings Japanese-inspired flavor to weeknight dinners without requiring a plane ticket. The homemade version skips the corn syrup and delivers pure umami satisfaction.

Whisk together soy sauce, water, sugar, and a small splash of rice vinegar (optional), grated ginger, and minced garlic in a saucepan. Simmer until reduced and syrupy, then thicken with a cornstarch slurry if desired.

The sauce should coat the back of a spoon.

Glaze salmon, stir-fry vegetables, or marinate chicken thighs. Teriyaki sauce is the shortcut to restaurant-quality flavor at home.

13. Vinaigrette

Simple, elegant, and endlessly adaptable, vinaigrette plays the role of a little black dress in the world of salad dressings. Mastering the basic balance means bottled versions start to feel unnecessary once you taste the homemade difference.

Three parts olive oil to one part vinegar creates the foundation, with balsamic vinegar, apple vinegar, or fresh lemon juice all bringing their own character.

Dijon mustard helps the mixture come together, while minced shallot adds bite and a touch of honey smooths everything out before seasoning with salt and pepper.

Light drizzle brightens mixed greens, roasted vegetables, or grain salads, proving that straightforward ingredients often deliver the most satisfying flavor.

14. Pickled Red Onions

Bright pink pickled red onions bring a punchy mix of tang and gentle sweetness to tacos, sandwiches, and grain bowls. Making them at home takes only a few minutes, and a jar keeps happily in the fridge for weeks.

Thin slices of red onion go into a clean jar while vinegar, water, sugar, and salt warm together just long enough to dissolve. Hot brine gets poured over the onions, which then cool to room temperature before heading into the refrigerator.

Within hours the slices shift to a vivid magenta, ready to brighten fish tacos, burgers, salads, and just about anything else on your plate.

15. Hot Sauce

For those who like their meals with a fiery kick, homemade hot sauce delivers heat you can customize from mild warmth to volcanic intensity. The best part is watching the flavors develop over time.

Blend fresh chili peppers (jalapeño, serrano, or habanero depending on your heat tolerance) with vinegar, garlic, and salt. Simmer briefly to meld flavors, then blend again until smooth.

Strain if you prefer a thinner consistency, or leave it chunky for texture.

Shake it onto eggs, tacos, pizza, or anything that needs a wake-up call. Hot sauce is bold heat in a bottle.

16. Relish

Bright, sweet, and full of crunch, a spoonful of relish plays an underrated role on hot dogs and hamburgers. Crafting a batch at home lets you adjust the sugar level and boost the flavor with extra spices.

Start by finely chopping cucumbers, bell peppers, and onions, then toss them with salt and let the mixture drain for an hour. After a quick rinse, combine the vegetables with vinegar, sugar, mustard seeds, and turmeric.

Gentle simmering thickens the mixture slightly before it cools and heads to the refrigerator.

Spoon it over hot dogs, fold it into tuna salad, or stir it through stuffed eggs.

Every picnic plate feels livelier with a bright, tangy scoop on the side.

17. Aioli

Fancy name, simple concept: aioli is garlic mayonnaise elevated to art form. The Mediterranean staple transforms fries, sandwiches, and grilled vegetables into something special with minimal effort.

Mash garlic cloves into a paste with salt, then whisk in pasteurized egg yolks and lemon juice. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking constantly until thick and emulsified.

The garlic flavor should be bold but not overpowering.

Serve with roasted potatoes, spread on sandwiches, or use as a dip for artichokes. Aioli is proof that garlic makes everything better.

18. Tahini Sauce

Silky texture and a gentle bitterness make tahini sauce a Middle Eastern staple that adds richness without extra heaviness. That signature sesame flavor pairs beautifully with vegetables and proteins, giving simple ingredients deeper character.

To build the base, whisk tahini paste with lemon juice, minced garlic, and cold water until the mixture turns smooth and pourable.

Next, cumin, salt, and a pinch of cayenne bring warmth and balanced seasoning to the blend. Proper texture stays thin enough to drizzle while still thick enough to coat a spoon.

Once ready, spoon it over falafel, roasted cauliflower, or hearty grain bowls for added depth.

Note: Recipe methods and ingredient suggestions are provided for general informational and entertainment purposes and reflect common home-cooking practices as of February, 2026.