13 Homemade Sauces to Level Up Breakfast, Dinner, or Dessert

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A great sauce can completely transform a dish, whether it’s a dip, drizzle, or marinade. This collection of homemade sauce recipes has everything from rich and creamy classics to fruity, fiery, and savory blends. If you’re dressing up a burger, topping ice cream, or making pasta from scratch, these easy, flavor-packed sauces will level up your meals in no time.

A plate of asparagus with beurre blanc sauce spooned over the top. — Beurre Blanc. Photo credit: Stetted.

Homemade Pizza Sauce

A measuring cup of pizza sauce with the ingredients for pizza next to it. — Homemade Pizza Sauce. Photo credit: Stetted.

This simple pizza sauce made with fresh tomatoes is full of bright, rich flavor. It’s perfect for pizza night and can be used right away, frozen, or canned.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Pizza Sauce

Beurre Blanc

Elevate fish, chicken, or vegetables with this luxurious French butter sauce. Beurre blanc is rich, velvety, and surprisingly simple to make.
Get the Recipe: Beurre Blanc

Honey Mustard Sauce

A small white bowl filled with creamy yellow sauce sits on a white plate next to a basket containing a pretzel. — Honey Mustard Sauce. Photo credit: Happy Snackcidents.

This sweet and tangy sauce comes together in minutes with pantry staples. It’s perfect for dipping, drizzling, or spreading on sandwiches.
Get the Recipe: Honey Mustard Sauce

Strawberry Compote

With just three ingredients, this easy strawberry compote adds sweet berry flavor to pancakes, waffles, yogurt, and desserts. A great way to use fresh or frozen strawberries!
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Compote

Bourbon Caramel Sauce

A jar of caramel sauce sits on a wooden board next to a gold and black spoon, with a green cloth in the background. — Bourbon Caramel Sauce. Photo credit: Feast and West.

Top your ice cream with this decadent bourbon caramel sauce for a grown-up twist on a classic treat. It’s rich, buttery, and makes every dessert feel special.
Get the Recipe: Bourbon Caramel Sauce

Curry Greek Yogurt Dipping Sauce

A hand holds a piece of breaded, fried food dipped in a creamy sauce, with more pieces and a sauce container in a red basket in the background. — Curry Greek Yogurt Dipping Sauce. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

Spiced with warm curry and cooled with creamy Greek yogurt, this unique dip adds bold flavor to veggies, grilled meats, or flatbreads. It’s a quick way to add flair to everyday meals.
Get the Recipe: Curry Greek Yogurt Dipping Sauce

Peach Barbecue Sauce

This tangy-sweet barbecue sauce uses fresh summer peaches for a fruity twist. Slather it on ribs, chicken, or pulled pork—or save a jar for later!
Get the Recipe: Peach Barbecue Sauce

Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

A white bowl filled with dark sauce, topped with sesame seeds, sits on a wooden board with a spoon; garlic, parsley, and other ingredients surround it. — Homemade Teriyaki Sauce. Photo credit: The Kitchen Magpie.

Sweet, salty, and packed with umami, this easy teriyaki sauce works as a marinade, glaze, or stir-fry base. A must-have for fans of Asian-inspired meals.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

Green Chile Sauce

Roasted green chiles bring bold flavor to this versatile sauce, perfect for enchiladas, tacos, or scrambled eggs. Make a batch and stash some in the freezer for later.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Sauce

Blue Cheese Sauce

Medium-rare steak topped with a creamy peppercorn sauce, garnished with herbs, on a plate with greens in the background. — Blue Cheese Sauce. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Even blue cheese skeptics will love this creamy, tangy sauce that makes steak night feel indulgent. Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s a steakhouse classic made at home.
Get the Recipe: Blue Cheese Sauce

Easy Spaghetti Sauce

A plate of spaghetti with homemade spaghetti sauce on top. — Easy Spaghetti Sauce. Photo credit: Stetted.

Turn crushed tomatoes into a delicious spaghetti sauce with this easy stovetop recipe. It’s savory, satisfying, and perfect for your favorite pasta dishes.
Get the Recipe: Easy Spaghetti Sauce

Burger Sauce

A yellow bowl filled with creamy white sauce sits on a wooden surface, with partially visible cheeseburgers and a red spoon nearby. — Burger Sauce. Photo credit: Game Day Eats.

This creamy, tangy burger sauce takes your cookout to the next level. Quick to mix and packed with flavor, it’s better than anything from a bottle.
Get the Recipe: Burger Sauce

Whiskey Onion Sauce

A sandwich with grilled onions and lettuce on a bun is served on a patterned plate. — Whiskey Onion Sauce. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Caramelized onions meet smoky whiskey in this savory, rich sauce. Spoon it over burgers, steak, or roasted veggies for instant depth and flavor.
Get the Recipe: Whiskey Onion Sauce