Everything's better with a tasty little sauce—or relish, jam or salsa. These homemade condiment recipes will have you skipping the dressing aisle for good.
35 Condiments You Can Make at Home
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Spicy Chunky Salsa
Total Time
1 hour 45 min
Servings
8 pints
From the Recipe Creator:
Vinegar adds a refreshing tang to this sweet tomato salsa. It's wonderful as is, but for more heat, leave in some hot pepper seeds. —Donna Goutermont, Sequim, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 25 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 117mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch.
2/37
White Sauce
Total Time
10 min
Servings
1 cup
From the Recipe Creator:
For years, I’ve used this smooth white sauce for pasta to make many dishes. The recipe can easily be doubled or tripled. —Lois Gelzer, Standish, Maine
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 51 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 81mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
3/37
Satay Sauce
Total Time
10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Creamy peanut butter and coconut milk mix with the subtle spice of jalapeno peppers and the savory flavors of soy sauce to create this satay sauce. Traditionally used as the sauce for kabobs and skewers, it brings a rich flavor that’ll complement almost any grilled meat! —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons sauce: 87 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 192mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
4/37
Burger Sauce
Total Time
10 min
Servings
2-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Creamy mayo, crisp pickles, and rich ketchup—this sauce combines all of the best burger condiments in one! This sweet and tangy sauce is perfect for dipping fries, too. —Kristyne McDougle Walter, Lorain, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 103 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 172mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
5/37
Parsley Pesto
Total Time
10 min
Servings
3/4 cup
From the Recipe Creator:
Homemade pesto always makes a thoughtful hostess gift. Mix things up with this parsley pesto variation. It's delicious served with pasta or in one of these recipes using pesto. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 97 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 114mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
6/37
Homemade Peanut Butter
Total Time
15 min
Servings
about 1 cup
From the Recipe Creator:
We eat a lot of peanut butter, so I decided to make my own. My homemade version is easier on my wallet, and I know what ingredients are in it. It's also a lot tastier! —Marge Austin, North Pole, Alaska
Nutrition Facts:
1 tablespoon: 111 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 75mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 fat.
7/37
Cherry Jam
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 half-pints
From the Recipe Creator:
We live in Door County, an area known for its wonderful tart cherries. This beautiful, sweet jam makes lovely gifts. —Karen Haen, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 89 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
8/37
Blue Cheese Dressing
Total Time
10 min
Servings
2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother-in-law gave me this homemade blue cheese dressing over 30 years ago. It’s a delicious salad dressing, but we also like it as a dip with corn chips. —Sharon McClatchey, Muskogee, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 132 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 143mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
9/37
Apple Butter
Total Time
11 hours 20 min
Servings
4 pints
From the Recipe Creator:
I make several batches of this simple and delicious homemade apple butter recipe to freeze in jars. Depending on the sweetness of the apples used, you can adjust the sugar to taste. —Betty Ruenholl, Syracuse, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 68 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 9mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.
10/37
Lemon Curd
Total Time
20 min
Servings
1-2/3 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Lemon curd is a scrumptious spread for scones, biscuits or other baked goods. You can find it in larger grocery stores alongside the jams and jellies or with the baking supplies, but we like making this lemon curd recipe from scratch. —Mark Hagen, West Allis, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 110 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 45mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
11/37
Quick & Easy Honey Mustard
Total Time
5 min
Servings
1 cup
From the Recipe Creator:
This fast, easy mustard with rice vinegar and honey has more flavor than any other honey mustard dressing I've ever tried. —Sharon Rehm, New Blaine, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 tablespoon: 28 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 154mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
Wondering if your condiments really expire? Use this guide on how long condiments last to decide what can stay and what needs to go
12/37
Homemade Hot Sauce
Total Time
55 min
Servings
5 half-pints
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this spicy recipe one day using what I had available from my garden: hot peppers, carrots, onions and garlic. The carrots make this recipe stand out. —Carolyn Wheel, Fairfax, Vermont
Nutrition Facts:
1 teaspoon: 3 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 30mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
13/37
Peach Jam
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
3 half-pints
From the Recipe Creator:
Bourbon has been popular at our house since we visited the Kentucky Bourbon Trail a few years ago. Every bite of this jam reminds me of that fun trip. —Katie Ferrier, Houston, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 88 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 4mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
14/37
Gravy
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2-1/3 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Make your Thanksgiving or other special-occasion dinner easy with this can't-miss homemade gravy recipe. Use the drippings from your roasted turkey, and the gravy is done in just 20 minutes. —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 165 calories, 17g fat (7g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 103mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
15/37
Mild Salsa Recipe for Canning
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
10 pints
From the Recipe Creator:
I got this salsa recipe from my sister, and my children and I have been making batches of it ever since. We pair pint jars with packages of tortilla chips for zesty Christmas gifts. When the kids give this present to their teachers, they can truthfully say they helped make it. —Pamela Lundstrum, Bird Island, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 14 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 182mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.
16/37
Homemade Mayonnaise
Total Time
25 min
Servings
1-1/4 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Pssst! Did you know America’s top-selling condiment and go-to dressing for chicken, tuna and potato salad can be prepared with a handful of everyday pantry items? This mayonnaise recipe will be a new favorite. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 tablespoon: 84 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 50mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat.
17/37
Italian Dressing
Total Time
15 min
Servings
1-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
What are all those specks and spices in your Italian dressing? You probably have them in your pantry. Create your own signature blend to toss with pasta, greens and fresh spring vegetables. —Lorraine Caland, Thunder Bay, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 126 calories, 14g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 148mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 fat.
18/37
Sweet & Spicy Barbecue Sauce
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
1-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
I've never cared that much for store bought barbecue sauce. I just like to make things myself from scratch including this spicy, deep red-brown sauce. You'll find it clings well when you slather it on grilled meat. —Helena Georgette Mann, Sacramento, California
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 68 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 325mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.
19/37
Spicy Bavarian Beer Mustard
Total Time
30 min
Servings
7 half-pints
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a gift that has bite! This spicy beer mustard is great with pretzels or as a condiment for bratwurst. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 tablespoon: 36 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 65mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
20/37
Tartar Sauce
Total Time
10 min
Servings
1 cup
From the Recipe Creator:
You'll never buy the jarred stuff again once you've tried this homemade tartar sauce recipe! —Michelle Stromko, Darlington, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 93 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 167mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
21/37
Low-Fat Tangy Tomato Dressing
Total Time
5 min
Servings
2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
This zesty blend is delicious over greens, pasta or fresh garden vegetables. I love that it's a healthier alternative to the oil-heavy versions sold in stores. —Sarah Eiden, Enid, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 15 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 170mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
22/37
Strawberry Jam
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 7 half-pints
From the Recipe Creator:
This is an easy and tasty way to use up a freshly picked quarts of summer strawberries. It makes about seven half-pints, so there's enough to share. —Ball Brand and Kerr Brand home canning products
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 104 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 0 sodium, 27g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
23/37
Cranberry Orange Sauce
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
In about 20 minutes, with just a few ingredients, you can have the freshest cranberry orange sauce you’ve ever tasted. —Susan Hein, Burlington, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 61 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.
24/37
Buttermilk Dressing
Total Time
5 min
Servings
32 servings (1 qt.)
From the Recipe Creator:
When serving salad to a crowd, this easy buttermilk ranch dressing comes in handy. It make a full quart of creamy, delicious dressing to toss with your favorite greens and veggies. —Patricia Mele, Lower Burrell, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 98 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 155mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat.
25/37
Walnut Butter Spread
Total Time
10 min
Servings
2/3 cup
From the Recipe Creator:
This healthy alternative spread will have you making more of your own homemade spreads in just minutes. It's so simple and you know exactly what's going into it. —Bryan Kennedy, Kaneohe, Hawaii
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons (calculated without bread, preserves and cheese): 263 calories, 26g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 60mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein.
26/37
Texas-Style BBQ Sauce
Total Time
25 min
Servings
1-3/4 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
We love a Texas BBQ sauce with all the right moves: ketchup, mustard, lemon juice, chili powder, Worcestershire and brown sugar. —Sandy Klocinski, Summerville, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 56 calories, 1g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 296mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
27/37
Cranberry Orange Relish
Total Time
25 min
Servings
about 2 quarts
From the Recipe Creator:
With its festive color and refreshing citrus-cranberry flavor, this lovely cranberry orange relish works well at holiday gatherings. It’s also convenient because you can make it in advance. —Clara Honeyager, North Prairie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 68 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 2g fiber), 0 protein.
28/37
Balsamic Herb Vinaigrette
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2-1/4 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Balsamic vinaigrette is a classic, versatile dressing. A variety of savory seasonings gives this recipe a tangy kick. It's the perfect complement to a bed of fresh greens. —Edgar Wright, Silver Spring, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 199 calories, 19g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 4mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
29/37
Cashew Butter
Total Time
15 min
Servings
about 1 cup
From the Recipe Creator:
Once you taste how great homemade cashew butter is, you'll never go to back to store-bought. The coconut oil makes the butter just a little creamier, but you can omit it if you don't normally keep it on hand. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 tablespoon: 83 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 76mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fat.
30/37
Roasted Salsa
Total Time
25 min
Servings
32 servings (8 cups)
From the Recipe Creator:
Our family's all-time favorite salsa, this recipe is the reason we grow a huge garden every summer. We make gallons of it and share with our neighbors. You might find yourself eating it right out of the bowl with a spoon. —Donna Kelly, Orem, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 27 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 155mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable.
31/37
Spiced Maple Mustard
Total Time
45 min
Servings
1 cup
From the Recipe Creator:
Have grill masters on your Christmas list? Consider giving them a special homemade mustard flavored with maple syrup, allspice and turmeric. Everyone just loves it. —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 tablespoon: 19 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 111mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
32/37
Favorite Bread & Butter Pickles
Total Time
55 min
Servings
11 pints
From the Recipe Creator:
I made these pickles while growing up and love them because you can eat them with just about anything. Now, both of my children love these pickles too. I think you'll enjoy them as much as we do! —Linda Weger, Robinson, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 60 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 645mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
33/37
Spicy Ketchup
Total Time
2 hours
Servings
1 cup
From the Recipe Creator:
When this homemade ketchup is bubbling on the stove, the aroma takes me back to childhood. One taste and I’m home again. —Karen Naihe, Kamuela, Hawaii
Nutrition Facts:
1 tablespoon: 46 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 152mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch.
34/37
Red Enchilada Sauce
Total Time
30 min
Servings
1-1/4 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
This enchilada sauce recipe is both sweet and spicy—just as the name implies. Spoon it over enchiladas, burritos and spicy casseroles. —Lauren Ash, Van Nuys, California
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 53 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 424mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
35/37
Zesty Salsa Verde
Total Time
50 min
Servings
2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Last year was the first time I had ever grown tomatillos. They were so abundant that I had enough to eat fresh, give away and freeze for future gatherings. What I didn't expect was how well the salsa would freeze. I do like to add an extra zip by juicing a fresh lime into the salsa after it has thawed. —Kim Banick, Salem, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 127 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 304mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein.
36/37
Chocolate-Hazelnut Butter
Total Time
15 min
Servings
1-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Store varieties of chocolate-hazelnut butter just can’t compete with the homemade kind. Slather it on everything from toast and pretzels to banana chunks and shortbread cookies. —Crystal Jo Bruns, Iliff, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 232 calories, 18g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 12mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein.
37/37
Giardiniera
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
10 pints
From the Recipe Creator:
Sweet and tangy, this Italian condiment is packed with peppers, cauliflower, carrots and other crisp-tender veggies. It’s perfect to offer alongside pickles or olives on a relish tray. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 74 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 323mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
