13 Popular Condiments You Didn’t Know Are Easy to Make at Home

There’s something special about homemade condiments. Not only do they taste fresher than store-bought versions, but they also allow you to control the ingredients and tailor the flavors exactly to your liking. With just a few pantry staples, you can create everything from savory barbecue sauce to creamy ranch dressing that’s free from artificial ingredients and packed with authentic flavor. Here’s a look at some popular condiments that are surprisingly easy to whip up in your kitchen—giving you that homemade touch in every meal.

Ketchup

Homemade ketchup is both simple to make and healthier than store-bought versions, with the added benefit of customizable flavors. Start by simmering tomato paste with apple cider vinegar, a touch of brown sugar, salt, and spices like garlic powder, onion powder, and allspice in a saucepan. Stir the mixture over low heat until it thickens to your preferred consistency, which usually takes about 15-20 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasonings, adding a little more vinegar or sugar if desired, for a personalized flavor. Once cooled, transfer it to a clean jar, where it can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks. This homemade ketchup is perfect as a dip or as a flavorful topping for burgers and fries.

Mayonnaise

With just a few pantry staples, you can make a fresh, creamy mayonnaise in minutes. In a mixing bowl, whisk together egg yolks, a dash of mustard, lemon juice, and a bit of salt until combined. Slowly drizzle in a neutral oil, like canola or grapeseed, while continuing to whisk vigorously to create a thick emulsion. As the mixture thickens, taste it and adjust the salt, lemon, or mustard to your preference. This homemade mayo is much fresher than store-bought versions and is perfect for spreading on sandwiches or mixing into dips and dressings. Store it in the fridge, and enjoy it within a week for the best flavor.

Mustard

Making mustard at home allows you to experiment with flavors and adjust the spice level to your liking. Start by combining mustard seeds (either yellow, brown, or a mix), vinegar, water, and a pinch of salt in a jar. Let the mixture sit for at least 24 hours to allow the mustard seeds to soften and absorb the liquid, which helps mellow the flavor. Afterward, blend the mixture until smooth, or leave it a little coarse if you like more texture. This homemade mustard is great on sandwiches, in marinades, or as a dipping sauce, and it will keep in the fridge for several months. Enjoy the bold and fresh taste that’s easy to make right in your kitchen.

Barbecue Sauce

Homemade barbecue sauce offers a rich, smoky flavor that’s ideal for grilling season. To make it, combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and smoked paprika in a saucepan. Heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens and the flavors meld, which takes around 15 minutes. You can adjust the sweetness, tanginess, or smokiness by adding a bit more sugar, vinegar, or paprika to taste. Once cooled, transfer the sauce to a jar and refrigerate, where it will keep for up to two weeks. This homemade barbecue sauce adds a delicious, customized flavor to ribs, burgers, and grilled chicken.

Hot Sauce

Creating your own hot sauce at home is simple and lets you adjust the heat level to your liking. Blend fresh chili peppers, garlic, vinegar, and a pinch of salt until smooth and well combined. Pour the mixture into a saucepan and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to mellow out the heat and deepen the flavors. Allow the hot sauce to cool completely before transferring it to a glass jar, where it will stay fresh in the fridge for weeks. This homemade hot sauce is perfect for adding a fiery kick to any dish, from eggs to tacos to soups. Adjust the types of peppers used if you want a milder or hotter sauce.

Ranch Dressing

Ranch dressing is a favorite for many, and making it at home is easier than you might think. Start by mixing together mayonnaise, sour cream, fresh herbs like dill and parsley, garlic powder, and a splash of buttermilk. Stir until smooth, then taste and adjust the seasonings, adding a pinch of salt or more herbs if you like. This homemade ranch tastes fresher and more vibrant than store-bought versions and pairs well with salads, as a veggie dip, or even as a topping for pizza. Stored in the fridge, this dressing will last about a week and makes a versatile addition to your homemade condiments. Enjoy the flavor boost from this simple, homemade classic.

Teriyaki Sauce

Teriyaki sauce is a deliciously savory and sweet addition to stir-fries and marinades, and it’s easy to make at home. In a saucepan, combine soy sauce, mirin or honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and a bit of cornstarch for thickening. Heat the mixture, stirring constantly, until it begins to bubble and thickens to your preferred consistency. Taste and adjust for sweetness or saltiness by adding more honey or soy sauce. Once cooled, store it in a jar in the fridge, where it will keep for a few weeks. This homemade teriyaki sauce brings an authentic flavor to stir-fried dishes, grilled meats, and vegetables.

Tartar Sauce

Homemade tartar sauce is fresh, tangy, and a perfect pairing for seafood. Start by combining mayonnaise with diced pickles, a splash of lemon juice, and capers or fresh dill for extra flavor. Mix until well combined, and taste to adjust the saltiness or tanginess by adding more pickles or lemon. This homemade version is creamier and has a bolder flavor than store-bought varieties, adding a bright touch to fish, shrimp, and crab cakes. Store it in a sealed container in the fridge for up to a week. Enjoy the fresh, tangy flavor that makes seafood meals extra special.

Pesto

Making fresh pesto at home is an easy way to elevate pasta, sandwiches, or salads. Combine fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil in a blender or food processor until smooth. Adjust the salt or add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness if you like. This herbaceous sauce is rich and aromatic, with a vibrant green color that looks and tastes fresh. Store in an airtight container with a layer of olive oil on top to keep it from browning, and refrigerate for up to a week. Homemade pesto also freezes well, so you can enjoy fresh pesto anytime.

Hoisin Sauce

Hoisin sauce, commonly used in Asian cooking, can be made at home with a few pantry staples. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, peanut butter, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and a touch of Chinese five-spice powder. Stir until smooth and taste, adjusting for sweetness or saltiness as needed. This thick, flavorful sauce is versatile and works well as a marinade for meats or a dipping sauce for dumplings and spring rolls. Store it in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for up to a month. Homemade hoisin sauce adds a savory-sweet touch to stir-fries and barbecue dishes.

Salsa

Fresh salsa is simple to make and can be customized to your taste. Dice tomatoes, onions, and fresh cilantro, then mix with lime juice, salt, and a chopped jalapeño for extra heat if desired. Stir everything together and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This homemade salsa is perfect for tortilla chips, tacos, or as a topping for grilled meats. Keep it in the fridge for up to a week, and enjoy the bright, fresh flavors that homemade salsa offers.

Aioli

Aioli is a delicious, garlicky version of mayonnaise that can elevate sandwiches, vegetables, and more. To make it, combine mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt in a bowl, stirring until well blended. For additional flavor, you can add herbs like rosemary or spices like smoked paprika. This rich, creamy sauce can be used as a spread or dip and brings a bold flavor to many dishes. Store in the fridge and enjoy within a week to savor its fresh taste.

Honey Mustard

Honey mustard is a simple but tasty condiment that balances sweetness with a bit of tang. Mix equal parts Dijon mustard and honey, adding a splash of vinegar and a pinch of salt if desired. Stir until smooth and taste to adjust for sweetness or acidity. This homemade honey mustard is great for dipping chicken, fries, or spreading on sandwiches. Stored in a jar in the fridge, it will stay fresh for weeks, ready to add a touch of flavor to your meals. Enjoy this quick, delicious sauce with just a few basic ingredients.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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