Let’s get real for a second—sauce recipes are the unsung heroes of the kitchen. They take an okay meal and make it extraordinary. Dry chicken? Sauce saves it. Boring veggies? A flavorful sauce makes them sing. Stuck in a dinner rut? Boom—a dipping sauce changes the game.

You don’t need to be a professional chef to master the art of sauce-making. With a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a homemade sauce that transforms your favorite dishes. So, if you’re ready to step up your cooking game, keep reading. We’ve got 21 delicious sauce recipes that’ll knock your socks off.

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The 5 Mother Sauces—And Why You Need Them

Before we dive into our top picks for sauces, let’s talk fundamentals. Have you ever heard of mother sauces? French cuisine classifies five base sauces that act as the foundation for endless variations. While we’re not getting too fancy here, knowing these basics makes it easier to tweak and create your own flavorful sauces at home.

Here’s the rundown:

1. Béchamel – That’s your creamy white sauce – think mac and cheese sauce).
2. Velouté – A light, stock-based sauce, great for chicken or seafood dishes.
3. Espagnole – A rich brown sauce, often used in stews and braises.
4. Tomato sauce – You already know this one—hello, pasta night!
5. Hollandaise – That dreamy, buttery sauce you drizzle on eggs Benedict.

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21 Must-Try Homemade Sauce Recipes

Now, let’s add to the list a few more sauce recipes that have a CA GROWN twist.

1. Quick Olive Tapenade

Olive lovers, this one’s for you. Briny, bold, and packed with umami, this tapenade makes the perfect spread for crusty bread or a zesty topping for grilled meats. (Full recipe: Quick Olive Tapenade)

2. Salsa Verde

Bright, herby, and full of CA GROWN goodness. Spoon it over grilled meats or mix it into tacos for a fresh kick. (Full recipe: Salsa Verde)

3. Chili Garlic Sauce

Spicy, garlicky, and ready to add a kick to your favorite dishes. (Full recipe: Chili Garlic Sauce)

4. Garlic Butter Sauce

Butter + garlic = pure magic. Slather this over steak, pasta, or seafood. (Full recipe: Garlic Butter)

5. Simple Walnut Pesto

Nutty, herbaceous, and packed with flavor. Use it on pasta, sandwiches, or roasted veggies. (Full recipe: Simple Walnut Pesto)

6. Italian Salsa Verde

A punchy, tangy green sauce that livens up any dish. (Full recipe: Italian Salsa Verde)

7. Green Harissa Sauce

Herbaceous, a little spicy, and oh-so-delicious. The green harissa sauce in this recipe is a real star any way you serve it. (Full recipe: Green Harissa)

8. Pistachio Butter Tzatziki Sauce

Forget everything you thought you knew about Meditteranean flavors, and try our new twist on the classic tzatziki sauce. Our Pistachio Butter Tzatziki is great as a dip or slathered on grilled meats or veggies. (Full recipe: Pistachio Butter Tatziki)

9. BBQ Sauce

This incredibly flavorful BBQ sauce recipe makes a perfect complement to virtually anything you put it on. The deep flavor comes from the addition of California prune puree. (Full recipe: Loquaci Family BBQ Sauce)

10. Homemade Pizza Sauce

Love pizza night? Take it to the next level with this homemade pizza sauce. This sauce is the perfect balance of tangy, savory, and slightly sweet. Whether you’re making a classic Margherita or a loaded veggie pizza, this sauce is a must-have. (Full recipe: Homemade Pizza Sauce)

11. Basic Brown Butter Sauce

Sometimes, simple is best. This basic brown butter sauce is rich, nutty, and perfect for drizzling over pasta, roasted veggies, or even fish. A classic with a touch of elegance. (Full recipe: Brown Butter Sauce)

12. Homemade Mayonnaise

Forget the store-bought stuff—this homemade mayonnaise is rich, creamy, and so much better than anything you’ll find in a jar. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a mayo that’s perfect for sandwiches, dips, and dressings. (Full recipe: Homemade Mayonnaise)

13. No-Cook Fresh Tomato Sauce

Short on time? No problem! This no-cook fresh tomato sauce comes together quick, making it the perfect sauce for summer pasta dishes. Fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil create a bright, vibrant flavor that screams California sunshine. (Full recipe: Fresh Tomato Sauce)

14. Classic Chimichurri Sauce

Herby, garlicky, and packed with flavor, chimichurri sauce is the ultimate topping for grilled meats, veggies, and even sandwiches. If you haven’t tried making it at home, now’s the time. (Full recipe: Chimichurri Sauce)

15. Dairy-Free Basil Cream Sauce

Looking for a creamy sauce without the dairy? This basil cream sauce is velvety smooth and perfect for draping over zoodles or pasta. The best part? It’s completely plant-based, so everyone can enjoy it. (Full recipe: Dairy-Free Basil Cream Sauce)

16. Salted Rum Raisin Honey Caramel Sauce

Sweet, sticky, and downright irresistible. Drizzle this over ice cream, yogurt, or straight into your mouth -no judgment. (Full recipe: Honey Caramel)

17. Fresh Fig Compote

If you haven’t cooked with fresh figs yet, you’re missing out! This fresh fig compote is a luscious, slightly tangy sauce that pairs beautifully with cheese boards, yogurt, or even roasted meats. Bonus: it comes with an easy crème brûlée recipe for those who want to really impress. (Full recipe: Fresh Fig Compote)

18. Strawberry Avocado Salsa

Who said salsa has to be just tomatoes? This fruit-forward twist is refreshing and pairs beautifully with seafood, chicken, or chips. (Full recipe: Strawberry Avocado Salsa)

19. Blueberry Compote

A little sweet, a little tart, and perfect over pancakes, waffles, or ice cream. (Full recipe: Blueberry Compote)

20. Red Wine Chocolate Sauce

Red wine and chocolate? Yes, please! This red wine chocolate sauce is a luscious, decadent topping for desserts, fruit, or even pancakes. Perfect for those who love a little indulgence with a sophisticated twist. (Full recipe: Red Wine Chocolate Sauce)

21. Rhubarb Raspberry Ginger Compote

Sweet, tart, and packed with flavor, this rhubarb raspberry ginger compote is a versatile sauce that pairs beautifully with lots of dishes. If you love bright, punchy flavors, this one’s for you. (Full recipe: Rhubarb Raspberry Ginger Compote)

22. Easy Mixed Berry Sauce

Bursting with juicy strawberries, blueberries, and honey, this quick berry sauce recipe is the perfect way to elevate your favorite desserts. (Full recipe: Easy Mixed Berry Sauce)

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Meal Prep Like a Pro: How to Store Homemade Sauces

So, you’ve got all these sauces—now what? Proper storage is key to keeping your sauces fresh and flavorful. While some sauces are freezer-friendly, not all are, so check the storage directions on the individual recipes.

• Fridge: Most homemade sauces last 5-7 days in an airtight container.
• Freezer: Freeze sauces in ice cube trays for easy portioning. Once frozen, transfer to a sealed bag.

Be sure to label your sauces with the date you made them—trust me, future you will thank you.

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Ready to Make Some Sauce?

Cooking should be fun, and sauces are an easy way to level up your meals. Whether you’re in the mood for a creamy sauce, a bold dipping sauce, or something sweet and sticky, these delicious sauce recipes have got you covered.

Try one (or all) of them, and don’t forget to share your creations! Tag @CAGROWN on social media and let us know what you’re cooking.

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