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Whether you’re grilling burgers or steak, no cookout is complete without the most essential condiments on hand. Why settle for store-bought though, when you can make homemade condiments with items from your pantry?

We’ve got everything from Homemade Croutons & Caesar Salad Dressing and Peach Preserves to more unique flavors like Lavender Infused Sugar and Black Aioli Sauce to Golden Turmeric Paste and Santa Maria Tri-Tip Rub.

We also have a recipes for spice seasonings that will take your grilling to the next level.

A collage with four condiment recipes.
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Why Make Homemade Condiments?

Making your own condiments economical, as well as fun. You get the change to create your own own ‘secret sauce’, or spice rub.

There are a few reasons to make any of these delicious, essential condiment recipes:

  • They’re fresher and tastier than store-bought condiments.
  • Unique. You can control the ingredients, so you can be sure they’re free of artificial flavors and preservatives.
  • Versatile. You can customize the flavors to your own taste.
  • They’re delicious. They’re a great way to use up fresh herbs and vegetables from your garden.

So what are you waiting for?

Next time you’re looking for a special sauce, seasoning, or way to jazz up your recipe, try one of these homemade condiment recipes.

Croutons on a Caesar salad.
5 from 13 votes

Homemade Croutons and Caesar Salad Dressing

This recipe for homemade croutons and caesar salad dressing is easy to prepare and can be made in advance. All that is needed for a great caesar salad is the torn romaine lettuce
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Guacamole in a molcajete.
5 from 13 votes

Molcajete Guacamole (Mortar and Pestle)

Using a molcajete or mortar and pestle will give you the best guacamole you have ever had. Smashing the ingredients releases the natural oils and flavors in a way that you just can’t achieve by chopping with a knife.
This is guacamole done right, and it doesn't take a lot of ingredients. If you have ever had tableside guacamole at a restaurant, this is how they make it!
If you don't have a molcajete, simply use a mortar and pestle instead. If it isn't large enough to hold all the ingredients, no problem! Make a paste from the onions and herbs, then transfer it to a bowl and mash it with the avocados.
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a spoonful of red chimichurri being removed from the bowl
5 from 3 votes

Red chimichurri

Red Chimichurri is a vibrant, bold Argentinian sauce made with roasted red peppers as its base. Added fresh herbs and spices give it a perfect balance of flavors. It is just as versatile as its cousin, the green chimichurri.
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A jar of Carolina gold bbq sauce.
5 from 1 vote

Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce

Carolina gold BBQ sauce is the perfect combination of tangy, zesty, and sweet with a touch of heat. This mustard based sauce can be used as a marinade or glaze and makes the perfect complement to your favorite BBQ dishes like pulled pork, ribs, beef brisket, and chicken.
The bold flavor in this gold sauce was inspired by one of our favorite bbq restaurants. If you want to mellow the flavors a bit, use the optional tomato paste.
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A spoon next to a jar of peach preserves.
5 from 2 votes

Peach Preserves

Savor the juicy flavors of fresh peaches! This easy recipe uses only a few ingredients to produce a supply of bright, sweet peach preserves to enjoy all year long.
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Homemade fresh strawberry jam in a mason jar with a spoon.

Fresh Strawberry Jam

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Mint sauce in a serving dish.
4.91 from 10 votes

Mint Sauce for Lamb

This mint sauce is a perfect complement to lamb. Lemon, Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, pine nuts, and just a hint of garlic give this sauce a burst of flavor.

The flavors come together for a truly delicious meal when served alongside juicy, roasted lamb. It pairs especially with lamb and goes well with pasta, roasted vegetables, and fish. Plus, it only takes minutes to make!
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Herbs and spices for Pot roast seasoning
4.93 from 14 votes

Pot Roast Seasoning

This pot roast seasoning is the perfect blend of herbs and spices that will enhance the savory flavors of a pot beef and vegetables.
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Pouring sake soy marinade over beef steaks.
5 from 4 votes

Japanese Marinade

This Japanese sake marinade is perfect for adding flavor and juiciness to chicken, beef, pork, or seafood. Plus, it's easy to make and only requires a few simple ingredients.
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A mason jar filled with yellow curry paste next to dried red chilies.

Thai Yellow Curry Paste

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A glass jar filled with turmeric paste.
4.88 from 16 votes

Golden Turmeric Paste

Golden turmeric paste (aka golden paste) is a concentrated paste made from coconut oil, turmeric, and other spices that you can use to make tea, a golden milk latte, or stir into yogurt, smoothies, salad dressings, and curry sauces.
The warm spices and earthy flavors make a delicious and healthy drink.
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Roasted garlic spread on a piece of toast.
4.91 from 22 votes

Roasted Garlic Spread

This smooth, creamy Roasted Garlic Spread is addictive! Roasting garlic magically transforms the flavor into a nutty, mellow flavor. Spread it on toasted baguette slices for a quick and easy appetizer.
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Tri tip rub in a jar with a spoon in front.
4.50 from 54 votes

Santa Maria Tri-Tip Rub

This Santa Maria rub is the perfect flavor combination for any cut of beef. With a mix of spices, brown sugar and espresso coffee and a little kick from Ancho chili flakes.
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a mason jar of buttermilk ranch salad dressing and a spoon
5 from 3 votes

Buttermilk Ranch Salad Dressing

Our homemade stick blender Buttermilk Ranch Salad Dressing takes 5 minutes to prepare and has a fresh taste unmatched with store-bought dressings Made right in a jar, just blend it, stir in the fresh herbs, pop the lid on the jar and refrigerate until ready to use.
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Homemade taco seasoning in a spice jar.
5 from 7 votes

Chicken Taco Seasoning Blend

This homemade taco seasoning is fast, easy and wholesome. There is a slight smokey flavor from chipotle chili powder that makes this spice blend stand out. It is more than a Mexican spice blend and goes well with any kind of meat.
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A fork picking up some caramelized onions.
5 from 6 votes

Caramelized Onions

The long, slow cooking intensifies the sugar in these onions to caramelize into a savory goodness! Use these savory-sweet caramelized onion to top off a burger, stir into a quiche or make a French onion soup!
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A jar of cajun seasoning mix.
5 from 4 votes

Cajun Seasoning Mix

A delicious Cajun seasoning mix which is the perfect amount of hot and has a bit of sweetness. I use this all the time for pork or chicken on the barbeque. The smoked paprika really compliments the smoke flavor of the wood chips in the grill. Store it in an airtight container and use it over and over again!
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Barbeque seasoning blend in a jar

Homemade BBQ Seasoning Rub

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A pile of homemade dried onion soup mix.
5 from 2 votes

Homemade Onion Soup Mix

This homemade onion soup mix is lower in sodium and healthier than the storebought version. Thanks to some special ingredients, it is big on flavor.
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lavender infused sugar packaged for a gift
4.67 from 15 votes

Lavender-Infused Sugar

This lavender infused sugar will give your sugar a special hint of citrus and floral notes. It’s a gourmet-level sugar that will add a distinct boost in flavor to drinks, baked goods and just about anything your little heart can imagine.
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lamb and beef shawarma spice rub
4.94 from 15 votes

Lamb and Beef Shawarma Spice Mix

A delicious blend of spices with the right balance of flavors for a traditional lamb or beef shawarma. This spice mix can be used as a dry rub or it can be mixed with with olive oil and vinegar to make an amazing marinade.
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A jar filled with hollandaise sauce.
5 from 3 votes

Immersion Blender Hollandaise Sauce

Using an immersion blender makes this a fast, fuss-free, and easy recipe. This sauce comes together in minutes and has 4 variations to switch up the flavor.
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A sliced log of truffle compound butter with 3 truffles in the background.

Black Truffle Butter, a 2-ingredient recipe!

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Pouring salt into sliced crevices of a lemon to make preserved lemons.

Preserved Lemons- an easy recipe with bold flavor

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A serving of homemade kimchee on a dinner plate.

Kimchee an Easy Traditional Recipe (VIDEO)

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basil pesto

Basil Pesto

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A fork scooping out some pickled onions from a jar.

Quick Pickled Red Onions

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Popular Condiment Serving Options

These essential condiments recipes are easy to make, and they’re sure to impress your guests.

  • Serve these condiment recipes on the side of your grilled meats and vegetables.
  • Use them as dipping sauces for chips, vegetables, or french fries.
  • Add them to sandwiches, wraps, or salads.
  • Use them as marinades or glazes for grilled meats.

Tips for Success

  • Start with high-quality ingredients.
  • Use fresh herbs and spices whenever possible.
  • Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors.
  • Store your condiments in airtight containers in the refrigerator (or in a cool pantry for non-refrigerated items).

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some basic ingredients that I need to make homemade condiments?

Some basic ingredients that you will need to make homemade condiments include oil, vinegar, spices, pickles, fruits, juices, vegetables, tomato paste, and salt.

How long do homemade condiments last?

The shelf life of homemade condiments varies depending on the type of condiment. In general, condiments that are made with vinegar or oil will last for several months if stored in a cool, dark place. Condiments that are made with dairy products or fresh herbs will have a shorter shelf life.

How do I store homemade condiments?

Homemade condiments should be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This will help to keep them fresh and prevent them from spoiling.

About Kelly Bloom

Hi, I’m Kelly! and I have a love affair with herbs & spices! I’m all about creating easy, delicious, and budget friendly meals that have three aspects: flavor, aroma, and texture.
You can see my recipes at my Smells Like Delish blog. →

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