Easy Homemade Condiment Recipes

Your taste buds will thank you

More often than not, store-bought condiments are packed with insane amounts of sugar and ingredients we can't pronounce. And while it's certainly easier to grab a bottle of barbecue sauce or jar of mayonnaise at the supermarket, it's just as convenient to make them at home.

Here are seven easy recipes that taste better made from scratch.

① Mayonnaise

Homemade mayonnaise might seem intimidating to prepare, but it's actually pretty easy once you know what you're doing. This condiment is the base for so many other sauces and dressings that once you master it, you'll never look back. Plus, thanks to the richness and flavor mayo adds, you'll use it in everything from dips to deviled eggs to gratins.

② Aioli

Turn that homemade mayonnaise into a garlic-spiced aioli you'll want to put on everything. Dunk fried fish or french fries in it, slather it on a sandwich or dollop it onto roast potatoes and vegetables.

③ Pesto

This silky sauce's main ingredients are basil, pine nuts, Parmigiano-Reggiano and olive oil. Simple, right? Toss it with your favorite pasta or stir it into creamy ricotta for a perfect spring crostini topper.

④ Green Goddess Dressing

No one can resist this velvety mayonnaise-based dressing packed with herbs like tarragon, chervil and chives. Traditionally drizzled over greens, it's also delicious served as a dip for vegetables or topping for grilled fish. 

⑤ Pimento Cheese

This simple spread made with cheddar, red bell pepper and mayonnaise will take your grilled cheese sandwich to new heights. It also helps that it's one of the easiest party appetizers you'll ever prepare. 

⑥ Barbecue Sauce

Homemade barbecue sauce is the secret weapon to any successful backyard party. There are dozens of variations you can make, ranging from spicy to sweet, to be used for chicken, ribs, pork, burgers and more. 

⑦ Quick-Pickled Vegetables

A basic brine for a quick pickle is equal parts vinegar and water, which can be customized with herbs and other spices to taste. You can also adapt this recipe for almost any seasonal vegetables, like cucumbers, peppers, radishes, beets, turnips, rhubarb and green beans. Add to a charcuterie board or even a Bloody Mary.

 

Green Goddess Dressing

 

Basil Pesto

Bourbon-Chile Barbecue Sauce

Hoisin Barbecue Sauce

Burnt Onion Steak Sauce

Pickled Radishes

Quick-Pickled Rhubarb

Aioli

Calabrian Chile Aioli