30 Sauces You’ll Want to Drizzle on Everything

Sauces can take a good meal and make it great, and the ones in this list are the kind you’ll want to keep on repeat. They’re bold, easy to make, and packed with the kind of flavor that makes people ask what’s in it. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, these are the go-to finishing touches that bring everything together.

Garlic aioli in a mixing bowl with a spoon in it, garlic cloves, and dill around it. — Garlic Aioli. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Garlic Butter Sauce

An image of garlic butter pasta. — Garlic Butter Sauce. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This garlic butter sauce is ready in just 7 minutes and works well with pasta, pizza, or vegetables. It adds depth through its buttery garlic flavor.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Sauce

Elevated Canned Cranberry Sauce

A close up view of cranberry sauce in white bowl, with a spoon and oranges in the background. — Elevated Canned Cranberry Sauce. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Made with only five ingredients, this canned cranberry sauce is simple to prepare. Its sweet-tart flavor cuts through rich or savory dishes.
Get the Recipe: Elevated Canned Cranberry Sauce

Basil Cream Sauce

Basil cream sauce is made with fresh herbs and a smooth texture, ready in 15 minutes. It brings creamy herb notes that match well with pasta dishes.
Get the Recipe: Basil Cream Sauce

Creamy Burrito Sauce

Creamy burrito sauce has tangy and slightly spicy notes, balancing smoothness with heat. It works especially well with Mexican-inspired meals.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Burrito Sauce

Easy Homemade Raita

An overhead view of homemade raita served in a brown bowl. — Easy Homemade Raita. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Raita is a yogurt-based condiment from India that's easy to prepare and cools down bold flavors. It brings a refreshing contrast to heavier or spicier meals.
Get the Recipe: Easy Homemade Raita

Creamy Vegan Alfredo Sauce

Vegan Alfredo sauce has a creamy texture and comes together from pantry basics. It adds smoothness to pasta and vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Vegan Alfredo Sauce

West African Pepper Sauce

Close-up image of African pepper sauce in a bowl. — West African Pepper Sauce. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This African pepper sauce, made from bell peppers, habaneros, and tomatoes, is balanced through quick parboiling. It contributes spice and extra depth to any dish.
Get the Recipe: West African Pepper Sauce

Spicy Sriracha Aioli Sauce

Sriracha aioli is a quick way to add bold heat to any dish. It enhances flavor and spice with minimal prep time.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Sriracha Aioli Sauce

Garlic Aioli

Garlic aioli skips raw eggs and delivers a smooth, garlicky finish in less time. It adds bold flavor and texture to sides or sandwiches.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Aioli

Golden Sunflower Seed Sauce

Sunflower seed sauce with turmeric, garlic, and cilantro is quick to make and works in many dishes. Its fresh taste suits salads or vegetable-based meals.
Get the Recipe: Golden Sunflower Seed Sauce

Easy Poblano Sauce

A close-up image of poblano sauce in a glass jar placed on a wooden board. — Easy Poblano Sauce. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Roasted peppers and cashews give this vegan poblano sauce its creamy base, done in under 30 minutes. It adds complexity with its mild heat and richness.
Get the Recipe: Easy Poblano Sauce

Mojo Verde

Mojo verde uses fresh herbs and tangy notes to freshen up food. It gives dishes a brighter edge that doesn't overwhelm.
Get the Recipe: Mojo Verde

Homemade Cranberry Sauce

A close up photo of fresh cranberry sauce placed in a white bowl with spoon, oranges and fresh cranberries in the background. — Homemade Cranberry Sauce. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

A second cranberry sauce option uses fresh or frozen fruit for a more vibrant result. It brings a clean, fruity contrast to hearty dishes.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Cranberry Sauce

Hogao

Hogao, a tomato and onion sauce from Colombia, adds deep flavor to traditional dishes. It introduces richness without overshadowing the main ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Hogao

Creamy Peanut Sauce

Creamy peanut sauce comes together quickly and can be used as a dip, dressing, or drizzle. Its nutty flavor adds a rich, grounded base to various meals.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Peanut Sauce

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Garlic Parmesan sauce is rich and cheesy, and it’s easy to make with basic ingredients. It adds depth to pasta, vegetables, or sandwiches.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Italian Garlic Marinara Sauce

Italian garlic marinara made with fresh ingredients is a strong alternative to store-bought options. It brings bold and clean flavors to pasta or tomato-based dishes.
Get the Recipe: Italian Garlic Marinara Sauce

Lemon Ginger Coconut Milk Sauce

Lemon ginger coconut milk sauce has a creamy texture and tangy citrus note. It brings brightness and smooth feel to dishes.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Ginger Coconut Milk Sauce

Sweet and Sour Sauce

Sweet and sour sauce combines tangy and sugary elements in a simple recipe. It contributes contrast that brings more layers to the final dish.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Sauce

Mojo Rojo

Mojo rojo from the Canary Islands is bold and spicy, often used to bring strong flavor to a dish. It creates an extra layer of heat and sharpness.
Get the Recipe: Mojo Rojo

Kale Pesto Sauce

Vegan kale pesto is ready in less than 5 minutes and works across different meals. Its fresh, herby flavor makes it a quick and reliable option.
Get the Recipe: Kale Pesto Sauce

Easy Romesco Sauce

This almond butter Romesco is simple to make and keeps a rich consistency. It brings nutty depth to vegetables, grains, or proteins.
Get the Recipe: Easy Romesco Sauce

Basil Aioli

Basil aioli uses garlic and lemon in a creamy sauce that fits into many dishes. It offers fresh notes that balance richer components.
Get the Recipe: Basil Aioli

5-Minute Pizza Aioli

Pizza aioli uses garlic to create a creamy sauce perfect for drizzling or dipping. It adds boldness and texture to simple pizza or snack meals.
Get the Recipe: 5-Minute Pizza Aioli

Cilantro Lime Sauce

This cilantro lime sauce comes together in just 5 minutes and pairs well with salads, tacos, and more. Its fresh flavor adds brightness without taking over the dish.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Sauce

Tzatziki Sauce

Tzatziki is a cold cucumber and yogurt-based sauce used widely in Greek and Turkish meals. It offers a cool, smooth counterbalance.
Get the Recipe: Tzatziki Sauce

Cranberry Sauce with Dried Cranberries

Close up of cranberry sauce made with dried cranberries. — Cranberry Sauce with Dried Cranberries. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This cranberry sauce made with dried cranberries is quick to prepare and often used in holiday meals. Its tart-sweet balance works well with rich meats.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Sauce with Dried Cranberries

Sauce Algérienne

Algerian sauce is a creamy, spicy condiment used across North Africa. It adds body and a subtle heat that suits many types of meals.
Get the Recipe: Sauce Algérienne

Creamy Avocado Sauce

Avocado sauce works with tacos, burritos, or bowls and features bright, clean flavors. It offers creamy support that complements bold ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Avocado Sauce

Homemade Taco Sauce

Taco sauce combines tang, spice, and a little smokiness in a quick and easy recipe. It rounds out the flavor in tacos and wraps.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Taco Sauce