Whether it’s a family cookout or a solo supper, there’s almost always an item that slips past the grocery list.
That’s especially true for sauces and spreads.
For instance, a bottle of ketchup sits in my fridge for months. Yet when I need a fresh one, it hardly justifies a special trip to the store. That’s why I often whip up a small batch of homemade ketchup — perfect when I only need a few tablespoons for a hot dog.
Preparing your own condiments saves you from an extra grocery run and cuts down on waste. After all, why purchase an entire bottle of something when you only require a spoonful or two?
10 Homemade Condiments You Can Whip Up Yourself
Below are a handful of recipes I turn to when I’m short on supplies.
1. Homemade Ketchup
- 1 cup chopped tomatoes
- 2 teaspoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
This simple ketchup formula from Sweet Phi is a real time-saver. Like many, I reach for ketchup more than most condiments, but I’m not keen on the excess sugar in commercial versions. This 16-serving mix not only guarantees real tomatoes, but it’s flavorful, healthier, and costs under $1.
2. Whole-Grain Mustard
- ½ cup yellow mustard seeds
- ¼ cup brown mustard seeds
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup pale ale beer
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoon honey
- ½ teaspoon salt
Given the ingredients, this whole-grain mustard from Kevin Is Cooking is far from the typical bright-yellow variety. Yielding about 72 servings, it’s ideal for fancier meals or backyard gatherings. At roughly $2 to prepare, it’s tough to beat.
3. Barbecue Sauce
- 1 ½ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup mustard
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- Optional: salt
This easy barbecue sauce from Cook the Story adds a homemade touch to any grill session. One batch makes about 14 servings, making this three-ingredient mix especially handy. You can even use your own ketchup and mustard to make it fully homemade.
4. Tartar Sauce
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon relish
- Optional: lemon, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste
This is my standard tartar sauce whenever I make fish. I rarely keep a store-bought jar on hand, so I mix mayo, my favorite stone-ground mustard, and relish in a small bowl. At about 30 cents for five portions, it’s a bargain. And if you’re out of mayonnaise, there’s a homemade version for that too!
5. Buffalo Sauce
- ⅓ cup of butter
- ½ cup hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 2 teaspoon garlic
I usually enjoy Buffalo sauce only with wings, and this recipe from Growing Up Gabel is perfect for impromptu wing nights. This three-serving batch is easy to adapt — add extra garlic if you like more flavor or more hot sauce for extra heat. It gives you precisely what you want for around $1.30.
6. Mayonnaise
- 1 raw egg
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- ⅔ cup vegetable oil
- Optional: salt and pepper
Variations of this mayo method are everywhere, but I favor a minimal approach. Combine a raw egg, apple cider vinegar, and vegetable oil in a high-speed blender (or use an immersion blender). For additional depth, experiment with spices, lemon juice, or Dijon mustard. This 14-serving batch saves shelf space and delivers the exact flavor and texture you want for about $1.50.
7. Salad Dressing
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 cup olive oil
- 3 teaspoon stone-ground mustard
- ½ teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Optional spices: onion powder, oregano, basil, Italian seasoning, lemon juice, salt and pepper
As fans of a classic oil-and-vinegar dressing, this everything-but-the-kitchen-sink mix has become a staple in my household. It’s quick, tidy, and costs around $2.60 for 26 servings. The base ratio is one part balsamic to two parts olive oil — then add or omit ingredients to suit your taste. Combine everything in a jar, shake, and you’re done!
8. Marinara Sauce
- 6-ounce can of tomato paste
- ¼ cup warm water
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 1 clove of garlic
- Optional seasonings: salt, pepper, oregano, basil, thyme, italian seasoning and red pepper flakes
This mason-jar friendly marinara comes in handy for pizza, pasta, bread — you name it. It’s simple to customize. For a quick option, stick to the basic sauce; it costs about $1.12 for just under three servings.
If you want something more elaborate, try fresh herbs, extra spices, or additions like sundried tomatoes or pine nuts. Tip for solo diners: if you don’t use the whole can of tomato paste, spoon the remainder into a plastic bag and freeze it for next time.
9. Hummus
- 16-ounce can of chickpeas
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove of garlic
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Optional: salt and pepper
While not strictly a condiment, this hummus is excellent on sandwiches, crackers, or chips. At about $1.86, this recipe serves six, making it affordable and simple — and I find it tastier than many store-bought options. I blend the ingredients for 3–5 minutes, depending on desired smoothness. Garnish with extra spices, and you won’t miss the tahini.
10. Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- ½ cup peeled, seeded and diced cucumber
- 1 teaspoon dill
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Optional: salt and pepper
I adore tzatziki, though it’s not always easy to find in stores. At roughly $1.90 for 12 servings, this version from Favorite Family Recipes is a wonderful addition to grilled meats or a plate of pita. I usually add an extra splash of lemon and a pinch more dill for brightness.
Condiments are deceptively easy to spend on because individual items seem inexpensive. But those small purchases add up. Next time you’re short on staples, raid your pantry — you might just uncover a new favorite recipe!
Alex Reed is a contributor to Savinly.
