8 Homemade Condiments – Delicious and Cheap!

I love whipping up homemade condiments in my kitchen. There’s something special about creating your own sauces and spreads from scratch. Not only do they taste amazing, but they’re often much cheaper than store-bought versions.

Making your own condiments allows you to control the ingredients and customize flavors to your liking. In this article, I’ll share some of my favorite homemade condiment recipes that are both delicious and budget-friendly. These easy recipes will elevate your meals without breaking the bank.

1) Garlic Aioli

I love whipping up homemade garlic aioli. It’s a creamy, garlicky sauce that elevates any dish. Making it from scratch is surprisingly easy and way cheaper than store-bought versions.

To start, I mince a few cloves of fresh garlic. Then, I whisk together an egg yolk, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard in a bowl. Slowly, I drizzle in olive oil while whisking constantly to emulsify the mixture.

Once it’s thick and creamy, I fold in the minced garlic and season with salt and pepper. The result is a smooth, flavorful aioli that’s perfect for dipping fries, spreading on sandwiches, or drizzling over roasted vegetables.

I like to experiment with different variations too. Sometimes I add herbs like basil or tarragon for extra flavor. Other times, I use roasted garlic instead of raw for a milder, sweeter taste.

Making garlic aioli at home lets me control the ingredients and adjust the flavors to my liking. Plus, it’s so much more satisfying than buying it from the store.

2) Spicy Sriracha Mayo

I love adding a kick to my sandwiches and burgers with this easy-to-make spicy sriracha mayo. It’s a simple blend of mayonnaise and sriracha sauce that packs a flavorful punch.

To make it, I mix 1/2 cup of mayonnaise with 2 tablespoons of sriracha sauce. I adjust the ratio to taste, adding more sriracha for extra heat or more mayo to tone it down.

Sometimes I like to get creative and add a squeeze of lime juice or a dash of garlic powder for extra zing. This versatile condiment is great for dipping fries or veggies too.

I store my homemade sriracha mayo in an airtight container in the fridge. It usually stays fresh for about a week, but it rarely lasts that long in my house!

Making this at home saves me money compared to store-bought versions. Plus, I can control the ingredients and spice level to suit my preferences.

3) Zesty Lemon Tahini

I love making zesty lemon tahini at home. It’s a creamy, tangy condiment that elevates many dishes. The best part? It’s incredibly simple to whip up with just a few ingredients.

To make it, I start with high-quality tahini paste. I squeeze in fresh lemon juice for that zippy flavor. A touch of garlic adds depth, while salt enhances all the tastes.

I like to thin the mixture with a bit of water until it reaches my desired consistency. Sometimes I add a drizzle of olive oil for extra richness.

This versatile sauce is perfect for falafel, roasted vegetables, or as a salad dressing. I often use it as a dip for raw veggies or spread it on sandwiches.

The homemade version tastes so much better than store-bought. Plus, I can adjust the flavors to my liking. It keeps well in the fridge for about a week, but it rarely lasts that long in my house!

4) Classic BBQ Sauce

I love whipping up a batch of homemade BBQ sauce. It’s so easy and tastes way better than store-bought versions. Plus, I can adjust the flavors to suit my taste perfectly.

To make my go-to BBQ sauce, I start with a tomato base. Ketchup works great, or I’ll use tomato paste if I want a thicker consistency.

Next, I add some sweetness with brown sugar or honey. A splash of apple cider vinegar gives it that tangy kick I crave.

For spices, I mix in garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. A dash of Worcestershire sauce adds depth, while liquid smoke brings that authentic BBQ flavor.

I simmer everything together for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps the flavors meld and thicken the sauce.

Once it’s cooled, I store my BBQ sauce in a clean jar in the fridge. It keeps well for several weeks, though it rarely lasts that long in my house!

5) Fresh Basil Pesto

I love making fresh basil pesto at home. It’s incredibly easy and tastes so much better than store-bought versions. Plus, it’s a great way to use up extra basil from my garden.

To make it, I blend fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil in a food processor. The result is a vibrant green sauce bursting with flavor.

I often use my homemade pesto as a pasta sauce or spread it on sandwiches. It’s also delicious mixed into mayonnaise for a quick dip or drizzled over grilled vegetables.

One of my favorite things about homemade pesto is how versatile it is. I can adjust the ingredients to suit my taste or what I have on hand. Sometimes I swap out the pine nuts for walnuts or use a different hard cheese instead of Parmesan.

Making pesto at home also allows me to control the quality of ingredients. I can use fresh, organic basil and high-quality olive oil for the best flavor.

6) Sweet Bourbon Glaze

I love making this sweet bourbon glaze at home. It’s perfect for brushing on grilled meats or drizzling over desserts. The rich, caramel-like flavor is irresistible.

To make it, I start with 1/2 cup of bourbon whiskey in a saucepan. I add 1/4 cup of brown sugar and 2 tablespoons of honey. A pinch of salt helps balance the sweetness.

I simmer the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally. As it cooks, it thickens and becomes syrupy. The alcohol cooks off, leaving behind a deep, complex flavor.

After about 10 minutes, I remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. It continues to thicken as it cools. I store any leftovers in a jar in the fridge.

This homemade glaze is so much better than store-bought versions. I can control the ingredients and adjust the sweetness to my liking. Plus, it’s more affordable to make at home.

7) Homemade Tzatziki

I love making tzatziki at home. It’s a refreshing Greek yogurt-based sauce that pairs perfectly with grilled meats, vegetables, and pita bread.

To make it, I start with thick Greek yogurt as the base. I grate a cucumber and squeeze out the excess moisture. Then I mix it into the yogurt.

Next, I add minced garlic, fresh dill, lemon juice, and a drizzle of olive oil. A pinch of salt brings all the flavors together.

I find homemade tzatziki tastes so much better than store-bought versions. It’s fresher and I can adjust the flavors to my liking.

Making tzatziki is also budget-friendly. The ingredients are inexpensive and easy to find at any grocery store.

I like to make a big batch and keep it in the fridge. It stays fresh for several days, making it perfect for quick meals and snacks.

8) Honey Dijon Mustard

I love making my own honey Dijon mustard at home. It’s so easy and tastes way better than store-bought versions. Plus, I can control the sweetness and spiciness to get it just right.

To make it, I mix Dijon mustard with honey and a splash of apple cider vinegar. Sometimes I add a pinch of salt or a dash of garlic powder for extra flavor. It only takes a few minutes to whip up a batch.

This homemade condiment is perfect for sandwiches, wraps, and salad dressings. I also use it as a dipping sauce for pretzels or chicken nuggets. The sweet and tangy flavor enhances so many dishes.

I like to store my honey Dijon mustard in a clean glass jar in the fridge. It usually keeps well for a couple of weeks, but I often use it up much quicker. The flavors actually get better after a day or two.

Making this condiment at home saves me money and reduces plastic waste from store-bought bottles. It’s become a staple in my kitchen, and I love sharing it with friends and family.

Benefits of Homemade Condiments

Making your own condiments at home offers several advantages. I’ve found it’s a great way to save money, control ingredients, and customize flavors to my liking.

Cost-Effectiveness

Homemade condiments can be incredibly budget-friendly. I’ve noticed significant savings by preparing staples like ketchup and mayonnaise in my kitchen.

Store-bought options often come with a markup for packaging and branding. By buying ingredients in bulk, I can make larger quantities at a fraction of the cost.

Many homemade condiments use common pantry items I already have on hand. This reduces the need for special shopping trips and helps me avoid food waste.

Healthier Ingredients

I love that I can control exactly what goes into my homemade condiments. This allows me to avoid preservatives, artificial colors, and excess sugars often found in commercial versions.

I can opt for high-quality, organic ingredients when making condiments at home. This gives me peace of mind about what I’m putting into my body.

For those with dietary restrictions or allergies, homemade condiments offer a safe alternative. I can easily swap out ingredients to make vegan mayo or sugar-free BBQ sauce.

Customization

Making condiments at home lets me tailor flavors to my personal preferences. I can adjust spice levels, sweetness, and acidity to create the perfect taste.

I enjoy experimenting with unique ingredient combinations. This has led to some delicious discoveries, like a roasted garlic aioli that’s become a family favorite.

Homemade condiments allow for seasonal variations. I can incorporate fresh herbs from my garden or use local produce to create limited-edition flavors.

Custom condiments make great gifts. I’ve surprised friends with jars of homemade hot sauce and received rave reviews.

Common Ingredients Used

Creating homemade condiments is a breeze with everyday kitchen staples. I’ve found that a few key ingredient categories form the foundation for most DIY sauces and spreads.

Fresh Herbs and Spices

I love using fresh herbs to add vibrant flavors to my homemade condiments. Basil, cilantro, and parsley are my go-to choices for green sauces and dressings. Dried spices like garlic powder, paprika, and cumin bring depth and complexity.

For a kick of heat, I reach for fresh chili peppers or red pepper flakes. Ginger and turmeric root add a zesty, earthy touch to Asian-inspired sauces.

I always keep a variety of seeds on hand too. Mustard seeds are essential for homemade mustards, while sesame seeds add nutty flavor to dressings.

Natural Sweeteners

When I need to balance flavors or add a touch of sweetness, I turn to natural options. Honey is my favorite all-purpose sweetener for its rich flavor and smooth texture. Maple syrup works wonderfully in barbecue sauces and glazes.

For a lower glycemic option, I use coconut sugar or stevia. Dates make an excellent base for sweet and tangy chutneys.

I also love incorporating fresh or dried fruits. Apples, raisins, and figs add natural sweetness and interesting textures to relishes and spreads.

Vinegars and Oils

A well-stocked pantry of vinegars and oils is crucial for homemade condiments. I always have apple cider vinegar, balsamic vinegar, and rice vinegar on hand. These add acidity and depth to dressings and sauces.

For oils, extra virgin olive oil is my go-to for its rich flavor. I also use neutral oils like grapeseed or avocado for lighter dressings.

Nut oils like walnut or hazelnut can add a gourmet touch to vinaigrettes. Toasted sesame oil is perfect for Asian-inspired condiments.

I find that mixing different vinegars and oils creates unique flavor profiles. Experimenting with these combinations has led to some of my favorite homemade condiments.