19 Sweet and Savory Sauces You’ll Want to Make

If you want to elevate your meals with bold flavor, this collection of sauces has everything you need to master both sweet and savory creations. This gallery features barbecue sauces, pesto, marinara, simple syrups, and dessert sauces to help you upgrade everything from weeknight dinners to party spreads. Click through to discover how the right sauce can transform your cooking and bring every dish to life.

Easy Honey Buffalo Wing Sauce at Home

A chicken wing being dipped into a bowl of bright orange buffalo sauce. — Easy Honey Buffalo Wing Sauce at Home. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Easy Honey Buffalo Wing Sauce at Home delivers the perfect balance of sweetness and heat with a buttery, garlicky finish. It clings beautifully to wings, giving each bite bold flavor and a glossy coating. Ideal for game day or casual gatherings, it’s both simple and satisfying. You’ll love how this Easy Honey Buffalo Wing Sauce at Home elevates your favorite snacks.
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Tangy Western North Carolina BBQ Sauce

A wooden bowl of barbecue sauce with a spoon next to shredded meat on a marble surface. — Tangy Western North Carolina BBQ Sauce. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Tangy Western North Carolina BBQ Sauce brings a bold vinegar kick that cuts through rich, smoky meats. Its sharp, zesty flavor is especially perfect for pulled pork. Quick to prepare, it keeps things simple while delivering big taste. This Tangy Western North Carolina BBQ Sauce is a staple for authentic barbecue lovers.
Get the Recipe: Tangy Western North Carolina BBQ Sauce

Quick Creamy Mustard Sauce for Corned Beef

A spoon scooping creamy white sauce from a small white ramekin on a light surface. — Quick Creamy Mustard Sauce for Corned Beef. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Quick Creamy Mustard Sauce for Corned Beef adds a smooth, tangy layer of flavor to your dish. The creamy texture balances the boldness of mustard for a well-rounded finish. It comes together fast, making it ideal for weeknight meals or special dinners. This Quick Creamy Mustard Sauce for Corned Beef is a simple upgrade with big impact.
Get the Recipe: Quick Creamy Mustard Sauce for Corned Beef

Simple Homemade Crab Cake Sauce

A bowl of creamy white dipping sauce garnished with chopped parsley, next to crab cakes and a lemon slice. — Simple Homemade Crab Cake Sauce. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Simple Homemade Crab Cake Sauce enhances crispy crab cakes with a bright, tangy finish. Its smooth consistency complements the delicate seafood without overpowering it. Made with just a few ingredients, it’s quick and reliable. This Simple Homemade Crab Cake Sauce is the perfect pairing for seafood favorites.
Get the Recipe: Simple Homemade Crab Cake Sauce

Roasted Hatch Chile Salsa Verde Dip

A bowl of green salsa with a tortilla chip dipped in it, photographed from above. — Roasted Hatch Chile Salsa Verde Dip. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Roasted Hatch Chile Salsa Verde Dip offers a fresh, zesty flavor with a hint of smoky heat. It’s vibrant and versatile, perfect for dipping chips or topping your favorite dishes. The roasted chiles add depth and complexity to every bite. This Roasted Hatch Chile Salsa Verde Dip brings bold flavor to any table.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Hatch Chile Salsa Verde Dip

Classic New York-Style Pizza Sauce

A spoon spreading tomato sauce on pizza dough. — Classic New York-Style Pizza Sauce. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Classic New York-Style Pizza Sauce delivers a rich, well-balanced flavor that tastes like your favorite slice shop. Slow simmering brings out the natural sweetness and depth of the tomatoes. It spreads easily and bakes into a perfectly seasoned base. This Classic New York-Style Pizza Sauce is a must for homemade pizza nights.
Get the Recipe: Classic New York-Style Pizza Sauce

Quick Microwave Simple Syrup

A clear liquid is being poured from a glass pitcher into a glass filled with ice. — Quick Microwave Simple Syrup. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Quick Microwave Simple Syrup is a fast and easy way to sweeten drinks without any fuss. It dissolves smoothly into iced coffee, tea, or cocktails. With just minutes of prep, it’s incredibly convenient to keep on hand. This Quick Microwave Simple Syrup makes everyday beverages feel a little more special.
Get the Recipe: Quick Microwave Simple Syrup

Homemade Texas BBQ Sauce with Bold Flavor

A spoon drips barbecue sauce into a glass jar, with meat and herbs blurred in the background. — Homemade Texas BBQ Sauce with Bold Flavor. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Homemade Texas BBQ Sauce with Bold Flavor combines sweetness, tang, and a gentle kick for a well-rounded finish. It’s perfect for brushing onto grilled meats or serving on the side. The rich flavor deepens even more after resting. This Homemade Texas BBQ Sauce with Bold Flavor is a go-to for backyard cookouts.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Texas BBQ Sauce with Bold Flavor

Classic Alabama White Sauce for Grilling

Spoon drizzling creamy, seasoned dressing into a glass jar with a blurred lemon and garlic in the background. — Classic Alabama White Sauce for Grilling. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Classic Alabama White Sauce for Grilling is creamy, tangy, and packed with Southern character. Its smooth texture pairs beautifully with smoky grilled meats. The bold flavor stands out without overwhelming the dish. This Classic Alabama White Sauce for Grilling adds something unique to your barbecue spread.
Get the Recipe: Classic Alabama White Sauce for Grilling

Rich and Easy Hot Fudge Sauce

Vanilla ice cream scoops in a bowl topped with chocolate syrup, with a spoon inside the bowl. — Rich and Easy Hot Fudge Sauce. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

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Rich and Easy Hot Fudge Sauce is thick, glossy, and full of deep chocolate flavor. It pours beautifully over ice cream and desserts, creating a decadent finish. Ready in minutes, it’s perfect for quick indulgence. This Rich and Easy Hot Fudge Sauce turns simple treats into something special.
Get the Recipe: Rich and Easy Hot Fudge Sauce

Creamy Homemade Pesto Salad Dressing

Creamy Homemade Pesto Salad Dressing brings bright, herby flavor with a smooth, velvety texture. It coats greens beautifully and adds freshness to any salad. Quick to whisk together, it’s both easy and flavorful. This Creamy Homemade Pesto Salad Dressing is a fresh twist on everyday meals.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Homemade Pesto Salad Dressing

Easy Basil Cashew Pesto Sauce

Easy Basil Cashew Pesto Sauce offers the classic pesto taste with a budget-friendly twist. The cashews create a creamy texture while keeping the flavor rich and nutty. It’s perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or drizzling over vegetables. This Easy Basil Cashew Pesto Sauce is a versatile kitchen staple.
Get the Recipe: Easy Basil Cashew Pesto Sauce

Bold Spicy Cocktail Sauce for Seafood

Bold Spicy Cocktail Sauce for Seafood delivers a zesty kick that pairs perfectly with shrimp and crab. Its bold seasoning adds excitement without overpowering the natural flavors. Quick to prepare, it’s great for entertaining. This Bold Spicy Cocktail Sauce for Seafood is a must for seafood platters.
Get the Recipe: Bold Spicy Cocktail Sauce for Seafood

Rich Brown Sugar Simple Syrup

Rich Brown Sugar Simple Syrup adds deep, caramel-like sweetness to drinks and desserts. It blends smoothly into coffee, cocktails, and more. With just two ingredients, it’s incredibly simple to make. This Rich Brown Sugar Simple Syrup brings warmth and richness to every sip.
Get the Recipe: Rich Brown Sugar Simple Syrup

Sweet and Tangy Kansas City Barbecue Sauce

Sweet and Tangy Kansas City Barbecue Sauce offers a bold, balanced flavor with a rich, slightly sticky finish. It’s perfect for ribs, chicken, and classic barbecue dishes. Letting it rest enhances its depth even more. This Sweet and Tangy Kansas City Barbecue Sauce is a crowd-pleasing favorite.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Tangy Kansas City Barbecue Sauce

Quick Hearty Marinara Sauce

Quick Hearty Marinara Sauce is fresh, vibrant, and ready in no time. The simple ingredients come together to create a comforting, classic flavor. It’s perfect for pasta, dipping, or layering into dishes. This Quick Hearty Marinara Sauce is a reliable go-to for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Quick Hearty Marinara Sauce

Creamy Jalapeno Sour Cream Sauce

Creamy Jalapeno Sour Cream Sauce delivers a cool, tangy base with a subtle kick of heat. Its smooth texture makes it perfect for drizzling or dipping. It pairs well with everything from tacos to grilled meats. This Creamy Jalapeno Sour Cream Sauce adds bold flavor with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Jalapeno Sour Cream Sauce

Salted Chocolate Caramel Sauce Indulgence

Salted Chocolate Caramel Sauce Indulgence combines deep chocolate richness with buttery caramel notes. The hint of salt enhances the sweetness for a perfectly balanced finish. It’s ideal for desserts that need a luxurious touch. This Salted Chocolate Caramel Sauce Indulgence is pure decadence in every drizzle.
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Oven-Baked Homemade Cranberry Sauce

Oven-Baked Homemade Cranberry Sauce offers a sweet-tart flavor with bursts of citrus and a hint of crunch. Baking brings out a deeper, richer taste without constant stirring. It’s a refreshing addition to holiday meals or everyday dishes. This Oven-Baked Homemade Cranberry Sauce is a timeless favorite with an easy twist.
Get the Recipe: Oven-Baked Homemade Cranberry Sauce