18 Timeless Sauces Just Like Grandma Used to Make
There’s something special about homemade sauces that instantly make a meal taste better—especially when they come straight from Grandma’s kitchen! These 18 timeless sauces have been passed down through generations, adding rich flavors and comforting nostalgia to every dish. From creamy gravies to classic pasta toppings, these recipes are packed with old-fashioned goodness. Get ready to bring a touch of tradition to your cooking with these tried-and-true favorites!
Peach Freezer Jam

Fresh homemade Peach Jam is easy to make and tastes 1,000x better than any jam from the store! It takes just 30 minutes and five simple ingredients to make a year’s worth of jewel-colored jars of homemade jam!
How to Make Hot Honey
Learn How to Make Hot Honey at home easily with only 2 simple ingredients! This homemade hot honey recipe combines pure honey and fresh or dried chiles to create an irresistible spicy-sweet condiment to drizzle over many delicious foods like fried chicken, pizza, biscuits and more.
Onion Gravy
This simple onion gravy is a marvellous recipe that can be made in lightning quick time!
Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce
All you need is some cranberries, sugar, oranges, and an Instant Pot and you have the easiest Easy Cranberry Sauce! To make the flavor even better, this Cranberry Sauce with Orange Juice also features a slight cinnamon flavor. And you’ll love the 2-minute cooking time almost as much as you love the taste.
Pistachio Pesto
This recipe replaces the traditional pine nuts in pesto with a unique flavor… pistachios! Make this recipe for a nuttier, slightly sweeter pesto recipe that pairs well with pasta, pizza, proteins, and more.
Easy pasta sauce recipe
There has never been an easy pasta sauce recipe easier than Marcella Hazan’s Tomato Sauce — on this, you have my word. And what’s better is that just because this pasta sauce is easy doesn’t mean it’s not delicious. Keep reading for instructions on how to throw this yummy sauce together!
Homemade Pizza Sauce Recipe
If you’re making homemade pizza for dinner, skip the jarred pizza sauce. Instead, make this Easy Pizza Sauce from Scratch with ingredients you already have in your pantry! Making Homemade Pizza Sauce is easy and so worth it. You’re going to love it.
The Best Vodka Sauce Recipe in the Instant Pot
This recipe is the Best Vodka Sauce out there! This recipe is made in the Instant Pot, so it takes only a few minutes and zero effort to throw together. And it is 100% delicious. You can make this recipe with Pappardelle Noodles or penne!
Easy Tzatziki Sauce
Whether you’re serving it on gyros, eating it with pita, or enjoying it with veggies, you’ll love this Greek dip! Made with greek yogurt, cucumbers, and garlic, Greek Tzatziki Sauce is light, fresh, and versatile.
3 Ingredient Honey Mustard
Honey Mustard is a very versatile condiment perfect for salads, sandwiches and dipping. Making your own at home is super easy and allows you to achieve the exact flavor you’re craving!
Creamy Horseradish Sauce Recipe
Good beef doesn’t need a sauce, right? But even the best beef can use a sidekick and this homemade horseradish sauce recipe is the perfect match. It is quick and easy, perfect for any steak, roast, or turkey.
Savory Herb Turkey Gravy
Savory Herb Turkey Gravy is the absolute best homemade turkey gravy from turkey drippings that you can serve with your Thanksgiving dinner. This simple recipe starts by making a homemade turkey stock from the giblets which easily gets transformed into the best tasting gravy you can make.
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Homemade Compound Butter
Making Homemade Compound Butter is a fantastic trick to have up your sleeve to take any recipe to the next level. Also known as herb butter, this special condiment is so versatile allowing you to get creative and add in your own flavor. Not to mention, it’s so easy to make and super fun to serve!
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Cranberry Syrup
Tart and sweet, this homemade cranberry syrup recipe is perfect for the holidays! The festive colors and flavors will be a special touch to your breakfast and dessert.
Artichoke Dipping Sauce
This creamy Lemon and Herb Artichoke Dipping sauce pairs deliciously with steamed artichokes. The rich and tangy dipping sauce is made with 6 simple ingredients like Greek yogurt, lemon juice and fresh herbs.
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Cranberry Orange Jam (Christmas Jam)
Tangy, sweet and spiced cranberry orange jam that’s perfect for Christmas. This easy to make cranberry marmalade takes only 30 minutes to make. Perfect to be used as cake filling, yoghurt topping or eaten with toast.
Homemade Italian Meat Sauce
Homemade Italian Meat Sauce is perfect for everyone’s favorite pasta night dinner. Rich, hearty, and full of flavor, everyone will be asking you for this recipe. Make it over the weekend and freeze for a quick weeknight meal.
Nashville Hot Sauce with Butter
The spice lovers at your Thanksgiving table might be in need of a little kick! For them, make sure to have Nashville Hot Sauce on the table. The hot sauce is more of a paste or spicy oil than a sauce, thick and grainy, it is full of flavor.