21 Must-Try Sauce Recipes That Will Instantly Upgrade Your Cooking

Every great meal has a secret weapon – that perfect sauce that transforms ordinary food into an unforgettable experience. From the tangy kick of Burger King’s Zesty Sauce to the sweet-heat magic of Jalapeño Hot Honey, these 21 dipping sauces represent the flavor foundations that keep us returning to our favorite restaurants. But why limit these taste sensations to dining out? We’ve collected the most crave-able sauces from fast food giants, steakhouse legends, and international cuisines, breaking down exactly how to recreate that signature magic in your kitchen. Whether you’re elevating a weeknight burger with homemade Big Mac sauce or turning simple chicken tenders into a Raising Cane experience, these versatile recipes prove that sometimes, the supporting act is really the star of the show. Get ready to dip, drizzle, and discover why mastering these sauces might be the most valuable cooking skill you’ll ever learn.

Easy Taco Bell Chipotle Sauce Recipe

Copycat Taco Bell chipotle sauce in a small bowl and a spoon in front of it.
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Master this 5-minute Taco Bell Chipotle Sauce copycat recipe — velvety, smoky, and impossibly addictive on everything from tacos to burgers. Your homemade version will make drive-thru visits obsolete!Get the Recipe: Easy Taco Bell Chipotle Sauce Recipe

Burger King Zesty Sauce

Overhead view of copycat Burger King zesty sauce and onion rings.
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Transform your home kitchen into BK heaven with this spot-on Zesty Sauce copycat — tangy, creamy, and packed with that secret kick that makes onion rings and burgers absolutely irresistible. Get the Recipe: Burger King Zesty Sauce

McDonald’s Hot Mustard

A bowl of copycat McDonald's hot mustard sauce and chicken nuggets next to it.
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Craving that iconic McDonald’s Hot Mustard? Our perfect copycat brings that sweet-spicy golden goodness home in minutes — making your chicken nuggets and snacks taste even better than the drive-thru version! Get the Recipe: Mcdonald’s Hot Mustard

Big Mac Sauce

Copycat McDonald's big mac sauce and two big mac burgers.
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Unlock the legendary Big Mac flavor at home with this authentic secret sauce recipe — creamy, tangy, and perfectly spiced to elevate any burger from basic to crave-worthy McDonald’s magic. Get the Recipe: Big Mac Sauce

Mustard Cream Sauce

Mustard Cream Sauce on pork
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore

Discover the 5-minute mustard cream sauce that professional chefs keep secret — one surprising ingredient instantly transforms ordinary dishes into “I need this recipe” restaurant-quality meals. Get the Recipe: Mustard Cream Sauce

Red Lobster Pina Colada Coconut Shrimp Sauce

A bowl of copycat Red Lobster pina colada coconut shrimp sauce and a plate of coconut shrimp.
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Transport your taste buds to tropical paradise with this spot-on Red Lobster Piña Colada sauce — sweet, tangy perfection that makes coconut shrimp irresistible, no reservation needed! Get the Recipe: Red Lobster Pina Colada Coconut Shrimp Sauce

Copycat Outback Bloomin Onion Sauce

Copycat Outback bloomin fried shrimp and a bowl of dipping sauce on a plate.
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Master the iconic Outback Bloomin’ Onion sauce at home — this addictively tangy, creamy dip doesn’t just elevate onions, it transforms everything from fries to veggies into steakhouse-worthy bites! Get the Recipe: Copycat Outback Bloomin Onion Sauce

Umami Garlic Aioli Recipe

Umami Garlic Aioli in a bowl
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore

Elevate any meal with this umami-packed garlic aioli — our secret ingredient swap creates restaurant-quality depth that transforms ordinary sandwiches and burgers into unforgettable gourmet experiences. Get the Recipe: Umami Garlic Aioli Recipe

Cowboy Butter for Steak 

Cowboy Butter and steak
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore

Transform ordinary steaks into mouthwatering steakhouse masterpieces with our legendary Cowboy Butter — this melted garlic-herb revelation will have everyone begging for your secret to buttery, luxurious perfection. Get the Recipe: Cowboy Butter for Steak 

Blue Cheese Sauce

Blue Cheese Sauce on a steak
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore

Convert even blue cheese skeptics with this 10-minute steakhouse-quality sauce — velvety, tangy, and rich enough to make any cut of meat taste like a $50 restaurant splurge. Get the Recipe: Blue Cheese Sauce

Easy Rhubarb Honey Sauce

Rhubarb Honey Sauce on ice cream
Image Credit: The Creative Bite

Capture spring’s perfect sweet-tart balance with our Rhubarb Honey Sauce — this vibrant, versatile topping transforms ordinary desserts, yogurt, and breakfast dishes into seasonal celebrations. Get the Recipe: Easy Rhubarb Honey Sauce

Avocado Lime Green Goddess Sauce

Avocado Lime Green Goddess Sauce
 in a bottle
Image Credit: The Creative Bite

Elevate everything with our vibrant Avocado Lime Green Goddess — this creamy, zesty powerhouse works magic as a dip, dressing, or sauce while keeping meals fresh, flavorful, and indulgent. Get the Recipe: Avocado Lime Green Goddess Sauce

Light Chipotle Tartar Sauce

Light Chipotle Tartar Sauce in a bowl
Image Credit: The Creative Bite

Reinvent fish night with our Light Chipotle Tartar Sauce — this guilt-free, smoky-spicy twist on the classic brings restaurant-worthy zing to seafood while keeping calories in check. Get the Recipe: Light Chipotle Tartar Sauce

Curry Greek Yogurt Dipping Sauce

Curry Greek Yogurt Dipping Sauce
Image Credit: The Creative Bite

Spice up your appetizer game with our Curry Greek Yogurt Dip — this protein-packed, exotic blend transforms ordinary veggies, meats, and flatbreads into an internationally inspired flavor adventure! Get the Recipe: Curry Greek Yogurt Dipping Sauce

Red Lobster Tartar Sauce

Copycat Red Lobster tartar sauce in a bowl, fried fish, and French fries.
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Recreate the famous Red Lobster Tartar Sauce at home. This version is for their original and much-loved sauce. Get the Recipe: Red Lobster Tartar Sauce

Garlic Aioli

Garlic Aioli with peppers
Image Credit: Feast and West

Master restaurant-quality garlic aioli with just four ingredients and 5 minutes — this velvety, aromatic spread instantly elevates sandwiches, fries, and vegetables from ordinary to irresistible. Get the Recipe: Garlic Aioli

Homemade Eel Sauce Recipe (Unagi Sauce)

Eel Sauce in a bottle
Image Credit: xoxoBella

Create authentic sushi magic at home with this Unagi Sauce recipe — the sweet-savory glaze that transforms ordinary seafood into restaurant-quality Japanese cuisine with just a drizzle! Get the Recipe: Homemade Eel Sauce Recipe (Unagi Sauce)

Gluten-Free Sweet and Sour Sauce

ie-canva_free__studio_philippines-chapati_flour-2655979
Image Credit: xoxoBella

Ditch the takeout for our gluten-free Sweet and Sour Sauce — perfectly balanced tang and sweetness with none of the additives, ready in minutes to transform your homemade Asian-inspired dishes! Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Sauce

Jalapeño Hot Honey

ie-canva_free__studio_philippines-chapati_flour-2655979
Image Credit: xoxoBella

Meet your new addiction: Jalapeño Hot Honey — this sweet-heat miracle worker transforms everything it touches, from pizza to cheese plates, making ordinary foods extraordinarily craveable. Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Hot Honey

Raising Canes Sauce

Copycat Raising Cane's sauce in bowls and crinkle-cut fries.
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Crack the code on Raising Cane’s legendary sauce with our spot-on copycat — that perfectly tangy, rich flavor that makes chicken finger fanatics line up around the block, now made in your kitchen! Get the Recipe: Easy Canes Sauce

Benihana Garlic Ginger Dipping Sauce 

Bowl of copycat Benihana ginger sauce and cooked chicken pieces around it.
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Recreate the Benihana hibachi experience at home with this authentic Garlic Ginger Sauce — the secret weapon that makes everything from steak to vegetables taste like you’re sitting at the teppanyaki table! Get the Recipe: Benihana Garlic Ginger Dipping Sauce 

Thai Peanut Sauce 

a bowl of Thai peanut sauce, spring rolls, and arugula on a platter
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Master this versatile Thai Peanut Sauce that does it all — from coating noodles to dressing salads and dipping spring rolls, this creamy, spicy-sweet sensation brings authentic Thai flavors to your table in minutes! Get the Recipe: Peanut Sauce

About Stephanie Manley

I recreate your favorite restaurant recipes, so you can prepare these dishes at home. I help you cook dinner, and serve up dishes you know your family will love. You can find most of the ingredients for all of the recipes in your local grocery store.

Stephanie is the author of CopyKat.com's Dining Out in the Home, and CopyKat.com's Dining Out in the Home 2.

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