Most people stick with the same condiments out of habit, not because they’re the best option. Ketchup, mustard and mayo do the job, but there’s a whole world of better condiments that don’t get the attention they deserve. They’re packed with flavor, easy to use and can make the most basic meals way more interesting.

A bowl of hot sauce with peppers and garlic on a wooden table.
Photo credit: Canva Pro.
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Pesto

Pesto. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Pesto is often seen as a pasta-only ingredient, but it has way more range. Made with basil, garlic, nuts, and cheese, it adds bold flavor and texture to everything from sandwiches to scrambled eggs. Spread it on grilled cheese, swirl it into soups, or use it as a finishing sauce for roasted vegetables. Once you stop treating it like a single-purpose jar in the fridge, it quickly becomes one of the most useful condiments you have.
Try it in this: Chickpea Pesto Sandwich

Horseradish

Horseradish. Photo credit: YayImages.

This sharp, sinus-clearing root gets pushed to the side far too often. Horseradish adds a punch of heat that works especially well with red meat, but it’s also a great addition to sauces, dips, and even mashed potatoes. A spoonful stirred into sour cream or mayo can completely change a sandwich. It brings intensity without overpowering everything else on the plate.

Cole Slaw

Cole Slaw. Photo credit: Canva Pro.

Most people think of slaw as a side dish, but it can do more than that. Its crunchy texture and acidic bite make it the perfect topping for pulled pork, burgers, tacos, and grilled sausages. Instead of piling lettuce on a sandwich, try using a scoop of slaw for something that has more flavor and a lot more character. It works as a condiment when you stop thinking of it as salad.

Worcestershire Sauce

Worcestershire Sauce. Photo credit: Canva Pro.

This bottle tends to live in the back of the fridge until a recipe calls for a few drops, but it should be used more often. With a complex mix of vinegar, anchovies, and spices, Worcestershire sauce brings depth to marinades, stews, burgers, and even cocktail recipes. It’s one of those condiments that doesn’t call attention to itself but makes everything else taste better.
Our favorite way to use Worcestershire sauce: Bomb Meatloaf

Balsamic Vinegar

Balsamic Vinegar. Photo credit: Canva Pro.

Balsamic vinegar is more versatile than most people give it credit for. Beyond salad dressing, it adds sweetness and acidity to grilled vegetables, chicken glazes, and even desserts. A small drizzle over roasted strawberries or vanilla ice cream can completely shift the flavor. Keeping a bottle of good balsamic around opens the door to a lot more than vinaigrettes.
Check out these scones: Balsamic Cherry Dark Chocolate Scones

Greek Yogurt

Greek Yogurt. Photo credit: Canva Pro.

This isn’t just a breakfast food or post-workout snack. Greek yogurt can replace sour cream in nearly any dish and works well in both savory and sweet recipes. It brings a creamy texture with a tangy edge that plays nicely in dips, marinades, and sauces. Spoon it over chili, mix it with herbs and lemon for a quick dressing, or use it as a base for chicken salad.
Use it on top of these: Chili recipes

Hummus

Hummus. Photo credit: Canva Pro.

Hummus gets boxed into the category of healthy snack dips, but it has a lot more potential. Its creamy consistency makes it great as a sandwich spread, a sauce for grain bowls, or even the base of a salad dressing. It’s easy to flavor in different ways, so it never really gets boring. A generous scoop can pull a meal together with very little effort.
Try this recipe: Hummus pizza

Chutney

Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Often thought of as something you eat with Indian takeout, chutney deserves a broader role. The sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors work just as well in sandwiches or as a glaze for grilled meat. It’s especially good with cheese and charcuterie, adding brightness that cuts through richer bites. Keep a jar on hand and it ends up being one of those things you reach for constantly.
Get the Recipe: Tomato peach chutney

Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry Sauce. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

It’s not just for Thanksgiving. The tart and slightly sweet flavor of cranberry sauce works surprisingly well with chicken, pork, and even sharp cheeses. Spread it onto sandwiches with roasted meat or stir it into pan sauces to give them more complexity. Once you start thinking of it as a condiment instead of a holiday side, it becomes something you actually want to use year-round.
Get the recipe: Our favorite cranberry sauce recipe

Sweet Chili Sauce

Sweet Chili Sauce. Photo credit: Canva Pro.

Usually found in the condiment section for stir-fry night, sweet chili sauce has way more uses. Its combination of heat and sweetness works well on grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or as a dip for anything fried. It brings a little kick without being overwhelming and adds instant flavor to whatever you put it on. It’s also great mixed into mayo or yogurt for a quick sauce or spread.
Try it with these: 15 Awesome Air Fryer Fries

Relish

Relish. Photo credit: Canva Pro.

Relish is better known for topping hot dogs, but it’s capable of much more. The tangy crunch brings brightness to burgers, tuna salad, deviled eggs, and even potato salad. A small spoonful can change the overall flavor of a dish without overpowering it. It’s an easy way to add something extra when everything else on the plate feels a little too heavy.
It’s a great addition to these: Burger Bowls

30 Ways To Use Buffalo Sauce That Have Nothing To Do With Wings

A plate of nachos topped with shredded chicken, melted cheese, jalapeño slices, and green onions. A side of celery sticks and a cilantro garnish are nearby. A green napkin is placed beside the plate.

Buffalo sauce makes everything better, and wings are just the beginning. That bold, spicy kick belongs on fries, mac and cheese, sandwiches, and even cauliflower. This list is packed with ways to drench your favorite foods in buffalo sauce without frying a single wing. Some recipes keep it simple, others go all in, but every single one brings the heat. Game day, weeknight dinners, or snacks in between—there’s no bad time for buffalo sauce.

Read it Here: 30 Ways To Use Buffalo Sauce That Have Nothing To Do With Wings

11 Genius Uses For Leftover Bacon Grease

Bacon being cooked in a frying pan.
Photo Credit: Depositphotos.

Leftover bacon grease can feel like a mystery ingredient, but it’s actually liquid gold in the kitchen. Instead of tossing it out, why not put it to good use? Bacon grease adds incredible flavor to dishes and even has some surprising household applications. We’ve got some genius ideas to help you make the most of it.

Read it Here: 11 Genius Uses For Leftover Bacon Grease

*Select images provided by Depositphotos.

Founder and Writer at  | About

Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.

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