40 Flavour-Packed BBQ Sauces, Condiments and Marinades

Posted by Melissa Girimonte. Last updated on June 8, 2020

Fire up the grill and step up your summer meal game with these finger-licking bbq sauce recipes, mouth-watering marinades and homemade condiments.

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Slow Cooker Barbecue Sauce

To get a head start on your dinner, slow cook your baby back ribs with tomato, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar and an assortment of seasonings in your slow cooker. When you're ready to eat, pop the ribs on the grill for a quick char, then scoop up all of the delicious barbecue sauce that's been simmering all day and serve it on the side. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/slow-cooker-barbecue-ribs/20167/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Slow-Cooker Barbecue Ribs</a>
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Boozy Apple Barbeque Sauce

This barbecue sauce is made with sweet apples and a fiery shot of whiskey or bourbon. It's a great gift that you can make for any occasion — just don't forget to keep some for your own barbecues all season long. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/boozy-apple-barbeque-sauce/15279/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Boozy Apple Barbeque Sauce</a>
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Carolina Barbecue Sauce

Carolina barbecue sauce uses little to no sugar and instead gets its bold flavour from the apple cider vinegar and yellow mustard. It's always a great option for pulled pork or <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/entertaining/photos/most-amazing/chicken-wing-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">chicken wings</a>. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/carolina-barbecue-drumsticks/20707/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Carolina Barbecue Drumsticks</a>
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Pineapple-Ginger BBQ Sauce

Bobby Flay's recipe for an Asian-inspired barbecue sauce includes <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/in-season/photos/pineapple-recipes-taste-like-the-tropics/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">pineapple</a>, habanero, ancho chile, hoisin, star anise and dark brown sugar, which cooks on a stovetop until thickened. It's sticky-sweet with a hint of heat, making it an excellent choice for ribs. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/asian-spice-rubbed-ribs-with-pineapple-ginger-bbq-sauce-and-black-and-white-sesame-seeds/16255/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bobby Flay's Asian Spice Rubbed Ribs with Pineapple-Ginger BBQ Sauce and Black and White Sesame Seeds</a>
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Sorghum BBQ Sauce

Sorghum syrup is a great base for a BBQ sauce because of its consistency and flavour. It's not as thick or sweet as molasses, and it's tangy notes go well with bold flavour additions like habanero and ancho chile. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/spice-rubbed-pork-chops-with-sorghum-bbq-sauce/16208/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bobby Flay's Spice-Rubbed Pork Chops with Sorghum BBQ Sauce</a>
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Balsamic BBQ Sauce

Balsamic vinegar is the base for this simple barbecue sauce. While it's simmering on the stove, grill up some <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/the-pioneer-woman/photos/best-steak-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">steak</a> or chicken for a delicious main dish any evening of the week. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chicken-or-steak-with-balsamic-bbq-sauce/15498/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Giada De Laurentiis' Chicken or Steak with Balsamic BBQ Sauce</a>
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The Ultimate Homemade BBQ Sauce

Tyler Florence's ultimate barbecue sauce has one ingredient you may not be expecting — <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/comfort-food/photos/30-sweet-and-savoury-bacon-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">bacon</a>. Its smokey sweetness is great for basting chicken, but be sure to reserve some sauce to serve on the side. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/the-ultimate-barbecued-chicken/20387/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tyler Florence's The Ultimate Barbecued Chicken</a>
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Homemade BBQ Sauce

<a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/the-pioneer-woman/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman's</a> homemade barbecue sauce is sweet and spicy, which works well with <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/entertaining/photos/most-amazing/chicken-wing-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">juicy chicken wings</a>. She uses molasses and brown sugar along with chipotle pepper in adobo for a hint of smokiness. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chicken-wings-with-homemade-bbq-sauce/20734/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Pioneer Woman's Chicken Wings with Homemade BBQ Sauce</a>
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Sweet Zippy BBQ Sauce

Ina Garten cooks country ribs with a homemade BBQ sauce that's easy to make on the stovetop while the ribs are on the grill. Orange juice and honey adds sweetness to the sauce while ginger provides a bit of zing. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/barbecued-ribs/18305/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Barbecued Ribs</a>
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Coffee Barbecue Sauce

Fresh brewed espresso adds a real kick of flavour to this barbecue sauce, and jalapeño and cayenne give it some heat. Fans of heat should use it with any grilled poultry. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chicken-drumsticks-with-coffee-barbecue-sauce/3147/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Chicken Drumsticks with Coffee Barbecue Sauce</a>
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Papaya BBQ Sauce

Take that ripe papaya in your kitchen and use it for the base of a sweet and spicy barbecue sauce. Slather it on grilled chicken or even as a <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/fire-masters/blog/marinating-101-how-to-flavour-your-meat-fish-and-vegetables/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">marinade for fish</a> for some tropical sweet heat. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chicken-with-papaya-bbq-sauce/9571/" target="_blank">Chicken with Papaya BBQ Sauce</a>
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Spicy Pineapple BBQ Sauce

A barbecue sauce with a hint of the tropics, this recipe combines pineapple and jalapeño with molasses and balsamic vinegar. It's a great complement for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/fire-masters/blog/how-to-cook-the-perfect-grilled-chicken-every-time/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">grilled poultry</a> or pork. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/mini-turkey-meatloaves-with-spicy-pineapple-bbq-sauce/18407/" target="_blank">Mini Turkey Meatloaves with Spicy Pineapple BBQ Sauce</a>
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Vinegar BBQ Sauce

If you're serving something like mesquite smoked beef <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/bbq/photos/best-bbq-rib-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ribs</a>, you'll want a barbecue sauce that subtly enhances the flavour and not one that overwhelms it. Ready in 15 minutes, this easy sauce recipe uses cider vinegar, brown sugar, chili flakes and dry mustard. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/mesquite-smoked-beef-ribs-with-vinegar-bbq-sauce/9393/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Mesquite-Smoked Beef Ribs with Vinegar BBQ Sauce</a>
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Valerie Bertinelli's Barbecue Sauce

Once you try this barbecue sauce made with ketchup, apple cider vinegar, molasses and chipotles in adobo sauce, it'll become a go-to recipe. Valerie Bertinelli serves it with grilled <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/finger-licking-good-chicken-leg-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">chicken legs</a>, but you can use it with any cut of poultry you enjoy. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/barbecue-grilled-chicken/19131/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Valerie Bertinelli's Barbecue Grilled Chicken</a>
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Raspberry BBQ Sauce

Bored with your usual bottled barbecue sauce? Just a few touches will transform it into a mouth-watering fruity marinade. Combine it in a saucepan with fresh <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/in-season/photos/raspberry-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">raspberries</a>, orange juice, honey and garlic. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/citrus-chicken-with-raspberry-barbecue-sauce/18058/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Citrus Chicken with Raspberry Barbecue Sauce</a>
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Hoisin-Ginger BBQ Sauce

Asian five spice powder adds a flavourful punch to this barbecue sauce made with ginger and hoisin. While you can use it on almost anything you grill, it's especially delicious on chicken or <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/flavour-packed-short-rib-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">beef shortribs</a>. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/asian-barbecued-chicken/18010/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Asian Barbecued Chicken</a>
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Poblano Pepper and Coffee BBQ Sauce

<a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/baking/photos/coffee-flavoured-desserts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Coffee enhances the flavour of desserts</a> and other sweet dishes, but did you know that it's a great addition to barbecue sauce? This recipe incorporates ingredients like red onion, poblano pepper, brown sugar, maple syrup and instant coffee for a spicy grilling sauce. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/poblano-pepper-and-coffee-barbeque-sauce/14537/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Poblano Pepper and Coffee Barbeque Sauce</a>
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Peach Pickle BBQ Sauce

Peach preserves, chopped <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/in-season/photos/easy-pickle-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">dill pickles</a>, ketchup and onion are combined in a saucepan for a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce that's a great complement to grilled chicken. Baste the chicken with it as it's cooking, and serve some of the reserved sauce on the side. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/grilled-chicken-with-peach-pickle-bbq-sauce/21834/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Grilled Chicken with Peach Pickle BBQ Sauce</a>
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Cider-Vinegar Barbecue Sauce

What really sets this cider vinegar-based barbecue sauce apart from the rest? Adding your pan drippings, especially if <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/perfect-pulled-pork-recipes/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">pulled pork</a> is on the menu. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/pulled-pork-barbecue/19992/" target="_blank">Tyler Florence's Pulled Pork Barbecue</a>
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Chipotle Mango BBQ Sauce

Smoky, spicy chipotle pepper in adobo pairs beautifully with sweet, juicy mango for a flavour-packed BBQ sauce. Marinate your chicken in it before grilling, and reserve some to serve along with the barbecued poultry. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chipotle-mango-bbq-chicken/19851/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Guy Fieri's Chipotle-Mango BBQ Chicken</a>
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Orange Honey Chipotle BBQ Sauce

If you like a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce with a hint of heat, this mix of orange, honey and chipotle will quickly become a summer grilling favourite. While you can use it on pork or beef ribs, it also pairs well with bison if you're open to trying <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/bbq/photos/tips-grilling-game-meat/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">game meat</a>. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/spice-rubbed-grilled-american-bison-short-ribs-with-orange-honey-chipotle-bbq-sauce/18328/" target="_blank">Spice Rubbed Grilled American Bison Short Ribs with Orange Honey Chipotle BBQ Sauce</a>
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Traditional Argentine Chimichurri

Instead of serving your <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/fire-masters/blog/how-to-grill-the-perfect-steak/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">perfectly grilled steak</a> with barbecue sauce, why not try an Argentine chimichurri instead. Made primarily with parsley, mint, capers and garlic, it's a fresh, flavourful condiment. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/traditional-argentine-chimichurri/17288/" target="_blank">Traditional Argentine Chimichurri</a>
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Tyler Florence's Homemade Barbecue Sauce

While your chicken is cooking on the grill, prepare a batch of this tangy barbecue sauce for dipping. Best of all, it's made with ingredients you already have on hand in your kitchen. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chicken-and-pineapple-skewers/16345/" target="_blank">Tyler Florence's Chicken and Pineapple Skewers with Homemade Barbecue Sauce</a>
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Cherry Cola Barbecue Sauce

Cola is a common ingredient in homemade barbecue sauces, but cherry cola adds an even bolder flavour for dishes like pulled pork. Bacon grease and paprika give the sauce a hint of smokiness. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/jalapeno-stuffed-bacon-wrapped-shrimp-with-cherry-cola-barbecue-sauce/20087/" target="_blank">Valerie Bertinelli's Jalapeño -Stuffed Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp with Cherry Cola Barbecue Sauce</a>
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Red Wine Steak Sauce

Bobby Flay's homemade, tomato-based steak sauce is made with dry red wine and molasses. Whether you're serving oven roasted beef or barbecued ribeye straight from the grill, this condiment will complete the dish. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/smoked-prime-rib-with-red-wine-steak-sauce/18330/" target="_blank">Bobby Flay's Smoked Prime Rib with Red Wine Steak Sauce</a>
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Indonesian Coconut Curry Sauce

Lemongrass, lime, ginger and coconut milk are the core of this Indonesian-flavoured marinade and dipping sauce. This recipe pairs it with chicken wings, but it would also work with grilled pork. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/indonesian-coconut-curry-chicken-wings/19614/" target="_blank">Indonesian Coconut Curry Sauce</a>
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Sesame-Orange Chicken Marinade

This simple, Asian-inspired marinade gets its sweetness from orange juice and brown sugar, along with a dash of umami from soy sauce, and a hint of heat from crushed red pepper. Once you try it, it'll quickly become part of your <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/fire-masters/blog/ultimate-guide-to-grilling-times-and-temperatures/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">grilling season repertoire</a>. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/blog/make-ahead-chicken-marinades/" target="_blank">Sesame-Orange Chicken Marinade</a>
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Horseradish Sauce

Horseradish sauce is a classic condiment for your favourite <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/best-roast-beef-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">roast beef recipes</a> and it's also great on sandwiches. Make a bit extra for your Sunday dinner and use it along with the leftover prime rib for lunches throughout the week. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/easy-prime-rib-with-fresh-horseradish-sauce/20980/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Valerie Bertinelli's Easy Prime Rib with Fresh Horseradish Sauce</a>
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Homemade Ketchup

Store-bought ketchup can contain a lot of added sugar, giving it an overly sweet taste. When you make your own ketchup, you can control the amount of sugar while adding other spices like nutmeg and allspice to really enhance the tomato flavour. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/michael-smiths-homemade-ketchup/10463/" target="_blank">Michael Smith's Homemade Ketchup</a>
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Pickled Squash "Marmalade"

Butternut squash, lemon and orange is spiced with lemongrass and pickled to create a marmalade-like spread. Whether you use it as a garnish for a rich meat dish or as part of a cheese plate, it will become a staple in your kitchen. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/pickled-squash-marmalade/18996/" target="_blank">Anna Olson's Pickled Squash "Marmalade"</a>
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Healthy Homemade Condiments

Skip the condiment aisle at the grocery store and make your own <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/classic-ketchup-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ketchup</a>, mustard, mayo, and BBQ sauce from scratch. Serve them with juicy grilled burgers and garden-fresh toppings the next time you grill. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/7-healthy-homemade-condiments/14653/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Healthy Homemade Condiments</a>
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Spicy Fruit Relish

Grilled pineappe, mango and jalapeño are combined in this spicy condiment. Use the relish as a tasty topper for hot dogs or <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/bbq/photos/juicy-burgers-barbecue/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">burgers</a>. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/danger-dogs-with-spicy-fruit-relish/18373/" target="_blank">Guy Fieri's Danger Dogs with Spicy Fruit Relish</a>
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Red Pepper Sauce

Ree Drummond's creamy red pepper sauce is easy to make and packed with flavour. Use it to top grilled chicken and veggies, or toss it with your favourite pasta. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chicken-with-red-pepper-sauce/23171/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman's Chicken with Red Pepper Sauce</a>
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Grilled Red Pepper Relish

Skip the usual pickle relish and try making this homemade condiment with grilled red peppers. Serve it with barbecued hot dogs and hamburgers the next time grilling is on the menu. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/new-york-street-cart-dogs-with-onion-sauce-and-grilled-red-pepper-relish/18368/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bobby Flay's New York Street Cart Dogs with Onion Sauce and Grilled Red Pepper Relish</a>
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Banana Ketchup

Banana ketchup is a Filipino condiment that was first created during World War II when there was a shortage of the tomato-based condiment. The sweet and sour flavour goes well with grilled pork or chicken, although it's served with everything from omelettes to fries. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/filipino-style-banana-ketchup/23199/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Filipino-Style Banana Ketchup</a>
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Preserved Lemons

Preserved lemons can be used in a dip or salsa, with stews, or with barbecued meat and veggies straight from the grill. It's easy to make a jar of the bright condiment, and it can be stored in the fridge for up to a year. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/preserved-lemons/11940/" target="_blank">Preserved Lemons</a>
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Salsa Verde

Not to be confused with the tomatillo-based Mexican condiment, this Italian salsa verde is filled with fresh herbs, capers, garlic, anchovies and a bit of mustard. Use it as a marinade for meats, add it to Greek yogurt for a salad dressing, or combine it with mayo for a delicious aioli. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/in-season/blog/the-ultimate-summer-condiment-and-5-ways-to-use-it/" target="_blank">Salsa Verde</a>
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Homemade Pickle Relish

The word relish may conjure visions of the fluorescent green condiment, but this recipe will have you looking for excuses to use it throughout grilling season. Diced dill pickle is combined with bell pepper and an assortment of spices for a flavourful topping. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/grilled-link-hot-dogs-with-homemade-pickle-relish/18369/" target="_blank">Bobby Flay's Grilled Link Hot Dogs with Homemade Pickle Relish</a>
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Harissa Ketchup and Honey Mustard

Use condiments you already have on hand to create delectable dipping sauces for skewered meats and veggies, or even mini sausage rolls. Ketchup gets a hint of spiciness by combining it with harissa, and honey gives Dijon mustard a sweet twist. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/pigs-in-blankets-with-harissa-ketchup-and-honey-mustard/22069/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Molly Yeh's Pigs in Blankets with Harissa Ketchup and Honey Mustard</a>
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Homemade Hot Sauce

Once you realize how easy it is to make your own home-style hot sauce, you'll think twice about using store-bought sauce. This recipe calls for Scotch bonnet peppers, although you can go for a milder option like habaneros so you can adjust the amount of heat to your taste. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/kitchen-basics/blog/turn-up-the-heat-with-homemade-hot-sauce/" target="_blank">Homemade Hot Sauce</a>
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