Give Your Mayo a Makeover
Step up your sauce game with these mix-in ideas for everyday condiments.
When the same old standby condiments just can’t cut the mustard – yes, pun entirely intended – it’s time to mix things up. See how just a few add-ins can make all the difference to 5 common condiments at your next barbecue or picnic.
Madeover Mayonnaise
Mayo is perfect as a blank slate for a multitude of mix-ins. Think bright, aromatic flavors to cut through the heavy base.
- Pesto: Blend 2 tablespoons of pesto into a cup of mayonnaise for delicious, Italian-style flavor. It’s yummy on your average turkey sandwich, or as a spread for tomato and mozzarella on foccacia.
- Lemon Juice and Sea Salt: Create bright, clean flavor when you squeeze a quarter of a lemon into a cup of mayonnaise, plus a dash of sea salt. We love it on white fish or as a dip for French fries!
Tip: To prevent the citrus seeds from falling into your mixture, hold your lemon skin-side down as you squeeze.
- Garlic: Spice up your next cookout by serving garlic mayonnaise in an old-fashioned squirt bottle alongside your burgers and grilled chicken sandwiches. A teaspoon of minced garlic is all you need for 1 cup of mayonnaise.
Kicked-up Ketchup
Bold, sweet and slightly acidic, ketchup can stand up to stronger mix-ins.
- Curry: It’s a strong, savory herb, so use it sparingly – just a pinch will add exotic layers of flavor to 1 cup of tomato ketchup.
- Barbecue Sauce: Combine two classics and create a new condiment favorite! Whether you have a cup left or an entire bottle, mix ketchup with equal parts barbecue sauce and enjoy.
Mightier Mustard
Tart and vinegary, mustard is great on almost anything. But add a little bit of sweetness or some aromatic herbs and you’ll dress up this simple staple.
- Rosemary: Like mustard, rosemary has a slightly bitter, aromatic quality, making the two perfect mates. For a gourmet sandwich spread, add 1 teaspoon chopped rosemary to 1/2 cup Dijon mustard.
Tip: Don’t bother plucking each rosemary sprig off its stem – instead, gently pinch your fingers and pull backward down the steam to easily remove them.
- Applesauce: For Dijon or coarse-grain mustard, try mixing in a few spoonsful of cinnamon applesauce. The unlikely ingredients combine to create a sweet, tangy sauce that’s delicious on pork and chicken.
- Cranberry: The sweet and savory combination – along with the tartness – is perfect for pork or chicken dishes.
Tip: Discover 5 other ways to spice up your mustard with our simple ideas.
Better Butter
You may not think of butter as a condiment, but it’s the perfect vehicle for adding flavor, especially when you mix in a bit of sweetness.
- Berries: Drop a few berries into softened butter, and then mash together. We love blueberry butter on a whole grain bagel or blackberry butter on toast.
- Honey: A few drops of honey can give butter a whole new attitude – just wait until you melt it on fresh-baked bread.
Tip: Looking for more ways to embellish butter? Check out our 7 flavored butter recipes.
Power Sour Cream
A true chameleon, sour cream does everything from topping potatoes to keeping cakes moist. Add a bit of flavor and you’re really onto something.
- Cilantro: This fresh, leafy herb has bold, distinct flavor, so stir just 1/2 teaspoon chopped cilantro into a cup of sour cream to instantly dress up fajitas or a taco salad.
- Chipotle Peppers: Look for canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce at your local grocery – they have a spicy, smoky flavor, so finely chop the peppers and then add 1/8 teaspoon to a cup of sour cream. Yum!
With a little creativity, the secret really can be in the sauce. What’s your favorite way to add in extra flavor where it’s least expected? Let us know in the comments!
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