The secret to many recipes lies in the sauce. Whether you’re grilling a burger or making pasta from scratch, sauce plays a big role in tying flavors together. If you’re in search of a way to bring an extra boost of flavor to your meal, try a sauce that deserves a comeback. We’ve collected 10 vintage sauces that got their start back in the day but still deserve plenty of attention. These are old-fashioned recipes you didn’t know you needed, whether you’re looking for a classic garnish for a hot dog or something simple for dipping.
Grandpa’s Classic Coney Sauce
admiral870
“Coney sauce is a condiment of ground beef simmered in tangy flavors and served on hot dogs,” says recipe creator Sean S. “My grandfather owned a drive-in restaurant back in the 1950s. This is his exact recipe for Coney dogs from back in the day. I make this on special occasions, and it is always [a] hit with friends and family.”
Mustard Sauce
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“This has been a family recipe for as long as I can remember,” says Allrecipes member Mary Dutra. “PERFECT with ham.”
Old-Fashioned Sicilian Succo
MOLLE888
“My Nana used to cook this for me when I was young and as she prepared things and we waited for the sauce to finish, she’d tell me great stories about her life in Sicily and other secret business,” says Allrecipes member Joiamia. “This recipe is the best sauce I’ve ever had—I really think it can bring the family together.”
All-American Barbecue Sauce
Chef John
“I’m very excited to share my recipe for America’s most popular style of barbecue sauce, which, of course, originated in and around Kansas City,” says Chef John. “Wrap and refrigerate it for a day or two before using it to allow the flavors to develop.”
Peg’s Meatloaf Sauce
fabeveryday
“This was a great easy meatloaf sauce! It’s a sweeter sauce,” says Allrecipes Allstar fabeveryday. “I was surprised about the use of nutmeg, but found that it balanced the ketchup and brown sugar nicely. I will definitely use this one again.”
Aunt Judi’s Easter Pineapple Raisin Sauce
lutzflcat
“One of my must-haves with ham, especially at Easter,” says Allrecipes member raesive. “This is the recipe I grew up with. My aunt would make it every year. A nice sweet accent!”
Art’s Southern-Style Chocolate Gravy
Christina
“This recipe is spot on, and makes a great tasting chocolate gravy,” says reviewer Cheryl. “Great on homemade biscuits or ice cream.”
Monkey Sauce
getty
“Monkey sauce is a tangy hodgepodge of condiments you probably already have in your refrigerator,” says food writer Terri Peters. Most versions include a chopped onion, minced garlic, ketchup, chutney, Worcestershire sauce, and a splash of vinegar. The result is downright delicious.
Easy Raisin Sauce for Ham
Allrecipes / Qi Ai
“This recipe came from my mother and has always been one of my favorites,” says recipe submitter LISA34LISA. “It’s wonderful for glazing the top of the ham during the last 30 minutes of cooking, or you can serve it with the finished ham.”
Idaho Fry Sauce
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“What is it? Fry sauce is commonly found in Utah, southern Idaho, and rural Oregon,” says Allrecipes member Heather. “I am trying to spread the word! This is an amazing recipe and after tasting this, you will never again settle for plain ketchup with fries.”
Dining and Cooking