The 5 Condiments You Should Never Buy And How To Make Them Instead

Tired of buying subpar flavored condiments at the grocery store? Take matters into your own hands with these gourmet ideas for condiments that will elevate the flavor of any dish you serve, from a porterhouse steak to a humble hamburger.

Click here for the Definitive Ranking of Your Favorite Condiments slideshow.

We've started with our five favorite condiments to replicate at home. The fresh ingredients and simple techniques will go a long way in making your breakfast, lunch, or dinner taste just a little bit more gourmet.

Once you have grasped the basics, you can venture out from the usual. Instead of standard herb butters, pair flavors and textures like pepita seeds and lime or ancho powder and minced cilantro. Turn your usual tomato ketchup into a spicy Sriracha-ketchup dipping sauce or make a chipotle aioli with your basic mayonnaise.

Find your own flavor inspiration from the basic condiment recipes below that are simple to make at home.

Don't waste money buying compound or flavored butters. Instead, gather your desired flavorings, butter, and a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Start off by softening your butter on the counter, and then paddle your butter in the stand mixer until fluffy. Now your butter is ready for additions like truffle oil, fresh minced herbs, or Shape your butter and then set in the fridge or freezer to harden.

While you may be a loyal fan of a particular brand, just try making your own ketchup once, and you will taste the difference. Check-out this method for an or use sweet to make your perfect French fry condiment.

Nothing tastes like homemade mayonnaise. The consistency and mild flavor just can't be replicated in a bottled product, so next time you go to make your favorite chicken salad or coleslaw, opt to make your own using fresh eggs, oil, and a squeeze of lemon juice.

If you ever find yourself without maple syrup on pancake day, don't panic. You can turn almost any fruit into a sweet pancake syrup in no time. Try our recipe for a simple or skip the fruit in favor of a quick and easy

While a traditional pesto is made by combining basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and olive oil, you can make fresh pesto sauce with arugula, , kale, and more. Try out your pesto-making skills with our .

Angela Carlos is the Cook Editor at The Daily Meal. Find her on Twitter and tweet @angelaccarlos.