Top 100 European Sauces

Sugo alla Genovese is a traditional sauce that, despite its name, originates from Naples, but it was likely brought over to the city from Genoa by Genovese immigrants during the Renaissance period. The sauce is prepared by sautéeing veal or beef in olive oil with large amounts of onions, carrots, and celery for a long time, usually from 2 to 10 hours. White wine or stock are often added to the sauce to enrich its flavors. Once done, sugo alla Genovese is served either as it is or the meat is served separately from the sauce. It's traditionally paired with pasta types such as ziti or rigatoni, and the dish is then garnished with tomatoes and topped with grated pecorino.Expand

Mujdei is the Romanian version of garlic sauce. It consists of garlic cloves, sunflower oil, pepper, and water. The cloves are mashed with other ingredients, and the sauce is then typically served with fish or fried potatoes. Mujdei can vary in texture from runny to thick. The name of this sauce is derived from must de ai, meaning must of garlic.Expand

First popularized in the 1940s at a restaurant called Café de Paris in Geneva, this sauce is thought to consist of a large number of ingredients such as butter, ketchup, Dijon mustard, capers, shallots, parsley, chives, marjoram, dill, thyme, rosemary, garlic, anchovies, chicken livers, brandy, Madeira, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, curry powder, lemon, orange zest, salt, and cayenne powder, although the exact recipe is still closely guarded by the restaurant. The sauce is traditionally served with sliced beef steaks. Even though the exact recipe will possibly never be known to the general public, the sauce is still a staple of a few selected restaurants in Switzerland, Portugal, Dubai, Hong Kong, and Sweden.Expand

Ragù di cinghiale is a traditional meat sauce hailing from Tuscany, but it's also prepared in other Italian regions such as Veneto and Umbria. The ragù is made with a combination of cinghiale (wild boar) meat, tomatoes, red wine, carrots, onions, celery, garlic, olive oil, and spices and herbs such as bay leaves, sage, and rosemary. Once prepared, this hearty meat sauce is traditionally served with pappardelle pasta, and not that often with tagliatelle. The pasta and the suace are tossed together, then sprinkled with grated cheese.Expand

This traditional Italian meat sauce consists of ground beef, pork, or a combination of both, that is sautéed alongside a sofrito of onions, carrots, and celery, a splash of red wine, and canned tomatoes. The mixture is traditionally seasoned with salt and pepper, and it can optionally be enhanced with tomato paste and porcini mushrooms. Sugo di carne is typically enjoyed over pasta dishes such as penne, rigatoni, tagliatelle, fetuccine, or pappardelle, which are often sprinkled with freshly grated parmesan cheese on top. This traditional meat sauce is also frequently used in the preparation of lasagna.Expand

Pesto Genovese is a sauce with origins in the Italian city of Genoa. Traditionally, it consists of basil, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, and cheeses such as Parmigiano Reggiano or Pecorino. Its name stems from the word pestare, meaning to pound or crush, referring to the original method of making the sauce with a mortar and pestle. It is said that pesto originated from the ancient Romans who ate a paste called moretum, made by crushing together ingredients such as cheese, herbs, and garlic. Pesto is usually used with pasta, traditionally with trofie or trenette, but can also sometimes be served with sliced tomatoes or boiled potatoes.Expand

Narsharab is a unique Azerbaijani sauce consisting of evaporated pomegranate juice that is combined with sugar and spices such as basil, cinnamon, coriander, salt, and ground black pepper. Its flavor is best described as tangy and sour. It is recommended to use narsharab with meat and fish dishes, but it can also be used as a marinade or as a dressing for various salads, while some people like to add the sauce into desserts.Expand

Ragù alla Bolognese was invented in the late 18th century by Alberto Alvisi, a chef of Pope Pius VII. The base of this classic is made with beef, pork or a combination of both, as well as ripe, fresh tomatoes or tomato purée, red or very dry white wine, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Common additions may also include Italian pancetta and milk or cream. Traditionally, ragù alla Bolognese is served with tagliatelle pasta, and it is an essential part of lasagne alla Bolognese. It can also pair well with pappardelle, fettuccine or homemade farfalle. Most dishes that are prepared with ragù alla Bolognese are typically served with the freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. It is believed that the first written mention of the ragù can be found in La Scienza in Cucina e l'Arte di Mangiar Bene, a culinary manual written by Pellegrino Artusi in 1891, while the recipe for the original ragù alla Bolognese was first registered with the Bologna Chamber of Commerce on October 17, 1982.Expand

Named after Amatrice, a provincial town in the Sabine Hills northeast of Rome; the iconic Amatriciana sauce is often considered a part of the "holy trinity of Roman pasta", together with carbonara and cacio e pepe. Amatriciana was invented in the 17th century by adding tomatoes to the already famous gricia sauce – diced tomatoes are sautéed in fat rendered from juicy bits of guanciale (cured pork jowl), then tossed together with grated pecorino cheese and either spaghetti or bucatini pasta. The first recipe for Amatriciana was published in the 1790 cookbook L’Apicio Moderno by Francesco Leonardi, a renowned Roman chef and author. Over time, this classic Italian dish became so popular it was featured in several movies, from Alberto Sordi’s 1954 film An American in Rome and Luciano Salce’s 1978 Where Are You Going on Holiday? to Ryan Murphy’s Eat Pray Love, in which Julia Roberts joyfully wolfs down a portion of spaghetti all’Amatriciana while sitting on the terrace of a typical Roman osteria. With delicate heat from pepperoncino peppers, the sweetness and tartness from the tomato-based sauce, the sharpness of pecorino, and the fatty richness of guanciale, Amatriciana is best enjoyed with medium-bodied, smooth Italian reds such as Montepulciano d’Abruzzo and Sangiovese.Expand

Ragù Toscano is a hearty Italian meat sauce from Tuscany, consisting of ground beef, bits of sausage, tomatoes, wine, olive oil, and a sofrito made from onion, carrots, and celery. There are numerous variations on the ragù depending on the region where it is prepared. The ragù can be used with various pasta types such as lasagne. Unlike the traditional ragù from Emilia-Romagna, ragù Toscano is not that red and is somewhat drier.Expand

Sauce Shop is an innovative British brand founded in 2014 in Nottingham, with a clear mission – to transform everyday meals into unforgettable culinary experiences. Their products are crafted with special attention to quality and flavor, using only natural ingredients and chili fermentation techniques, without any artificial additives, preservatives, or industrial shortcuts. Today, Sauce Shop offers more than 30 different products that span a wide range of flavors: from bold hot sauces and creamy mayonnaises to smoky BBQ ketchups and convenient cooking seasonings and sauces. Everything is produced in their own factory in Nottingham, relying on British-sourced ingredients to support local production and sustainability. Their products can be found in major retail chains across the United Kingdom, as well as through their official online store, where customers can also create custom bundles of their favorite flavors.Expand

Curtice Brothers is a modern organic ketchup and sauce brand that successfully blends historical heritage with a contemporary philosophy of clean, sustainable production. Known for its dedication to quality and flavor, the brand uses only real, organic ingredients - such as fresh tomatoes, apples, onions, eggs, mustard, vinegar, and carefully selected spices - without any artificial additives, preservatives, or hidden sugars. Their flagship product, Organic Ketchup, is made using traditional methods: slow-cooked at low temperatures to preserve natural aromas, followed by a resting period that deepens its flavor. Special attention is given to their spicy variants, which balance the complexity of spices with subtle fruity notes. Today, Curtice Brothers exports to over 34 countries worldwide and is featured on the menus of restaurants and hotels that value premium quality. Their range extends beyond ketchup, offering mayonnaise and mustard made with the same commitment to excellence - crafted by hand, from honest ingredients, with an uncompromising focus on taste. The brand has become a symbol of a healthier, more flavorful approach to classic condiments.Expand

Filippo Berio is one of the most renowned Italian olive oil brands, with a tradition dating back to 1867 when Filippo Berio first registered his mark of quality. From the very beginning, the company built its reputation on authentic flavor and strict quality control, and today it operates under the Salov Group, established in 1919 in Lucca. Their portfolio includes a wide range of products - from extra virgin and classic olive oils to mild and specialty lines, as well as flavored oils, pestos, vinegars, and glazes. The brand is recognized for combining traditional Italian craftsmanship with modern technologies and the demands of a global market. Throughout its history, Filippo Berio has been synonymous with accessible and consistent oil that has become part of the everyday kitchen for consumers around the world. It is also acknowledged as an ambassador of Italian gastronomy, linking its products to the Mediterranean diet and lifestyle. At the same time, the brand has sought to maintain a balance between large-scale production and preserving its original identity. The strength of Filippo Berio lies in its recognizable name, worldwide distribution, and ability to connect tradition with modern consumer culture. Today, it stands as a symbol of olive oil that unites Italian heritage, broad accessibility, and culinary enjoyment, making it a staple on the international stage.Expand

Stokes Sauces is a renowned British brand recognized for its production of high-quality sauces and condiments. It was founded in 2004 by Rick Sheepshanks in the village of Rendlesham, Suffolk. The idea stemmed from a desire to create a ketchup with a full, rich, and natural flavor - far from the usual mass-produced varieties. What began as a personal mission quickly evolved into a serious food business. Today, Stokes Sauces offers a wide range of products including ketchups, mayonnaises, BBQ and brown sauces, chutneys, salad dressings, and seasonal specialties. Their flagship product, Real Tomato Ketchup, is widely regarded as one of the finest ketchups in the UK. All Stokes products are handmade in small batches, without rushing the process, and using carefully selected ingredients from trusted sources. The brand avoids artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives, focusing instead on achieving a perfect balance of taste and texture in every jar and bottle. Today, Stokes Sauces exports its products to over 50 countries around the world. Thanks to its blend of artisanal methods, dedication to flavor, and modern vision, Stokes has become synonymous with authentic, premium-quality British sauces.Expand

Agricola Il Trebbio is a family-owned agricultural estate and artisanal producer located in the serene countryside of Trebbio, near Sansepolcro in the heart of Tuscany. Surrounded by rolling hills and centuries-old traditions, Il Trebbio embodies a deep connection to the land, nature, and the authentic flavors of the region. The farm spans over 30 hectares, where fruits, vegetables, olives, and herbs are cultivated using organic and sustainable methods. Everything is grown with care, harvested at peak ripeness, and processed by hand in small batches to ensure the highest quality and preserve the natural character of each ingredient. Under the brand "I Vasetti del Trebbio", Il Trebbio creates a collection of traditional Tuscan delicacies: rustic sauces, creamy vegetable spreads, fragrant jams, spiced mostardas, golden honey, and extra virgin olive oil. Each recipe is inspired by the rhythms of the seasons and passed down through generations, staying true to the essence of homemade simplicity. More than just a place of production, Il Trebbio is a living expression of Tuscan heritage. Its products reflect a philosophy of respect—for the land, for time-honored methods, and for honest, nourishing food. Every jar tells a story of care, passion, and the quiet beauty of rural life. Expand

Cottage Delight is a specialty food producer based in Leek, Staffordshire, UK. The company was founded in 1974 and is known for producing a variety of gourmet sauces, including barbecue sauce. Their products are often made in small batches using traditional methods and high-quality ingredients. Cottage Delight Ltd supplies its products to farm shops, delis, and various retail outlets across the UK.Expand

Epicure is a brand founded in 1891 in London, when the Wood family established the company with the idea of bringing new and authentic flavors from around the world to British consumers. Over time, it built a reputation as a brand that combines tradition and reliability with a constant exploration of new gastronomic trends. They are particularly renowned for their selection of Canadian maple syrups, which they have imported and distributed for many years in collaboration with reputable producers. Today, Epicure’s portfolio includes a wide range of products - from exotic and dried fruits, spices, and gourmet preserves to fine condiments and beverages. Their products are exported across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and India. The blend of the Wood company’s history and carefully chosen partners makes Epicure a brand that faithfully conveys the spirit of authentic cuisine and inspires culinary creativity.Expand

Mr Vikki's is an award-winning producer of artisan hot sauces. The company specializes in creating small-batch, hand-crafted condiments using fresh, natural ingredients. Their product line includes a variety of chutneys, pickles, and sauces. Mr Vikki's is known for its unique flavor combinations that blend heat with a range of spices. They have garnered multiple awards for their products at various food competitions.Expand

Craic Foods Limited is a sauce producer based in Craigavon, Northern Ireland. They specialize in creating artisan food products and are known for their innovative flavor combinations. Craigavon is the company's primary location for both production and administrative operations.Expand