
Buying Guide for Sauce Dishes

Why buy sauce dishes?
Sauce dishes are a practical and convenient way to display all of your favorite sauces for meals. They make it easy for you to dip all of your favorite foods in your choice of condiments. They also streamline dinner parties and large meals because you don’t have to constantly return to your fridge to replenish your sauces at the table. Sauce dishes are a great accompaniment for appetizers, and you can easily display your sauce dishes on a serving tray or lazy Susan.
What should you look for in sauce dishes?
- Material: Choosing a sauce dish made of a durable material that won’t shatter or crack and that’s easy to clean is essential. Porcelain sauce dishes are a classic, elegant choice, but they can easily chip or break when mishandled. Stainless steel is a sleek, heavy-duty alternative, but it can’t be microwaved, so that’s also something to consider.
- Size: Small sauce dishes are great for condiments, as well as dishes that often require several dipping sauces like sushi, egg rolls, or wings. On the other hand, large sauce dishes are perfect for pestos, salsas, dips, and dressings.
- Quantity: If you’re using your sauce dishes for everyday meals, you’ll probably only need two to three for your daily-dining needs. If you love hosting large dinner parties or potlucks, you’ll probably need at least six to eight sauce dishes. Having enough dishes to display your favorite sauces easily is important, so choosing a set that best suits your serving needs is essential.
What’s the best way to clean your sauce dishes?
Most sauce dishes can be easily washed in a dishwasher with your choice of detergent, depending on the material. If your sauce dish is made from a delicate material like glass or porcelain, you may want to opt for hand-washing since those materials are prone to cracking when exposed to high temperatures.
Our Picks for the Best Sauce Dishes
Belinlen 3-Ounce 6-Pack Ceramic Dip Bowls Set
A hassle-free set of sauce dishes that are great for daily use.
Pros: Simple and classic, this affordable set of six 3-ounce sauce dishes will meet all of your daily dining needs. You can choose your preferred style and size to find your perfect set of ramekins. These dishes are made of professional-grade porcelain that’s dishwasher-safe for your convenience. They also come in a classic white color that will complement any table setting or platter.
Cons: These dishes are made of porcelain, so they can chip or break if mishandled.
Bottom Line: This set of six ramekins is great for everyday meals and is excellent at displaying all of your go-to condiments.
Colias Wing Multipurpose Porcelain Side Dish Bowl
A set of elegant sauce bowls that are a breeze to clean.
Pros: Timeless and minimal, this set of ceramic bowls makes it easier than ever to carry your favorite sauces and side dishes. They come in a set of six and are 3.5 inches wide and 1-inch deep, so they’re great for small dishes. They come in 12 colors, so there are plenty of options to choose from that will complement your other plates and bowls. You can also use them together or separately for the perfect meal accompaniment, and they’re dishwasher safe.
Cons: These dishes don’t stack well, so they can be difficult to store. They’re also made of porcelain, so they can break when mishandled.
Bottom Line: This elegant set of sauce dishes can easily display sauces, as well as small side dishes like rice, edamame, or kimchi.
Farielyn-X 3-Ounce Round Dipping Bowls
A charming set of porcelain dipping bowls that will elevate any tablescape.
Pros: These handcrafted sauce bowls are sure to make a statement at any dinner party or potluck. They come in a versatile set of eight for all your serving needs and are stackable, so they’re space-saving and easy to store. They each hold three fluid ounces and are microwave-, oven-, freezer-, and dishwasher-safe for added convenience. They’re also made of non-toxic, lead-free ceramics and are hand-painted, so each set is wonderfully unique.
Cons: These sauce bowls are made of porcelain, so they’ll break if dropped.
Bottom Line: This hand-painted set of sauce bowls will liven up any dinner party. They’re easy to clean and store and will beautifully serve your sauces and side dishes.
Drizzle Stainless-Steel Sauce Dishes
For anyone who loves serving sauces or sides in portable bento boxes.
Pros: This is a great pick if you’re looking for a heavy-duty set of sauce bowls that can fit in most bento or lunch boxes. They’re made of durable stainless steel that’s non-toxic, odorless, and corrosion-resistant. They also each have compartments that neatly serve sauces and side dishes, making meal prep seamless and easy. Each set comes with three pieces, and you can choose between one to four compartments for your serving needs.
Cons: This set is compact, so they’re smaller than other sauce dishes.
Bottom Line: This set is great for kids’ lunchboxes because they’re practically impossible to break. They’re also lightweight, space-saving, and easy to clean after use.
Wilton Armetale Shell Small Sauce/Hors d'Oeuvre
A large sauce dish that's great for any classy occasion.
Pros: Sophisticated and refined, this seashell Hors d’Oeuvre tray is a stunning option for any dinner party or family meal. You have the option of choosing between a variety of unique tray styles. It’s large enough to be used as a gravy boat, and it’s also durable enough to withstand the intense heat of up to 1000 degrees F. It can be used on a stove, grill, or oven, and it’s perfect for dishes like shrimp cocktail, ceviche, or guacamole. It’s 11.8 x 9.75 x 2.25 inches, so it’s nice and large, and it comes with a small, removable shell dish for your convenience.
Cons: This dish is more expensive than other options on this list. It’s also hand-wash only.
Bottom Line: This stunning Hors d’Oeuvre tray is great for parties, Sunday dinners, and potlucks. It’s large enough to display appetizers and classic dips, and it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Final Thoughts
Sauce dishes are a staple at most dinner parties, potlucks, and picnics. They’re convenient and versatile, making it a breeze to serve your favorite condiments and side dishes. They’re also durable, easy to clean, and are the perfect complement for your next meal.