Have you ever wondered how to recreate the famous Subway Sweet Onion Sauce at home? That delicious, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce elevates every sandwich with its bold flavor and perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Now, you don’t have to rely on takeout—you can make this sauce from scratch with simple pantry ingredients!
Whether you love drizzling it over subs, wraps, salads, or even grilled meats, this homemade sweet onion sauce will become a staple in your kitchen. Let’s dive into the perfect copycat recipe so you can enjoy the magic of this sauce anytime!
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce
- Tastes Just Like Subway’s – A perfect match to the original flavor.
- Made with Simple Ingredients – No preservatives or additives.
- Versatile & Delicious – Use it on sandwiches, salads, meats, and more.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 15 minutes!
Ingredients for Subway Sweet Onion Sauce Recipe
To make the perfect homemade sweet onion sauce, you’ll need a mix of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors.
Main Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Sugar | 1 cup |
| Water | 1/2 cup |
| White vinegar | 6 tbsp |
| Red wine vinegar | 1 1/2 tbsp |
| Finely minced onion | 1/2 tbsp |
| Cornstarch | 1 tbsp |
| Dijon mustard | 2 tsp |
| Mustard powder | 2 tsp |
| Poppy seeds | 1 tsp |
| Sesame oil | 1/2 tsp |
| Onion powder | 1/2 tsp |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp |
| Garlic powder | 1/4 tsp |
| Celery seed | 1/4 tsp |
| Paprika | 1/4 tsp |
| Black pepper | 1/4 tsp |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients
- Finely mince the onion for a smooth texture.
- Gather all spices and seasonings to ensure easy cooking.
2. Make the Base Mixture
- In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, white vinegar, and red wine vinegar.
- Stir well over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely.
3. Add the Flavor Enhancers
- Stir in minced onion, Dijon mustard, mustard powder, and sesame oil.
- Mix until the ingredients are well incorporated.
4. Thicken the Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry.
- Slowly add the slurry to the saucepan while stirring constantly.
- Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring, until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Season & Simmer
- Add poppy seeds, onion powder, garlic powder, celery seed, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Reduce the heat and simmer for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Cool & Store
- Remove from heat and let the sauce cool completely.
- Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before using.
Pro Tips for the Best Sweet Onion Sauce
1. Adjust the Sweetness
- For a less sweet version, reduce sugar to 3/4 cup.
- Add a touch of honey for a more natural sweetness.
2. Control the Thickness
- If the sauce is too thin, add a little more cornstarch slurry.
- For a thinner consistency, stir in 1-2 tablespoons of water.
3. Enhance the Onion Flavor
- Use freshly minced onions for a more intense onion kick.
- Try caramelized onions for added depth.
How to Use Subway Sweet Onion Sauce
This homemade sweet onion sauce is incredibly versatile! Here are some delicious ways to enjoy it:
- Sandwiches & Wraps – Drizzle over subs, grilled chicken wraps, or turkey sandwiches.
- Salads – A perfect topping for chicken or veggie salads.
- Grilled Meats – Brush over chicken, salmon, or steak for extra flavor.
- Dipping Sauce – Pair with French fries, onion rings, or chicken tenders.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 45 |
| Carbohydrates | 12g |
| Sugar | 10g |
| Fat | 0.5g |
| Protein | 0g |
| Sodium | 50mg |
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used.
Variations to Try
1. Spicy Sweet Onion Sauce
- Add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Mix in a few dashes of hot sauce for extra heat.
2. Low-Sugar Version
- Replace sugar with monk fruit sweetener or honey.
- Reduce sugar to 1/2 cup for a milder sweetness.
3. Gluten-Free Adaptation
- Ensure your Dijon mustard is gluten-free.
- Use tapioca starch instead of cornstarch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How long does homemade sweet onion sauce last?
This sauce stays fresh for up to 2 weeks when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
2. Can I freeze this sauce?
Yes! Freeze in small portions and thaw in the refrigerator before use.
3. Can I use apple cider vinegar instead of red wine vinegar?
Yes, but it may slightly alter the taste. Red wine vinegar gives the best flavor match to Subway’s sauce.
4. How do I make this sauce thicker?
Increase the cornstarch slurry slightly and cook longer for a thicker consistency.
5. Is this sauce vegan-friendly?
Yes! All ingredients are plant-based and vegan-friendly.
6. Can I make a bigger batch?
Absolutely! Just double or triple the ingredients and store in the fridge for longer use.
Final Thoughts & Call to Action
Now that you have the perfect Subway Sweet Onion Sauce Recipe, it’s time to bring the flavors of Subway into your kitchen! With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious, homemade version that’s even better than the original.