Subway Sweet Onion Sauce Recipe

The Perfect Homemade Subway Sweet Onion Sauce Recipe

Crafting a homemade subway sweet onion sauce brings culinary magic right into your kitchen.

Bold flavors emerge from simple ingredients waiting to surprise you.

Each blend transforms ordinary sandwiches into extraordinary taste experiences.

Kitchen experiments reveal unexpected delights with minimal effort.

Curious cooks can easily replicate this tangy sensation using common pantry staples.

Mixing these ingredients creates a condiment that rivals restaurant-quality preparations.

You’ll love how quickly this sauce comes together with just a few whisks and stirs.

Dive into this recipe and watch bland meals become memorable culinary adventures.

Keep Subway Sweet Onion Sauce Fresh

  • Store leftover sweet onion sauce in an airtight container for up to 7 days, keeping it fresh and flavorful in the coldest part of your refrigerator.
  • Gently warm the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain its smooth consistency and prevent scorching.
  • Before reusing, inspect the sauce for any signs of separation, unusual odor, or mold. Discard if any changes appear.
  • Pour sauce into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage.

Subway Sweet Onion Sauce Great Combos

  • Elevate Sweet Onion Sauce with Perfect Pairings
  • Grill Companions: Drizzle this zesty sauce over grilled chicken sandwiches, burgers, or pulled pork for an incredible flavor boost that transforms ordinary meals into extraordinary experiences.
  • Dipping Delight: Use as a vibrant dipping sauce for crispy chicken tenders, onion rings, or fresh vegetable sticks, adding a tangy sweetness that makes snacking irresistible.
  • Wrap and Roll Magic: Spread generously inside wraps or sandwiches with sliced turkey, roasted vegetables, or grilled shrimp to create mouthwatering lunch options that sing with flavor.
  • Salad Transformer: Whisk into salad dressings or drizzle over mixed green salads to instantly upgrade your healthy meals with a burst of sweet onion complexity.

Sweet Onion Sauce Homemade Takes

  • Low-Sugar Sweet Onion Sauce: Replace sugar with a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or monk fruit for a diabetic-friendly version.
  • Vegan Friendly Variation: Swap honey with agave nectar or maple syrup and ensure all ingredients are plant-based.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use cornstarch instead of flour as a thickening agent to make the sauce celiac-safe.
  • Spicy Kick Variation: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha sauce for those who enjoy extra heat in their condiment.

FAQs

  • What ingredients are in this sweet onion sauce?

The sauce contains corn syrup, vinegar, corn starch, dried onion, dried garlic, salt, and other basic pantry seasonings that blend together to create the signature Subway flavor.

  • Is this sauce spicy or sweet?

This sauce is predominantly sweet with a mild tangy undertone from the vinegar, providing a smooth and gentle flavor profile that complements sandwiches and salads.

  • Can I use this sauce for other dishes besides sandwiches?

Absolutely! This versatile sauce works great as a dipping sauce for chicken tenders, a salad dressing, a glaze for grilled meats, or a topping for roasted vegetables.

  • How close is this recipe to the original Subway sauce?

This homemade version closely mimics the restaurant’s sweet onion sauce, capturing the essential flavor notes and consistency that make the original sauce so popular among Subway fans.

Sweet Onion Sauce Just Like Subway’s

  • Quick Sauce Creation: Whip up this copycat Subway sauce in just 15 minutes, perfect for home cooks craving restaurant-style flavor without complex techniques.
  • Versatile Culinary Companion: Elevate sandwiches, salads, and wraps with this homemade sweet onion sauce that adds a gourmet touch to everyday meals.
  • Budget-Friendly Alternative: Save money by making your own sauce instead of buying expensive store-bought versions, using simple pantry ingredients you likely already have.
  • Customizable Flavor Profile: Easily adjust sweetness and consistency to match your personal taste preferences, giving you complete control over the final sauce.

Sweet Onion Sauce Subway Copycat Ingredients

Base Ingredients:
  • Sweet Onion: Core flavor component with a mild, sweet taste perfect for sauce base.
  • Corn Syrup: Provides smooth texture and sweet consistency for the sauce.
  • White Vinegar: Adds tangy brightness and helps balance the sweetness.
  • Water: Creates the right liquid volume for sauce development.
Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile and balances sweetness.
  • Cornstarch: Helps thicken and stabilize the sauce texture.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth and complexity to the sauce's flavor.
Spice and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic Powder: Provides subtle background warmth and aromatic undertone.
  • Onion Powder: Intensifies the sweet onion flavor profile.
  • Paprika: Contributes mild sweetness and rich color to the sauce.

Sweet Onion Sauce in Subway Style Instructions

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

Grab a medium saucepan and add the following ingredients:
  • Mayonnaise
  • White vinegar
  • Corn syrup
  • Brown sugar
  • Salt
  • Dried minced onion
  • Garlic powder

Whisk these ingredients together until they create a smooth, well-blended mixture.

Step 2: Bring to Boiling Point

Place the saucepan over medium-high heat.

Continuously whisk the sauce as it begins to warm up.

Keep stirring to prevent any ingredients from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Watch for bubbles to form and the mixture to start boiling vigorously.

Step 3: Simmer and Thicken

Reduce the heat to low once the sauce reaches a full boil.

Continue whisking the sauce for about 5-7 minutes.

You’ll notice the sauce starting to thicken and become more glossy.

The constant stirring helps develop a rich, smooth consistency.

Step 4: Cool Down the Sauce

Remove the saucepan from the heat.

Let the sweet onion sauce sit and cool completely at room temperature.

The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools down.

Step 5: Store and Enjoy

Transfer the cooled sauce to a clean, airtight container.

Seal the container and place it in the refrigerator.

The homemade Subway-style sweet onion sauce will stay fresh for up to one week.

Use it as a delicious condiment on sandwiches, salads, or as a dipping sauce.

Sauce Tips to Nail That Sweet Onion Subway Style

  • Use a silicone whisk to prevent scratching your saucepan and ensure smooth, even mixing of ingredients.
  • Maintain medium-high heat while constantly stirring to prevent burning and achieve the perfect sauce consistency.
  • Allow the sauce to cool at room temperature before refrigerating to prevent condensation and maintain its texture.
  • Use a glass jar with a tight-sealing lid to keep the sauce fresh and prevent flavor contamination in the refrigerator.
  • Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less corn syrup, or create a low-sugar version using sugar substitutes for dietary needs.
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Subway Sweet Onion Sauce Recipe

Subway Sweet Onion Sauce Recipe


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4.8 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Subway’s sweet onion sauce elevates sandwiches with its signature tangy-sweet profile. Creamy, zesty condiment brings restaurant-quality flavor home, letting you drizzle restaurant magic onto homemade creations.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Sweeteners and Liquids:

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 6 tablespoons white vinegar
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

Thickening and Binding Agents:

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons mustard powder

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 1/2 tablespoon finely minced onion
  • 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon celery seed
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan, using a whisk to blend thoroughly and eliminate any potential lumps.
  2. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring continuously as the mixture begins to heat and gradually reaches a rolling boil.
  3. Maintain constant whisking during the boiling phase to ensure smooth consistency and prevent ingredient separation.
  4. Allow the sauce to boil vigorously for approximately 5 minutes, watching for gradual thickening and reduction of liquid volume.
  5. Reduce heat to low, continuing to stir and simmer the sauce for an additional 5 minutes until it reaches a rich, glossy texture.
  6. Remove the saucepan from heat source and let the sauce cool completely at room temperature, which will further enhance its thickness.
  7. Once cooled, carefully transfer the sauce into a clean, sealed glass container with an airtight lid.
  8. Refrigerate the sauce, where it will remain fresh and flavorful for up to one week, ready to enhance sandwiches, salads, or other dishes.

Notes

  • Customize the sweetness by adjusting the sugar levels to match your taste preferences.
  • For a healthier version, replace regular sugar with honey or a low-calorie sweetener like stevia.
  • Whisk continuously to prevent burning and ensure a smooth, silky texture throughout the cooking process.
  • Store the sauce in a glass container to maintain its fresh flavor and prevent any plastic-related taste contamination.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 36
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 35 mg
  • Fat: 0 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 0 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Angelina Wiles

Angelina Wiles

Content Editor & Culinary Enthusiast

Expertise

Food Writing and Editing, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Baking and Pastry Arts, Sustainable Cooking Practices​

Education

Portland Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on sustainable cooking practices, vegetarian cuisine, and food writing.​

​Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized training in artisanal baking, pastry techniques, and dessert presentation.


Angelina’s love for cooking started with handwritten family recipes and weekend trips to farmers’ markets around Portland. She followed her passion with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Portland Community College, then perfected her sweet side with a Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts at Oregon Culinary Institute.
Angelina believes recipes should feel like a conversation, not a science project. She’s all about helping readers trust themselves in the kitchen with simple steps, fresh ideas, and easy twists on classic meals.
When she’s not editing recipes, she’s baking bread, sipping coffee, or getting inspired by the changing seasons.

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