Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce
Recreate Subway’s famous Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce with this easy copycat recipe. This delicious sauce offers the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, making it an ideal addition to sandwiches, salads, and more. Whether you’re preparing a meal for a gathering or just want to elevate your weekday lunch, this sauce is sure to impress. With its unique flavor profile and simple preparation, you’ll keep coming back for more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal effort and just a few ingredients you likely already have at home.
- Versatile Use: Perfect for sandwiches, salads, and wraps; it complements a variety of dishes.
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: The combination of sweet and tangy makes every bite delightful.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make a batch in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week.
- Vegan-Friendly Option: Enjoy this sauce without any animal products.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce, you’ll need some essential tools that will make the process easier and more efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Sauce pan
- Whisk
- Airtight container
Importance of Each Tool
- Sauce pan: A good quality sauce pan helps ensure even heating and prevents burning while cooking your sauce.
- Whisk: Using a whisk allows you to combine ingredients smoothly, ensuring that your sauce has the right consistency.
- Airtight container: Storing the sauce in an airtight container keeps it fresh for longer, allowing you to enjoy it throughout the week.
Ingredients
Recreate Subway’s famous sweet onion sauce with this easy copycat recipe. Perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors.
For the Sauce
- 1 Cup Sugar
- 1/2 Cup Water
- 6 Tablespoons White Vinegar
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar
- 1/2 Tablespoon Onion, freshly grated
- 1 Tablespoon Cornstarch
- 2 Teaspoons Dijon Mustard
- 2 Teaspoons Mustard Powder
- 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
How to Make Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
Add all ingredients to a saucepan.
Step 2: Boil the Mixture
Bring to a boil while whisking constantly. Let boil for 5 minutes, then reduce heat to simmer for another 5 minutes, whisking continuously.
Step 3: Cool and Store
Remove from heat and allow to cool. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Enjoy your delicious homemade sweet onion sauce on sandwiches, salads, or as a tasty dip!
How to Serve Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce
Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce is versatile and adds a delightful flavor to many dishes. Whether you’re dressing up a sandwich or enhancing a salad, this sauce can elevate your meal.
On Sandwiches
- Toasted Submarine: Spread the sauce on a toasted sub filled with fresh veggies and proteins.
- Classic BLT: Drizzle over bacon, lettuce, and tomato for an added sweet tang.
- Wraps: Use it as a spread in wraps for an extra burst of flavor.
With Salads
- Green Salad: Toss into a mixed green salad for a sweet twist on your dressing.
- Pasta Salad: Mix into pasta salads for a creamy yet tangy finish.
- Grain Bowls: Drizzle over quinoa or rice bowls packed with vegetables.
As a Dipping Sauce
- Veggie Platter: Serve alongside fresh veggies for a tasty dipping option.
- Chicken Nuggets: Pair with chicken nuggets or tenders for a unique flavor experience.
- Chips: Enjoy it as a dip with crispy tortilla chips for snacking.
In Marinades
- Grilled Chicken: Use the sauce as a marinade for grilled chicken to infuse sweetness.
- Tofu Marinade: Marinate tofu in the sauce before grilling or baking for flavor-packed bites.

How to Perfect Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce
To achieve the best version of your Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Using freshly grated onion will enhance the flavor profile significantly.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, feel free to add more sugar according to your taste.
- Let it Chill: Allowing the sauce to cool completely helps flavors meld beautifully, enhancing its taste.
- Experiment with Vinegars: Try different types of vinegar based on your preference; apple cider vinegar can add a fruity note.
- Store Properly: Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness and flavor longer.
Best Side Dishes for Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce
Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce pairs well with numerous side dishes. Here are some great options that complement its flavors perfectly.
- French Fries: Crispy fries are elevated by dipping them in this sweet and tangy sauce.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw balances beautifully with the rich sweetness of the sauce.
- Grilled Vegetables: Smoky grilled veggies pair well when drizzled with this delicious condiment.
- Rice Pilaf: Adding this sauce to rice pilaf can enhance the overall taste and make it more exciting.
- Potato Wedges: Serve baked potato wedges with homemade sweet onion sauce for added zest.
- Corn on the Cob: Brush corn on the cob with this sauce before grilling for an irresistible treat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce can be simple, but avoiding common pitfalls is key to achieving the best flavor. Here are some mistakes to watch for:
- Skipping the whisking: Not whisking constantly can lead to lumps in your sauce. Be sure to whisk while cooking for a smooth texture.
- Using stale ingredients: Old or expired spices can alter the flavor. Always check the freshness of your ingredients before use.
- Overcooking the sauce: Allowing it to boil for too long can make the sauce too thick. Follow the timing closely for perfect consistency.
- Neglecting storage: Failing to store properly can spoil your sauce quickly. Use an airtight container and refrigerate it immediately after cooling.
- Not customizing flavors: Ignoring personal taste preferences means missing out on unique flavors. Feel free to adjust ingredients like vinegar or mustard for a twist.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keeps well for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.
Freezing Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce
- Freeze in small portions using freezer-safe containers.
- Can last up to 3 months when frozen.
Reheating Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Heat sauce in an oven-safe dish until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
- Microwave: Transfer sauce to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between until hot.
- Stovetop: Place sauce in a saucepan over low heat. Stir frequently until warmed, taking care not to scorch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce.
What is Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce used for?
Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce is perfect as a sandwich dressing, dip, or marinade. It adds a delightful tangy sweetness to various dishes.
Can I make this sauce vegan?
Yes! This recipe is naturally vegan-friendly since it doesn’t include any animal products.
How long does Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce last?
When stored properly in the refrigerator, it lasts about one week. If frozen, you can enjoy it for up to three months.
Can I adjust the sweetness level?
Absolutely! If you prefer a less sweet flavor, reduce the sugar according to your taste.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce recipe offers a wonderful balance of sweet and tangy flavors that elevate sandwiches and salads alike. Feel free to customize it with your favorite spices or vinegars for a personal touch. Give it a try—you might just find your new go-to condiment!

Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Recreate Subway’s beloved Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce with this simple copycat recipe that brings a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors right to your kitchen. This versatile condiment is perfect for drizzling over salads, spreading on sandwiches, or using as a dip for your favorite snacks. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal preparation time, you can whip up this delicious sauce in under 15 minutes. It’s not only easy to make but also vegan-friendly, making it suitable for everyone at the table. Impress your family and friends with this homemade version of a classic sauce that enhances any meal!
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Sugar
- 1/2 Cup Water
- 6 Tablespoons White Vinegar
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar
- 1/2 Tablespoon Fresh Grated Onion
- 1 Tablespoon Cornstarch
- 2 Teaspoons Dijon Mustard
- 2 Teaspoons Mustard Powder
- 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
- In a saucepan, combine all ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a boil while whisking constantly for about 5 minutes.
- Reduce heat and simmer for an additional 5 minutes while continuing to whisk.
- Remove from heat and let cool before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dip
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon (15g)
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg