Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce
Recreate Subway’s famous Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce with this easy copycat recipe. This delightful sauce perfectly balances sweet and tangy flavors, making it ideal for sandwiches, salads, and more. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply enjoying a quiet meal at home, this versatile sauce is sure to impress. Its unique flavor profile elevates any dish it accompanies, ensuring that every bite is bursting with taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delicious sauce in no time.
- Versatile Flavor: Perfect for sandwiches, salads, and as a dipping sauce for various dishes.
- Healthy Alternative: This homemade version allows you to control the ingredients and avoid preservatives.
- Vegan Friendly: Suitable for all diets, making it a great addition to any meal.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week.
Tools and Preparation
To make your homemade sweet onion sauce efficiently, having the right tools is essential. These tools will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Airtight container
Importance of Each Tool
- Saucepan: A sturdy saucepan is crucial for heating the ingredients evenly without burning them.
- Whisk: A whisk helps in combining the ingredients smoothly, preventing clumps and ensuring a consistent texture.
Ingredients
For the Sauce
Recreate Subway’s famous sweet onion sauce with this easy copycat recipe. Perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors.
- 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: Heat the Mixture
Bring the mixture to a boil while whisking constantly. Let it boil for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Simmer
Reduce heat to simmer for another 5 minutes while continuing to whisk.
Step 4: Cool Down
Remove from heat and allow to cool. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
With these simple steps, you’ll have a delicious Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce ready to elevate any meal!
How to Serve Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce
Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce is a versatile condiment that can elevate various dishes. Here are some creative ways to serve this delicious sauce.
Sandwiches
- Classic Sub: Drizzle the sauce over your favorite sub for a sweet and tangy kick.
- Grilled Cheese: Spread a thin layer inside your grilled cheese sandwich for added flavor.
Salads
- Salad Dressing: Use it as a dressing for mixed greens or pasta salads.
- Coleslaw: Mix it into coleslaw for a unique twist on a classic dish.
Dipping Sauce
- Veggie Platter: Serve it as a dip alongside fresh vegetables for a healthy snack.
- Chicken Nuggets: Pair with chicken nuggets or tenders for an extra layer of flavor.
Marinades
- Grilled Chicken: Use it as a marinade for chicken before grilling to infuse sweetness.
- Pork Chops: Brush it on pork chops during cooking for a caramelized finish.

How to Perfect Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce
To achieve the best results with your Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh onions and high-quality vinegars to enhance flavor.
- Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to modify the sugar content based on your personal taste preferences.
- Whisk Continuously: While cooking, whisk constantly to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth texture.
- Let It Cool: Allow the sauce to cool before storing; this helps the flavors meld together perfectly.
- Experiment with Spices: Try adding different spices like cayenne pepper or herbs for unique variations.
Best Side Dishes for Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce
Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce pairs wonderfully with many side dishes. Here are some great options to complement your meal.
- French Fries: Crispy fries dipped in sweet onion sauce make an irresistible combination.
- Onion Rings: The sweetness of the sauce enhances the flavor of crunchy onion rings.
- Roasted Vegetables: Drizzle it over roasted veggies like carrots and bell peppers for added taste.
- Corn on the Cob: Brush the sauce on grilled corn for a sweet and savory treat.
- Potato Salad: Mix it into potato salad for an unexpected twist on this classic side dish.
- Rice Pilaf: Stir some sauce into rice pilaf just before serving for extra flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce turns out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes.
- Missing Ingredients: Always double-check the list before starting. Omitting key ingredients can drastically change the flavor.
- Incorrect Measurements: Use precise measurements for each ingredient. Too much or too little can affect the sauce’s sweetness and tanginess.
- Not Whisking Enough: Whisk continuously while boiling. This prevents lumps and ensures a smooth consistency.
- Ignoring Cooling Time: Allow the sauce to cool properly before storing. This helps maintain its texture and flavor.
- Storing Improperly: Use an airtight container for storage. This prevents spoilage and keeps the sauce fresh longer.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store your Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce in an airtight container.
- It will remain fresh for up to 1 week in the fridge.
Freezing Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce
- You can freeze the sauce if you need it for a longer period.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion.
- It can be stored for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in short intervals, stirring between, until hot.
- Stovetop: Pour into a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce that may help clarify any doubts.
What is Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce used for?
Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce is perfect as a dipping sauce, salad dressing, or sandwich spread. Its sweet and tangy flavor complements various dishes.
How do I customize my Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce?
You can adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar or balancing it with additional vinegar. Experiment with spices like cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Can I make this sauce vegan?
Yes! The ingredients are already vegan-friendly. Just ensure any additional ingredients you use also align with your dietary preferences.
How long does Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, it lasts up to one week in the refrigerator and three months in the freezer.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. It enhances sandwiches, salads, and even grilled meats! Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite spices or adjusting the sweetness level. Give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!

Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 10 servings 1x
Description
Recreate the beloved flavor of Subway’s Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce with this easy copycat recipe that’s perfect for all your sandwich and salad needs. This sauce strikes a delightful balance between sweet and tangy flavors, making it an incredible addition to any meal. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or simply enjoying a quiet dinner at home, this versatile sauce is bound to impress! From drizzling over subs to mixing into salads, every bite will be bursting with taste. Plus, it’s vegan-friendly and a healthier alternative to store-bought versions, as you can control the ingredients and avoid preservatives.
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Sugar
- 1/2 Cup Water
- 6 Tablespoons White Vinegar
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar
- 1/2 Tablespoon Grated Onion
- 1 Tablespoon Cornstarch
- 2 Teaspoons Dijon Mustard
- 2 Teaspoons Mustard Powder
- 1/4 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/4 Teaspoon Paprika
- 1/4 Teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1/4 Teaspoon Celery Seed
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil while whisking constantly for about 5 minutes.
- Reduce heat and let it simmer for another 5 minutes while continuing to whisk.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Sauce Making
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 30g
- Calories: 105
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 25mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg