Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce
Recreate Subway’s famous Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce with this easy copycat recipe. With its delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors, this sauce is perfect for enhancing sandwiches, salads, and wraps. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply want to elevate your meal, this sauce will impress everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This recipe comes together in just 15 minutes, making it a hassle-free addition to any meal.
- Versatile Uses: Use it as a dressing for salads, a dip for veggies, or a spread on your favorite sandwich.
- Delicious Flavor: The unique combination of sweet and tangy notes makes every bite memorable.
- Homemade Goodness: Enjoy the satisfaction of making your own sauces without preservatives or artificial flavors.
- Vegan-Friendly: This sauce is perfect for everyone, including those following a vegan diet.
Tools and Preparation
To whip up this delightful Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce, you’ll need some essential tools to make the process smooth and efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Airtight container
Importance of Each Tool
- Saucepan: A good saucepan helps achieve even heating while cooking the sauce.
- Whisk: Using a whisk ensures that all ingredients are thoroughly combined for a smooth consistency.
- Airtight Container: Storing your sauce in an airtight container keeps it fresh for longer periods.
Ingredients
Recreate Subway’s famous sweet onion sauce with this easy copycat recipe. Perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors.
Main Ingredients
- 1 Cup Sugar
- 1/2 Cup Water
- 6 Tablespoons White Vinegar
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar
- 1/2 Tablespoon Onion, freshly grated
Additional Ingredients
- 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: Bring to Boil
Bring the mixture to a boil while whisking constantly. Let it boil for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce
Reduce heat and let it simmer for another 5 minutes, still whisking continuously.
Step 4: Cool Down
Remove from heat and allow to cool.
Step 5: Store Properly
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
With these simple steps, you can enjoy your very own Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce anytime! Perfect for sandwiches, salads, or just drizzling on your favorite dishes.
How to Serve Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce
Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce is a versatile condiment that enhances a variety of dishes. Here are some delightful ways to serve and enjoy this sweet and tangy sauce.
On Sandwiches
- Use it as a spread on your favorite sandwiches for an added layer of flavor.
- Pair with grilled chicken or veggies to create a delicious, satisfying meal.
As a Salad Dressing
- Drizzle it over salads for a sweet tang that complements fresh greens.
- Mix with additional olive oil for a creamy vinaigrette.
With Grilled Meats
- Brush it onto meats while grilling to infuse them with flavor.
- Great with chicken, pork, or even grilled tofu for a vegan option.
In Wraps
- Spread on wraps filled with turkey, lettuce, and cheese for extra taste.
- Perfect for veggie wraps too—just add your favorite fillings.
As a Dip
- Serve it alongside fresh vegetables as a dipping sauce.
- A great alternative to ranch or other heavier dips.

How to Perfect Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce
To achieve the best Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce, consider these helpful tips.
- Use fresh ingredients: Freshly grated onion will give your sauce the best flavor. Avoid pre-packaged options for optimal taste.
- Adjust sweetness: Feel free to modify the sugar amount to cater to your sweetness preference. Start small and taste as you go.
- Experiment with vinegars: Different vinegars can change the sauce’s profile. Try apple cider vinegar for a unique twist.
- Store properly: Keep the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge. This preserves freshness and extends its shelf life up to one week.
- Whisk continuously: To avoid lumps, whisk constantly while boiling and simmering. This ensures a smooth texture.
- Let it cool completely: Allow the sauce to cool before storing it away. This helps improve consistency as flavors meld together.
Best Side Dishes for Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce
Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some top choices that complement its flavors.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned and roasted carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini provide a hearty accompaniment.
- French Fries: Crispy fries dipped in sweet onion sauce create an irresistible combination everyone will love.
- Coleslaw: A fresh coleslaw adds crunch and balances out the sweetness of the sauce perfectly.
- Potato Wedges: Baked potato wedges seasoned with herbs go well with this flavorful dip.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn brushed with butter and sweet onion sauce makes for a delightful summer side dish.
- Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf offers a mild base that allows the bold flavors of sweet onion sauce to shine through.
- Baked Beans: Tangy baked beans harmonize beautifully with the sweetness of the sauce, enhancing any barbecue meal.
- Nachos: Tortilla chips topped with cheese and served alongside sweet onion sauce create an exciting snack option.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making homemade sweet onion sauce can be straightforward, but there are common mistakes that might affect the flavor and texture. Here are some pitfalls to avoid.
- Preparation: Skipping the grating of fresh onion can lead to a less flavorful sauce. Always grate your onion for a smoother blend.
- Measurement Errors: Incorrect measurements can alter the sweetness and tanginess. Use a measuring cup and spoons for accuracy.
- Ignoring Temperature: Not bringing the mixture to a boil can prevent proper thickening. Ensure you boil it as instructed for the best consistency.
- Storage Mistakes: Storing in non-airtight containers may spoil the sauce quickly. Use airtight containers for optimal freshness.
- Poor Cooling Time: Failing to let the sauce cool properly before storage can lead to condensation. Cool it completely before refrigerating.

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 ice cube trays or small containers.
- It can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat sauce in an oven-safe dish until warm, stirring occasionally.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts (15-20 seconds), stirring in between, until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Warm over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common queries about homemade sweet onion sauce.
What is Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce used for?
Homemade sweet onion sauce is perfect as a dip, salad dressing, or sandwich spread, enhancing flavors with its unique blend.
Can I customize my Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce?
Yes! You can adjust sweetness by adding more sugar or enhance tanginess with additional vinegar according to your taste preferences.
How do I make Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce vegan?
This recipe is naturally vegan since it contains no animal products. Enjoy it guilt-free!
How long does Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce last?
It lasts about one week in the refrigerator. For longer storage, consider freezing portions for later use.
Final Thoughts
Homemade sweet onion sauce is not just a delightful condiment; it’s versatile enough to elevate various dishes. Experiment with flavors and make it your own by adjusting ingredients according to your preferences. Enjoy this delicious recipe today!

Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Elevate your meals with this Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce, a delightful copycat recipe inspired by Subway’s famous condiment. This versatile sauce combines sweet and tangy flavors, making it perfect for sandwiches, salads, and wraps. With just 15 minutes of preparation, you can enjoy the satisfaction of creating a fresh, preservative-free sauce that caters to everyone, including those on a vegan diet. Whether drizzled over grilled chicken or used as a dip for veggies, this sauce will impress your family and friends at any gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup water
- 6 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1½ tablespoons red wine vinegar
- ½ tablespoon freshly grated onion
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons mustard powder
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon celery seed
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine all ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a boil while whisking constantly; let it boil for 5 minutes.
- Reduce heat and simmer for another 5 minutes, whisking continuously.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
- Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 week.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Sauce
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 30g
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg