Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce
Recreate Subway’s famous sweet onion sauce with this easy copycat recipe. This Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce offers a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors, making it perfect for sandwiches, salads, or as a dip. Its versatility suits various occasions, from casual lunches to festive gatherings. You’ll love how quick and simple it is to whip up this delicious sauce at home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This sauce takes only 15 minutes from start to finish, making it an easy addition to your meals.
- Flavorful Balance: The combination of sweet and tangy makes it a crowd-pleaser that elevates any dish.
- Versatile Use: Perfect for sandwiches, salads, or as a marinade, this sauce enhances many of your favorite foods.
- Healthier Option: By making it at home, you control the ingredients and avoid preservatives found in store-bought versions.
- Vegan-Friendly: This recipe is entirely plant-based, making it suitable for vegans and those with dietary restrictions.
Tools and Preparation
Before you get started on your Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Airtight container
Importance of Each Tool
- Saucepan: A sturdy saucepan allows for even heating while cooking the sauce.
- Whisk: A whisk helps achieve a smooth consistency by evenly mixing the ingredients without lumps.
- Measuring cups: Accurate measurements ensure the perfect balance of flavors in your sweet onion sauce.
Ingredients
Recreate Subway’s famous sweet onion sauce with this easy copycat recipe. Perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors.
Sweet Onion Sauce 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
- 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 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.
With just a few simple steps, you’ll have your very own batch of Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce ready to enhance your meals!
How to Serve Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce
Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce is a versatile condiment that adds a delightful sweetness and tanginess to various dishes. Here are some creative ways to serve it:
On Sandwiches
- Classic Sub: Drizzle over your favorite sub sandwich for that authentic Subway taste.
- Turkey Wrap: Spread on a tortilla with turkey and veggies for a refreshing wrap.
As a Salad Dressing
- Green Salad: Toss with mixed greens, cucumbers, and tomatoes for a zesty salad.
- Coleslaw: Mix into coleslaw for an extra layer of flavor.
With Grilled Meats
- Grilled Chicken: Serve as a dipping sauce with grilled chicken breasts.
- Pork Chops: Pair with pork chops to balance the savory flavors.
As a Dip
- Vegetable Platter: Use as a dip for fresh veggies like carrots and bell peppers.
- Chips: Enjoy it with potato chips or pita chips for a snack.

How to Perfect Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce
To enhance your Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce, consider these tips for the best results:
- Flavor Boost: Add more freshly grated onion for a stronger onion taste.
- Sweetness Adjustment: Modify sugar levels based on your desired sweetness; use less if preferred.
- Vinegar Variations: Experiment with different vinegars, like apple cider vinegar, for unique flavors.
- Storage Tips: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness.
- Whisking Technique: Whisk continuously while cooking to prevent lumps from forming.
Best Side Dishes for Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce
Pairing side dishes with your Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce can elevate your meal. Here are some tasty options:
- Crispy French Fries: Golden fries that are perfect for dipping in sweet onion sauce.
- Baked Potato Wedges: Seasoned wedges that complement the sauce’s sweet tanginess.
- Grilled Vegetables: A medley of grilled zucchini and bell peppers pairs well with the sauce.
- Corn on the Cob: Brush sweet onion sauce onto corn for added flavor during summer barbecues.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy Brussels sprouts drizzled with the sauce make a delicious side.
- Macaroni Salad: Stir into macaroni salad for a creamy twist on this classic dish.
- Rice Pilaf: Serve alongside rice pilaf to add depth of flavor to your grains.
- Stuffed Peppers: Use as a drizzle over stuffed peppers to enhance their flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making your Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce can be simple, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Using the Wrong Vinegar: Different vinegars have unique flavors. Stick to white and red wine vinegar for the best balance.
- Not Whisking Enough: Continuous whisking is key while boiling. This prevents clumping and ensures a smooth sauce.
- Skipping the Cooling Step: Allow your sauce to cool before storing. This helps maintain its texture and flavor.
- Improper Storage Containers: Use airtight containers for storage. This keeps the sauce fresh and prevents contamination.
- Overcooking the Sauce: Cooking too long can alter the taste. Follow the cooking times closely for optimal flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keeps fresh for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.
Freezing Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Can be stored for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat sauce in an oven-safe dish until warm.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between to avoid hot spots.
- Stovetop: Warm gently over low heat while stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce last?
Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce lasts about one week in the refrigerator when stored properly.
Can I freeze Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce?
Yes, you can freeze it! Just use a freezer-safe container and enjoy it up to three months later.
What dishes pair well with Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce?
This versatile sauce is great on sandwiches, salads, and as a dip for veggies!
Is this Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce vegan?
Yes! All ingredients used are plant-based, making it a perfect vegan condiment option.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce offers a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors that elevate any meal. It’s incredibly easy to make and can be customized with your favorite spices or additional ingredients. Give it a try; you’ll love how versatile it is!

Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Recreate the beloved Subway Sweet Onion Sauce at home with this easy and delicious copycat recipe. This Homemade Sweet Onion Sauce combines a delightful medley of sweet and tangy flavors that elevate sandwiches, salads, and even grilled meats. With just a few ingredients and minimal cooking time, you can whip up this versatile condiment that is not only vegan-friendly but also healthier than store-bought options. Perfect for casual lunches or festive gatherings, this sauce is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy the satisfaction of making your own flavorful sauce right in your kitchen!
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Sugar
- 1/2 Cup Water
- 6 Tablespoons White Vinegar
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar
- 1/2 Tablespoon Freshly 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
- Combine all ingredients in a saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil while whisking constantly. Let it boil for five minutes.
- Reduce heat to simmer for an additional five minutes, continuing to whisk.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool before transferring to an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Sauce
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 30g
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg