Subway Sweet Onion Sauce Recipe
There’s something incredibly satisfying about the sweet, tangy, and slightly savory flavor of Subway’s famous Sweet Onion Sauce. This homemade version captures that beloved taste with just a few simple ingredients. Whether you’re using it as a sandwich spread, dipping sauce, or even as a marinade, this Subway Sweet Onion Sauce is sure to elevate any dish. With its perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, it’s a versatile condiment that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought again
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating a condiment that’s as delicious as it is easy to make. Here’s why it’s a favorite
Sweet and Tangy: The combination of sugar and vinegar provides a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.
Versatile Usage: Use it as a sandwich spread, dipping sauce, or marinade for chicken, fish, or vegetables.
Quick and Easy: With straightforward steps and minimal prep time, this recipe comes together in under 10 minutes. Perfect for busy days when you still want something flavorful.
Customizable: Adjust the sweetness or tanginess by tweaking the amount of sugar or vinegar to suit your taste.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. Everyone loves the familiar, comforting flavor of this classic sauce

Ingredients
Onion Powder: Provides the base onion flavor without the hassle of chopping fresh onions.
Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance out the tanginess of the vinegar.
White Vinegar: Brings a sharp, acidic note that complements the sweetness perfectly.
Water: Helps thin the sauce to the right consistency.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the sauce.
Black Pepper: Adds a subtle depth and warmth to the sauce.
Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this delightful sauce
Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix together onion powder, granulated sugar, white vinegar, water, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a little more water. If it’s too thin, let it sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more sugar for sweetness or more vinegar for tanginess.
Refrigerate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes before using. This allows the flavors to fully develop.
Serve and Enjoy: Use the sauce as a spread on sandwiches, a dipping sauce for fries or veggies, or a marinade for grilled meats. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 50
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
How to Serve Subway Sweet Onion Sauce
This sauce pairs wonderfully with various accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience
Sandwiches: Spread it on your favorite deli sandwiches for added flavor.
Dipping Sauce: Serve with fries, chicken nuggets, or vegetable sticks for a tasty dip.
Marinade: Use it as a marinade for chicken, fish, or vegetables before grilling or roasting.
As a Standalone: Sometimes, this sauce is delicious enough to enjoy on its own. Simply savor each bite and let the flavors shine
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe
Use Fresh Ingredients: High-quality ingredients ensure the best flavor. Avoid using expired products.
Double the Batch: This recipe scales easily, so feel free to double it for larger gatherings or meal prep.
Freeze for Later: While freezing isn’t recommended due to texture changes, you can prepare a large batch and refrigerate it for up to a week.
Add Toppings: For an extra indulgent touch, mix in chopped herbs like parsley or cilantro for added freshness.
Experiment with Variations: Try adding different spices like cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or dried herbs for variety
FAQ Section
1. Can I use fresh onions instead of onion powder? Yes! Finely chop a small onion and sauté it lightly before adding it to the sauce. This will give it a fresher, more robust onion flavor.
2. What type of vinegar should I use? White vinegar works best for achieving the right balance of sweetness and acidity. You can also use apple cider vinegar for a milder option.
3. Can I make this sauce ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the sauce up to a day in advance and refrigerate it. Simply stir before using.
4. How do I store leftover sauce? Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Shake well before using.
5. Can I freeze the sauce? Not recommended, as freezing may alter the texture and consistency of the sauce. It’s best to refrigerate and use within a week.
6. Can I double the recipe? Definitely. Doubling the recipe is simple and ensures you have plenty for leftovers or feeding a crowd.
7. Is this recipe suitable for a low-sugar diet? Not as written, but you can reduce the amount of sugar or use a sugar-free alternative.
8. Can I skip the vinegar? You can, though the vinegar adds tanginess that balances the sweetness. Substitute with lemon juice or another acid if preferred.
9. Do I need to chill the sauce? Chilling helps the flavors meld together and gives the sauce a smoother consistency.
10. Can I add other ingredients to the sauce? Absolutely! Mix in minced garlic, chopped herbs, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for added flavor
Conclusion
There you have it a delicious and versatile Subway Sweet Onion Sauce recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. With its sweet, tangy flavor and endless possibilities, this sauce satisfies both your cravings and creativity. So gather your ingredients, mix things up, and let’s create something amazing together! Your taste buds will thank you.
Print
Subway Sweet Onion Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 1 1/2 cups of sauce 1x
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Recreate Subway’s famous Sweet Onion Sauce at home with this easy recipe! This tangy and sweet sauce pairs perfectly with sandwiches, salads, and more.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 6 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1/2 tablespoon finely minced 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 the ingredients and whisk thoroughly until well mixed.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, whisking constantly to prevent clumping.
- Once boiling, continue to whisk and let it boil for 5 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to a simmer and continue whisking for an additional 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the sauce to cool completely.
- Transfer the cooled sauce to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Notes
- This sauce is a great addition to sandwiches, salads, or as a dipping sauce for various dishes.
- For a thicker consistency, you can increase the amount of cornstarch slightly.
- Adjust the sweetness or tanginess by modifying the amount of sugar or vinegar to suit your taste preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon (15g)
- Calories: 30 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg