Subway Honey Mustard Recipe

Many people want Subway’s honey mustard sauce at home for easy sandwiches. I feel the same way every time I fix lunch.

That smooth, sweet sauce is often the part I miss most from a Subway sandwich. It brings comfort and a sense of ease to a simple meal.

Subway does not sell the sauce on its own, and store bottles never match that flavor. That made me want a real copycat.

Subway is a well-known fast-food chain in the United States, famous for build-your-own subs and sauces. Their honey mustard became a top pick for many fans.

On April 2, 2025, Subway shared news about the return of Honey Mustard Sauce after a break since 2023, yet it still is not sold in stores.

This copycat subway honey mustard recipe brings that classic flavor home in a simple way.

Why You’ll Love This Subway Honey Mustard Copycat Recipe

• Simple Pantry Items: This sauce uses everyday items already found in most kitchens. No rare items, no hard steps, and no extra shopping stress. Everything blends smoothly for a familiar flavor that feels balanced and clean.
• Quick to Prepare: The sauce comes together fast with just stirring and mixing. There is no cooking, no heating, and no waiting time. That speed makes it perfect for busy days or last-minute sandwich plans.
• True Subway Flavor: The taste closely matches the real Subway version. The blend stays mild, sweet, and lightly sharp without being heavy. Each spoonful brings back that familiar sandwich feel many people miss.
• Creamy and Smooth Texture: The sauce stays silky and easy to spread. It coats bread, wraps, and proteins evenly. The balance of sweet honey and gentle mustard keeps it soft, mellow, and never overpowering.

How This Honey Mustard Sauce Is Different from Traditional Recipes

1. Double Mustard Blend: Unlike basic honey mustard that uses one type, this recipe combines both Dijon and yellow mustard. The Dijon adds bold, complex flavor while the yellow mustard brings that classic American taste.

2. Mayo and Sour Cream Base: Traditional recipes often use only mayo. This version includes sour cream too, which lightens the texture and adds a subtle tang. The result is a creamier, more balanced sauce that’s not too heavy or rich.

3. Perfect Sweet-to-Tangy Ratio: Subway’s version is known for being mildly sweet, not overpowering. This recipe uses just the right amount of honey to complement the mustard without making it too sugary. It’s a more refined balance than typical honey mustard.

4. Fresh Citrus Brightness: Adding lemon juice is a game-changer. It thins the sauce slightly and adds a fresh, zesty note that regular recipes often miss. This small touch makes the flavor pop and keeps it from feeling too dense.

Subway Honey Mustard Ingredients

• Mayonnaise (2 tablespoons) – Mayonnaise creates the rich, creamy base for this sauce. It adds body and a smooth texture. For a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt or light mayo. Avoid using Miracle Whip as it has a different flavor profile.
• Sour Cream (2 tablespoons) – Sour cream lightens up the mayo and adds a pleasant tang. It keeps the sauce from being too heavy. You can substitute plain Greek yogurt for a protein boost. Crème fraîche also works well.
• Dijon Mustard (2 tablespoons) – Dijon mustard brings bold, punchy flavor with a slight heat. It’s more complex than regular mustard. Whole grain mustard can be used, but it will change the texture. Spicy brown mustard is another option.
• Yellow Mustard (2 tablespoons) – Regular yellow American-style mustard adds that classic tangy taste. It’s milder and sweeter than Dijon. You can use another tablespoon of Dijon instead, but the flavor will be sharper.
• Honey (2 tablespoons) – Honey provides natural sweetness to balance the tangy mustards. It also adds a silky texture. Maple syrup or agave nectar can work as substitutes. Adjust the amount based on your sweetness preference.
• Fresh Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon) – Lemon juice brightens the entire sauce and thins it slightly. It adds a fresh, zesty note. You can use white vinegar or apple cider vinegar instead. Start with half the amount as vinegar is stronger.

Kitchen Tools Needed for This Recipe

1. Mixing Bowl – Medium size works best
2. Whisk or Spoon – For smooth blending
3. Measuring Spoons – For accurate portions
4. Storage Container – Airtight jar or bottle

How to Make Subway Honey Mustard at Home

Step 1 | Combine the creamy base

In a medium bowl, add 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise. The mayo makes the sauce rich and creamy. Next, add 2 tablespoons of sour cream right on top. The sour cream lightens the sauce and adds a gentle tang.

Step 2 | Add the mustards

Add 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard to the bowl. This gives the sauce its bold, sharp flavor. Then add 2 tablespoons of yellow mustard. The yellow mustard brings that classic Subway-style taste.

Step 3 | Sweeten and brighten the sauce

Pour in 2 tablespoons of honey. The honey adds sweetness and balances all the tangy flavors. You can always add a little more later if you like it sweeter. Squeeze in about 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. This thins the sauce slightly and adds a fresh, bright taste.

Step 4 | Mix and adjust

Whisk or stir everything together until smooth and creamy. The sauce should be light yellow and well blended.

Step 5 | Serve or store

Your homemade Subway Honey Mustard Recipe is ready to use. You can enjoy it right away or store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Letting it sit for about 30 minutes makes the flavor even better.

Recipe Notes and Pro Tips

• Adjust Sweetness Slowly: If you want a sweeter sauce, add honey a little at a time. Small changes make a big difference, and it is easier to add than fix an overly sweet sauce.
• Use Good-Quality Mustard: Dijon and yellow mustard are the main flavors here. Using better-quality mustard gives the sauce more depth and a cleaner taste.
• Thin Only If Needed: If the sauce feels too thick, add a small splash of lemon juice or water. This works well if you plan to drizzle it over salads or wraps.
• Try Different Honey Types: Different honey can change the flavor slightly. Clover honey is mild, wildflower honey is richer, and orange blossom honey adds a soft floral note.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Honey Mustard

1. Not Mixing Thoroughly: If the sauce is not mixed well, it can have streaks of mayo or mustard. This affects both taste and texture. Always stir or whisk until the sauce looks smooth and even in color.

2. Using Too Much Honey: Too much honey can make the sauce overly sweet and hide the mustard flavor. It’s best to start small. You can always add more, but you can’t fix it once it’s too sweet.

3. Skipping the Sour Cream: Leaving out the sour cream makes the sauce too thick and heavy. Sour cream adds lightness and gentle tang, which helps balance the mayo and mustard.

4. Using Only One Type of Mustard: Using just Dijon or just yellow mustard changes the flavor. The mix of both is what creates that familiar Subway-style taste. Each one plays an important role.

5. Not Tasting and Adjusting: Different brands of mustard and honey taste different. If you don’t taste the sauce before serving, the balance might be off. Always taste and adjust to get the flavor just right.

6 Ways to Use Your Homemade Honey Mustard

1. Sandwich and Wrap Spread: This is the classic way to use your honey mustard. Spread it on any sandwich, sub, or wrap. It works great with turkey, ham, chicken, or roast beef. The sauce adds moisture and flavor to every bite.

2. Dipping Sauce for Chicken: This sauce is amazing with chicken nuggets, tenders, or grilled chicken strips. The sweet and tangy flavor pairs perfectly with crispy chicken. It’s also great with baked chicken wings or drumsticks.

3. Salad Dressing: Thin the sauce with a bit more lemon juice or water to use as a salad dressing. It’s delicious on garden salads, chicken salads, or grain bowls. The creamy texture coats the greens beautifully.

4. Pretzel and Veggie Dip: Serve it as a dip for soft pretzels, pretzel bites, or raw vegetables. Carrots, celery, bell peppers, and broccoli all taste great dunked in this sauce.

5. Burger Topping: Spread it on burgers instead of regular mustard or ketchup. It works on beef burgers, turkey burgers, or veggie burgers. The honey mustard adds a gourmet touch to your burger night.

6. Marinade Base: Use it as a marinade for chicken or pork before grilling or baking. The honey helps create a nice caramelization while the mustard tenderizes the meat. Let the meat sit in the sauce for at least 30 minutes.

How to Store Homemade Honey Mustard

Store the sauce in an airtight container inside the fridge. It stays fresh for up to 7 days. This recipe works well for making ahead.

Freezing is not recommended since dairy can separate. Reheating is not needed. Signs of spoilage include sour smell, color change, or watery texture.

Subway Honey Mustard Recipe FAQs

1. Is Subway honey mustard vegetarian?

Yes, Subway honey mustard is considered vegetarian since it contains no meat products. The sauce uses mustard, honey, and creamy elements. Some strict vegetarians avoid honey, so personal choice matters.

This homemade version follows the same base idea and stays suitable for vegetarian diets that allow honey use.

2. What type of honey mustard does Subway use?

Subway uses a mild, creamy honey mustard with balanced sweetness and low sharpness. It blends Dijon and yellow mustard styles. The texture stays smooth and spreadable.

his copycat recipe mirrors that same balance and keeps the flavor gentle without strong vinegar bite.

3. Can I adjust the sweetness level?

Yes, sweetness is easy to control. Adding honey in small amounts allows gradual adjustment. Some prefer less honey for a sharper sauce. Others like extra sweetness for dipping.

Tasting during mixing helps reach the right balance. This flexibility makes homemade sauce more personal than store-bought options.

4. Why does my sauce taste bitter?

A bitter taste usually comes from the Dijon mustard. To fix it, try adding a little more honey, about half a teaspoon at a time, and whisking well. This will sweeten and balance the flavor.

This subway honey mustard recipe stays simple and quick to prepare. I love adjusting the flavor to match my taste while saving money. Fresh ingredients bring better quality and control.

Try it today, then share results with others who love sauce.