Subway Chipotle Southwest Sauce
Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 0 minutes Servings: 8 servings
Subway’s Chipotle Southwest sauce is the most requested condiment at the chain for a reason. It adds a smoky, creamy, mildly spicy kick to any sandwich that elevates it from basic to memorable. The base is mayonnaise, but the chipotle peppers in adobo sauce give it that deep, smoky heat that’s more complex than just adding hot sauce.
The key ingredient is chipotles in adobo — smoked, dried jalapenos rehydrated in a tangy tomato-based sauce. A single can costs about $2 and contains enough for ten batches of this sauce. Store the leftover chipotles in a freezer-safe bag in individual portions.
Customizing the Heat
- Start mild, then add. The recipe as written is medium heat, similar to Subway’s version. For mild, use only the adobo sauce without the pepper. For hot, double the chipotles.
- Lime juice brightens everything. It cuts through the richness of the mayo and balances the smokiness. Don’t skip it.
- Sour cream adds tang. This is what separates this from plain chipotle mayo. The sour cream makes it tangier and lighter in texture.
Beyond Sandwiches
This sauce stores in the fridge for up to two weeks. Use it on burgers, as a dip for sweet potato fries, mixed into tuna salad, or drizzled over grilled chicken bowls. A bottle of similar sauce at the grocery store costs $4-5. This recipe makes the same amount for about $1.50.
More Subway Copycat Recipes
This sauce is the finishing touch — here’s what to put it on:
- Subway Italian BMT — Genoa salami, pepperoni, and Black Forest ham on fresh bread. The Chipotle Southwest sauce adds a smoky layer to the triple-meat build that outperforms oil-and-vinegar alone.
- Copycat Subway Chicken Teriyaki Sub — honey-glazed teriyaki chicken with cucumber and sweet onion sauce. The smoky-sweet contrast from this sauce is a better pairing than it sounds.
- Subway Italian Herb and Cheese Bread — bake the rolls from scratch so the sauce has something worth dressing. The herb crust and soft interior make a real difference.
See all Subway copycat recipes →
