Craving that distinctive Board and Brew sauce that makes every sandwich extraordinary? This homemade Board and Brew sauce recipe delivers the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors that has made this condiment a cult favorite. Whether you’re missing your favorite sandwich shop or simply want to elevate your home cooking, this copycat recipe captures all the magic.
Making your own Board and Brew sauce at home is surprisingly simple and incredibly rewarding. With just a handful of pantry staples and about 20 minutes of your time, you’ll have a versatile condiment that rivals the original. This sauce isn’t just for sandwiches-it’s destined to become your go-to flavor enhancer for everything from burgers to roasted vegetables.
The beauty of this Board and Brew sauce recipe lies in its accessibility and customization potential. Once you master the basic technique, you can adjust the sweetness, tanginess, or heat level to suit your personal taste preferences perfectly.
What Does Board and Brew Sauce Taste Like?
Board and Brew sauce offers a complex flavor profile that perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and savory elements. The base notes come from rich ketchup, which provides a familiar tomato sweetness that forms the foundation of this beloved condiment. The Dijon mustard adds a sophisticated sharpness and subtle heat that cuts through the sweetness beautifully.
The honey contributes a natural, floral sweetness that’s more nuanced than regular sugar, while the apple cider vinegar brings a bright, fruity acidity that makes your taste buds sing. These contrasting flavors create a harmonious blend that’s both comforting and exciting on the palate.
The sautéed garlic and red onion add depth and complexity, infusing the sauce with aromatic, caramelized notes that develop during the gentle simmering process. The final result is a smooth, glossy sauce with a medium consistency that clings beautifully to food without being too thick or runny.
Ingredients Required for Board and Brew Sauce Recipe
Here’s the list of Ingredients you’ll need to make this Board and Brew Sauce
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ¼ red onion, diced
- ¼ cup canola oil
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Kitchen Utensil You’ll Need
- Small saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small bowl or jar for serving/storing
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yields: About 1 1/2 cups of sauce
How to Make Board and Brew Sauce
Simply follow the steps given below to make your Board and Brew Sauce at home
1. Prepare your ingredients
Mince the garlic clove finely and dice the red onion into small, uniform pieces. Having everything prepped before you start cooking ensures a smooth process.
2. Heat the oil
In a small saucepan, heat the canola oil over medium heat. Allow it to warm for about 30 seconds until it shimmers slightly.
3. Sauté the aromatics
Add the minced garlic and diced red onion to the heated oil. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown or burn.
4. Add the base ingredients
Stir in the ketchup, Dijon mustard, honey, and apple cider vinegar. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
5. Bring to a simmer
Increase heat slightly and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. You’ll see small bubbles forming around the edges of the sauce.
6. Reduce and simmer
Lower the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken slightly and develop a deeper color.
7. Season to taste
Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a pinch of each and adjust according to your preference.
8. Cool and serve
Let the sauce cool slightly before transferring to a serving container. The sauce can be used immediately or stored for later use.
Some Tasty Ways To Customize and Serve This Board and Brew Sauce
1. Classic Deli Sandwiches
We spread this sauce on turkey and swiss sandwiches, and it transforms an ordinary lunch into something restaurant-worthy. The tangy-sweet flavor cuts through rich deli meats beautifully.
2. Grilled Chicken Glaze
During our last BBQ, we brushed this sauce on chicken thighs in the final 5 minutes of grilling. The honey caramelizes perfectly, creating a glossy, flavorful coating that had our guests asking for the recipe.
3. Sweet Potato Fries Dip
This has become our go-to dipping sauce for sweet potato fries. The sauce’s acidity balances the natural sweetness of the potatoes, and we’ve served this combination at three dinner parties with rave reviews.
4. Burger Enhancement
We’ve replaced traditional condiments with this sauce on our homemade burgers, and it’s a game-changer. The complex flavor profile elevates even simple beef patties into gourmet territory.
5. Roasted Vegetable Drizzle
Last week, we drizzled this sauce over roasted Brussels sprouts and carrots. The sauce’s sweetness helps convert even veggie skeptics – our teenage nephew actually asked for seconds!
6. Pulled Pork Mix-In
When we make slow-cooker pulled pork, we stir in 2-3 tablespoons of this sauce during the last hour of cooking. It adds depth without overwhelming the meat’s natural flavors.
7. Pretzel Dipping Sauce
At our last game day gathering, we served warm soft pretzels with this sauce for dipping. It was such a hit that we barely had any leftover – definitely making a double batch next time.
8. Salmon Glaze
We’ve brushed this sauce on salmon fillets before baking, and the results are restaurant-quality. The sauce complements the fish’s richness without masking its delicate flavor.
9. Grain Bowl Dressing
We thin this sauce with a tablespoon of water and use it as a dressing for quinoa bowls loaded with roasted vegetables and grilled protein. It ties all the flavors together beautifully.
10. Meatball Glaze
Our Sunday meatballs get a final toss in this sauce before serving, and it’s become a family tradition. The sauce clings perfectly and adds that special something that makes ordinary meatballs extraordinary.
Some Tips on This Board and Brew Sauce Recipe
1. Cut Your Onion Really Small
Cut your red onion into tiny pieces. Think about the size of rice. Small pieces cook faster and taste better in your sauce. Big chunks will be hard to eat and won’t mix well.
2. Don’t Let Your Garlic Turn Brown
Watch your garlic when it cooks. If it turns brown, it will taste bad. Keep the heat low and stir it a lot. Fresh garlic should smell good, not burnt.
3. Taste as You Go
Try your sauce while you cook it. Add more honey if you want it sweet. Add more vinegar if you want it tangy. You are the boss of your sauce!
4. Use a Small Pan
A small pan works best for this recipe. A big pan will make your sauce cook too fast. The small pan helps everything cook nice and slow.
5. Stir Often So Nothing Sticks
Keep stirring your sauce every few minutes. This stops it from sticking to the bottom of your pan. Nobody wants burnt sauce!
6. Let It Cool Before You Taste
Hot sauce can burn your tongue! Let your sauce cool down for a few minutes before you try it. This also helps you taste all the flavors better.
7. Make Extra and Save Some
This sauce gets better after it sits in the fridge overnight. Make a big batch and keep some for later. You’ll thank yourself tomorrow!
8. Start with Less Salt
You can always add more salt, but you can’t take it out. Start with just a little bit. Taste it first, then add more if you need it.
9. Use Good Honey
Real honey tastes much better than fake honey. Look for honey that says “pure” on the jar. It will make your sauce taste amazing.
10. Clean Up as You Cook
Wash your dishes while your sauce cooks. This makes cleanup super easy when you’re done. Plus, you won’t have a big mess to clean later!
How to Store Board and Brew Sauce Properly
Store your homemade Board and Brew sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The flavors actually improve after sitting overnight, so don’t hesitate to make it ahead. For reheating, simply warm gently in a small saucepan over low heat or microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through.
Board and Brew Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 garlic clove minced
- ¼ red onion diced
- ¼ cup canola oil
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Mince the garlic clove finely and dice the red onion into small, uniform pieces. Having everything prepped before you start cooking ensures a smooth process.
- In a small saucepan, heat the canola oil over medium heat. Allow it to warm for about 30 seconds until it shimmers slightly.
- Add the minced garlic and diced red onion to the heated oil. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown or burn.
- Stir in the ketchup, Dijon mustard, honey, and apple cider vinegar. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Increase heat slightly and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. You’ll see small bubbles forming around the edges of the sauce.
- Lower the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken slightly and develop a deeper color.
- Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a pinch of each and adjust according to your preference.
- Let the sauce cool slightly before transferring to a serving container. The sauce can be used immediately or stored for later use.
Video
Notes
Common Queries on This Board and Brew Sauce Recipe
Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions about the Board and Brew Sauce that people often ask.
1. What is the special sauce at Board and Brew?
From our experience recreating this beloved condiment, Board and Brew’s special sauce is a unique blend of ketchup, Dijon mustard, honey, and apple cider vinegar with sautéed garlic and onions. What makes it special is the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that we’ve captured in this homemade version. We’ve tested this recipe countless times to match that distinctive taste that makes every Board and Brew sandwich memorable.
2. How much is board and brew sauce?
While Board and Brew doesn’t typically sell their sauce separately, making this homemade version costs us approximately $3-4 for the entire batch, which yields about 1.5 cups. That’s significantly more economical than buying multiple sandwiches just for the sauce! We’ve found that one batch lasts our family about 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator.
3. Is board and brew sauce vegan?
Unfortunately, this Board and Brew sauce recipe is not vegan due to the honey content. However, we’ve successfully tested a vegan version by substituting the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar in equal amounts. The flavor profile changes slightly – it becomes a bit more robust with maple syrup – but it’s still absolutely delicious and maintains that signature Board and Brew taste.
4. Which sandwich sauce is healthy?
In our experience testing various sandwich sauces, this Board and Brew sauce falls into the moderate category healthwise. While it contains sugar from ketchup and honey, it also includes beneficial ingredients like apple cider vinegar and garlic. We consider it healthier than many mayo-based sauces since it’s lower in saturated fat. For a lighter version, we sometimes reduce the honey by half and add extra vinegar for tang.
5. Can I make this Board and Brew sauce without cooking it?
We’ve tried making this sauce without cooking, but the results are noticeably different. The cooking process allows the onions and garlic to mellow and blend with the other ingredients, creating that signature depth of flavor. Raw versions taste sharper and less balanced. We always recommend the full cooking method for the authentic Board and Brew experience.
6. How long does homemade Board and Brew sauce last?
In our kitchen, we’ve found that properly stored homemade Board and Brew sauce stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. We always use clean utensils when serving to prevent contamination. The sauce actually tastes better after the first day as the flavors have time to meld together. We’ve never had a batch last longer than 2 weeks because it gets used up so quickly!
7. Can I freeze Board and Brew sauce for longer storage?
We’ve experimented with freezing this sauce, and while it’s technically possible, we don’t recommend it. The texture changes slightly after thawing – it can become a bit watery and requires stirring to recombine. If you do freeze it, use it within 3 months and expect to give it a good stir when thawed. We prefer making smaller batches more frequently.
8. What can I substitute for Dijon mustard in this recipe?
Through our testing, we’ve found that yellow mustard works as a substitute, though it creates a milder flavor profile. Whole grain mustard adds interesting texture but changes the smoothness we associate with Board and Brew sauce. For the closest match, we stick with Dijon, but if you only have yellow mustard, use slightly less as it can be more acidic.
9. Why does my homemade sauce taste different from the restaurant version?
We’ve noticed that variations in ingredient brands can affect the final taste. Different ketchup brands have varying sweetness levels, and honey varieties can range from mild to robust. We recommend using a standard ketchup brand like Heinz and a mild honey for the closest match. Also, make sure to cook the sauce long enough for the flavors to properly develop and meld.
10. Can I make this Board and Brew sauce spicier?
Absolutely! We love experimenting with heat levels in our kitchen. For a spicy version, we add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce during the simmering process. Some of our readers have successfully added finely minced jalapeños along with the garlic and onions. Start with small amounts and taste as you go – you can always add more heat, but you can’t take it away!
This Board and Brew sauce recipe proves that the best condiments are often the simplest ones made with love and quality ingredients. The combination of sweet honey, tangy vinegar, and savory aromatics creates a sauce that’s truly greater than the sum of its parts. Once you taste this homemade version, you’ll understand why Board and Brew sauce has such a devoted following.
Ready to bring restaurant-quality flavor to your home kitchen? Give this Board and Brew sauce recipe a try and let us know in the comments how you used it! Don’t forget to share your creations on social media and tag us – we love seeing your culinary adventures come to life.
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Thanks for the recipe
Welcome
This is so simple
thanks
Welcome