Last updated on October 24th, 2024
If you’re a southern Californian, you probably know all about Board and Brew sauce. But how can you make it at home? Is it even possible? Turns out, it is! And the best part is you only need a few key ingredients to whip it up, most of which we are willing to bet you already have stashed in your kitchen. As a plus, if you aren’t from southern California but still want something saucy and delicious to top your next sandwich, keep reading… We’re willing to bet you’ll love it, too!
What Is Board and Brew?
Board and Brew is an American food chain restaurant known for serving up delicious eats in southern California. The restaurant features fresh ingredients at low prices, something that has made this restaurant chain very popular over the years.
They are best known for their sought-after sandwiches. And also, for their “Secret Sauce” referred to as “Board and Brew Sauce”.
The restaurant was first started back in the late ‘70s and business has been booming ever since. Coincidence? Board and Brew thinks not.
By serving up yummy sandwiches and offering a cup or two of their Secret Sauce on the side, Board and Brew has quickly won the hearts of many. Their popularity shows no signs of slowing down any time soon.
The Board and Brew Sauce
The Board and Brew sauce, or “Secret Sauce”, as it has now been coined, has been around since the late 1970s. This deliciously tangy sauce was first known as their “Sweet and Sour” sauce, as the original recipe, created by Tom Power’s grandmother, had more of a vinegary aftertaste than it does now.
At the time, the sauce topped Board and Brew’s Turkey Deluxe sandwich and was not used on any other foods sold by the establishment. It wasn’t until the sauce began to become a crowd-favorite amongst customers that the company started to add the sauce to more sandwiches and food items. It eventually became as popular as it is today.
Now, Board and Brew serves up its delicious “secret” sauce to hungry customers for only $5 a bottle. They also offer the sauce free with any purchase for dipping galore.
But the sauce today isn’t what it was years ago. As other stores opened, and Board and Brew began to expand, the company made a series of changes to the sauce that allowed it to become what it is today.
Though Board and Brew’s sauce isn’t as vinegary as it was back then, the Board and Brew team came together to create a sauce so tasty that it is now one of the most craved and sought-after sauces in southern California… just ask one of the locals!
Tasting Notes
The great thing about Board and Brew Sauce is that it tastes good with so many different foods. The flavor is fancy enough to be a dipping sauce all by itself, but it also goes well with tons of dishes. Burgers, sandwiches, pizza, salads – you name it, this sauce makes it better.
This sauce is like a delicious dance of tastes that’ll make your taste buds do a happy jig.
Sweet and Tangy
First off, you’ll notice a perfect mix of sweet and tangy flavors. The sweet relish and tomato paste give it a yummy sweetness that reminds you of your favorite BBQ sauce, while the pickle chips and lemon juice add a zingy tang that keeps things exciting.
Savory
Underneath all that, there’s a savory flavor that makes the sauce taste even better. The garlic powder, onion powder, and chopped-up onion give it a rich and satisfying taste that’ll make you want to keep eating more.
A Little Kick
Board and Brew Sauce isn’t super spicy, but the chili powder adds a tiny bit of heat that goes great with all the other flavors. It’s not too much, but it’s just enough to give the sauce a little something extra.
Creamy
One of the best things about this sauce is how creamy and smooth it is. The mayo base makes the sauce feel silky on your tongue and helps it coat your food evenly, so every bite is a yummy one. Whether you’re dipping fries, spreading it on a sandwich, or putting it on top of your favorite dish, the texture of this sauce is sure to make you smile.
Board and Brew Sauce Copycat
Just like Jimmy Johns Kickin Ranch Recipe or HelloFresh Tex Mex Paste Recipe, a Board and Brew sauce copycat probably seems too good to be true. But despite the Board and Brew crew being super secretive about what goes in their popular sauce recipe, we actually believe we’ve cracked the code!
Board and Brew Sauce Recipe
Ready to learn how to make this incredibly popular sauce? We bet you are! Using only a few basic ingredients, you can achieve a sauce with a very similar taste to Board and Brew Secret Sauce that you can add to virtually anything.
Some like to add the sauce to their eggs, hot dogs, burgers, pizza, sandwiches, and even macaroni salad. The choice is yours!
Let’s get started with the recipe.
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp sweet relish
- 1 ¼ cup pickle chips finely diced
- 1 tbsp finely minced onion
- 3 tbsp Tomato paste
- ¾ cup fresh mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- ½ tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 ½ tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp pickle juice (use the juice from your pickle chips)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Directions
- Finely dice your onions and pickle chips.
- In a small bowl, add the mayonnaise, onion, pickles, relish, tomato paste, and dijon mustard.
- Next, add your garlic powder, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and onion powder to the mix.
- Combine your lemon juice with the pickle juice derived from your pickle chips jar, and add this to your bowl.
- Mix all ingredients until well combined. Season with salt and pepper.
Pairing Ideas
Board and Brew Sauce is very versatile. Here are some delicious food pairings that will make you REALLY enjoy your meal!
Burgers
Board and Brew Sauce tastes great on a burger. The slightly sweet and tangy flavor of the sauce goes well with the rich taste of the meat. Grill some burger patties, add toppings like bacon, cheese, and vegetables, then add a good amount of Board and Brew Sauce for a burger you won’t forget.
Sandwiches
Sandwiches are a common lunch choice, and Board and Brew Sauce can make them taste much better. Spread the sauce on your favorite bread, add some deli meats, cheeses, and lettuce or other greens, and you’ve got a sandwich that everyone will want. For a vegetarian option, try grilled mushrooms or roasted vegetables with a lot of the sauce.
Dipping Sauce
It also makes for a great dipping sauce for many snacks and appetizers. Serve it with french fries, sweet potato wedges, or zucchini sticks for a satisfying crunch. It also tastes great with chicken tenders, mozzarella sticks, and even sushi rolls. Try it with your favorite finger foods – you might just find your new favorite dipping sauce!
Salad Dressing
If you’re bored with your usual salad dressings, try using this sauce instead to give your salad a tasty twist. Mix a good amount of the sauce with your favorite salad ingredients, add some grilled chicken or shrimp, and top it with some crunchy croutons for a filling and flavorful meal. The sauce’s unique mix of spices will make even a boring salad taste great.
Breakfast
Board and Brew Sauce isn’t just for lunch and dinner. Pour it over your morning scrambled eggs, omelets, or breakfast sandwiches for a tasty change to your usual breakfast. The sauce’s tangy flavor goes surprisingly well with eggs, adding a nice zing to your first meal of the day.
Storage
After preparing the sauce, store it in an airtight container to prevent exposure to air, which can cause the sauce to spoil more quickly. Glass jars or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids are ideal for this purpose. Ensure that the container is clean and dry before transferring the sauce.
Once the sauce is in the airtight container, place it in the refrigerator promptly. The cool temperature of the refrigerator slows down the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms that can cause the sauce to spoil. When stored properly in the refrigerator, your homemade Board and Brew sauce can last for up to two weeks.
It is normal for the sauce to separate slightly during storage, with the oil rising to the top and the other ingredients settling at the bottom. This separation does not indicate spoilage and can be easily remedied by stirring or mixing the sauce to reincorporate the ingredients before use.
However, it is essential to be vigilant for any signs of spoilage. After two weeks, the taste of the sauce may be slightly altered due to the natural breakdown of ingredients over time. If you notice any signs of mold growth, or significant changes in consistency, color, or smell, it is best to discard the sauce to avoid potential foodborne illnesses.
To extend the shelf life of your Board and Brew sauce, you can consider freezing it. Transfer the sauce to a freezer-safe container, leaving some headspace for expansion, and store it in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to use, thaw the sauce in the refrigerator overnight and stir well before serving.
Board and Brew Sauce Calories
The Board and Brew copycat sauce above contains about 61 calories. It also includes about 11 grams of fat, 1 gram of sugar, and about 304 mg of salt.
Bear in mind that these statistics only apply to our listed recipe. At the moment Board and Brew does not have nutritional information for their sauce. However, it appears that this is something they are working on providing customers in the future!
Popular Menu Items
Board and Brew isn’t just famous for their secret sauce – they’ve got a menu full of yummy sandwiches that people can’t get enough of!
Sandwiches
Some are classic combos, while others are more unique and creative. But what makes them all extra special is the Board and Brew Sauce that gets drizzled on top.
Crowd Pleasers
It’s tough to pick a favorite, but there are a few sandwiches that customers just love. The Turkey Deluxe is a big hit – it’s got oven-roasted turkey, crispy bacon, and melted swiss cheese. The secret sauce adds a tasty tang that goes perfectly with all the flavors.
Another sandwich that people rave about is the Italian Sub. It’s stuffed with salami, capicola, ham, and provolone cheese, plus all the yummy toppings. The Board and Brew Sauce gives it a zesty kick that brings it all together.
Must-Try
If you want to branch out and try something a bit different, the Chicken Club is a great choice. It’s got grilled chicken, bacon, and creamy avocado piled high on toasted bread. And of course, plenty of Board and Brew Sauce to make it extra delicious.
For all the veggie lovers out there, don’t worry – Board and Brew has you covered too. The Veggie Sandwich is loaded with fresh cucumbers, sprouts, tomatoes, avocado, and provolone cheese. The secret sauce takes it from boring to amazing with just one taste.
Board and Brew Sauce A Secret? Not Anymore…
Now that you know how to whip up delicious Board and Brew’s Secret Sauce sauce on your own, you can use it whatever ways your heart desires! Pizza, burgers, fries, subs, you name it! All are fair game when slathering on this delicious goodness and we’re willing to bet you’re happy you went through the effort of making it.
Crafted with mayo, spices, onion, pickle, and flavorings, this simple but satisfying sauce can be made from pantry staples and will have you, and anyone you share it with, begging for more.
We hope this satisfies your craving for Board and Brew…See you next time!
Other “copycat” recipes to try:
- Yard House Garlic Noodles Recipe
- Bourbon Street Chicken and Shrimp
- How to Make Red Lobster’s Butter Sauce
- Does Mayo Need to Be Refrigerated
FAQs
What is the board and brew sauce called?
Once upon a time, Board and Brew sauce was called ”Sweet & Sour”. Today it is simply called the “Board and Brew” sauce or “Secret Sauce” but is also affectionately referred to as the “tears of a unicorn” by enthusiastic fans.
Does Board and Brew sauce need to be refrigerated?
Yes, you should refrigerate any Board and Brew bottled sauce you purchase after opening. If you try our homemade recipe, you’ll also want to refrigerate it, as the ingredients in the sauce are perishable..
Is Board and Brew secret sauce vegan?
Yes! Board and Brew sauce is both vegan and gluten-free which means it can be used for a guilt-free chow down. Hooray!
Is Board and Brew healthy?
It can be! But like anywhere else, it’ll depend on what you order. Try the Chicken Club, Baja Beef, or Baja Wrap for lighter options over other more calorie-dense choices.
Are there other Board and Brew locations other than California?
As of right now, it appears that Board and Brew is stationed only in California, but it does host one lucky spot in Arizona as well! Californian locations include Orange County, San Diego County, and Inland Empire. But don’t let that stop you from trying our Board and Brew sauce recipe. You can get a similar flavor to what Board and Brew offers without ever having to leave your home!
What does Board and Brew serve?
Board and Brew is known mainly for their large and filling sandwiches, however, you can also order salads from the Brew. All ingredients are high-quality and fresh, which is part of the reason Board and Brew stands out from other sandwich shop competitors. The other component to their ongoing popularity? Their sauce of course! Now you know…
Board and Brew Sauce Recipe
Using only a few basic ingredients, you can achieve a sauce with a very similar taste to Board and Brew Secret Sauce that you can add to virtually anything.
Type: sauce
Cuisine: American
Recipe Ingredients:
- 3 tbsp sweet relish
- 1 ¼ cup pickle chips, finely diced
- 1 tbsp finely minced onion
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- ¾ cup fresh mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- ½ tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 ½ tbsp dijon mustard
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp pickle juice (use the juice from your pickle chips)
- Salt and black Pepper, to taste
I made some today with an old bottle of mustard that had a little left and did what I could with what I had regarding ingredients. Added ketchup, mayonnaise, chopped sweet pickles with juice, chopped garlic, onion flakes, garlic powder, vinegar, two packets of panda express sweet and sour, maple syrup, salt, and pepper. lemon juice probably would make it better but it’s pretty good and I’ve got a nice full bottle now. I was on the board and brew website last night and was planning on a special trip to get some. because it’s really good but then realized I could try making a batch.
It just occurred to me typing this that I have some horseradish sauce so I think I’ll add some of that also. Thanks for the guidance Anna.
Thanks for sharing, Daniel!