15 top best substitutes for dry onion soup mix & way to use

Are you short on dry onion soup mix but still want to make your favorite recipe?

Fear not! You can use common kitchen ingredients and spices to replicate the flavor of the onion soup mix while also adding a special touch.

Read on to learn more about making the best substitute for dry onion soup mix.

What is Dry Onion Soup Mix? What is a dry onion soup mix made of?

Dry Onion Soup Mix is a seasoning blend that is used to make flavorful onion soup. It typically contains combinations of dehydrated onions, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and other herbs and spices.

The ingredients vary slightly depending on the brand, but all will provide great flavor for your recipe. It is an easy way to add flavor without having to chop or sauté onions.

With a few simple ingredients added to the mix, you can create a delicious onion soup that everyone will love.

Dry Onion Soup Mix can easily be found in most grocery stores and is a great pantry staple to have on hand.

What is Dry Onion Soup Mix used for?

Dry onion soup mix is most commonly used as an ingredient in a variety of recipes, such as soups and stews, marinades and dressings, casseroles, dips, sauces, and side dishes.

It can also be used to season the meat before cooking or added to breadcrumbs for coating when frying.

The combination of the salty and savory onion flavor that comes along with the dried vegetables, such as parsley, celery seed, and herbs, makes it a great all-around seasoning for many dishes.

Dry onion soup mix is also a great addition to slow cooker recipes or any recipe that calls for additional flavoring.

Lastly, dry onion soup mix can be used to make a quick and easy onion dip that is always a hit at parties!

For more ideas on how to incorporate dry onion soup mix into your cooking, check out some of the recipes online or pick up a package at your local grocery store.

The possibilities are endless! Enjoy experimenting and creating new flavors with this versatile ingredient!

Best Substitute for dry onion soup mix

1. Homemade dry onion soup mix

The great news is that you can make a dry onion soup mix at home with simple ingredients. All you need is some dried minced onions, parsley flakes, garlic powder, paprika, turmeric, and salt.

Simply combine all these ingredients in an airtight container and store them in a cool and dry place until you’re ready to use them.

You can adjust the quantity of each ingredient according to your preference or what’s available in your pantry.

2. Using Ingredients Instead of Dry Onion Soup Mix 

If you don’t have time to create your own dry onion soup mix, you can use ingredients instead! This may require some experimentation, but it’s worth it if you want to try something new.

For example, instead of using dry onion soup mix for a beef stew recipe, try adding chopped leeks and/or shallots along with some herbs like thyme or rosemary.

If you are making a dip or sauce, why not add some freshly chopped scallions or chives? The possibilities are endless!

3. Adding Flavor with Spices 

You can also add flavor with spices like cumin, coriander, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, and bay leaves.

These spices will give your dish an extra depth of flavor that will make it even better than when using a traditional dry onion soup mix.

Just be sure not to overdo it—a little goes a long way! Keep experimenting until you find the perfect combination for your dish.

4. Fresh Onions & Herbs 

Fresh onions are one of the best substitutes for dry onion soup mix.

To get the same flavor as with dry onion soup mix, you can add two tablespoons of fresh minced onions along with a teaspoon each of sage, thyme, and parsley.

The combination will give you all the flavor and texture you need without sacrificing taste or nutrition.

5. Onion Salt & Garlic Salt 

Onion salt and garlic salt are both excellent options if you want to give your dishes a boost of flavor without using any fresh ingredients.

To replace one tablespoon of dry onion soup mix, you can combine one teaspoon each of garlic salt and onion salt.

The salts will provide just enough flavor without overpowering the dish. Plus, they’re easy to find at most grocery stores!

6. Caramelized Onions 

Caramelizing onions gives them a sweet, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with beef and poultry dishes.

To caramelize onions, start by slicing one large onion into thin strips and adding it to a pan with 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.

caramelized onion is a good substitute for dry onion soup mix

Cook the onions until they become soft and golden brown, stirring occasionally.

This should take about 10 minutes. Once done, season with salt and pepper to taste for added flavor. 

7. Garlic Powder 

Garlic powder is one of the most famous substitutes for dry onion soup mix because it adds an intense yet subtle umami flavor to dishes like casseroles and soups. 

You can start by combining 1 teaspoon of garlic powder with 1 tablespoon of dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme, 2 teaspoons of paprika, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl.

Use this combination as a substitute for every packet (1/4 cup) of dry onion soup mix called for in your recipe.

8. Onion Powder 

Onion powder is another great substitute for dry onion soup mix because it has all the same flavors but without the chunks of real onions found in store-bought packets or jars.

To create your own onion powder at home, start by finely chopping one large yellow or white onion and spreading it out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil.

Bake at 200°F (93°C) until the onions are completely dry (about 2 hours).

Once cool enough to handle, grind them into a fine powder using either an electric grinder or mortar and pestle.

Next, preserve them in an airtight container for 3 months at room temperature away from direct sunlight or heat sources such as ovens or stovetops.

9. French Onion Dip Mix 

French onion dip mixes are available both online and in grocery stores near the soup aisle or salad dressing section.

Or you can make your own version at home using spices like garlic powder, onion powder, parsley flakes, chives, celery seed, black pepper, sugar, and salt as flavoring agents, along with sour cream or mayonnaise as binders to hold everything together!

 To create your own french onion dip mix, simply combine all these ingredients together in equal parts (for example, 4 tablespoons each).

Then preserve in an airtight container away from direct sunlight until ready to use – this should keep fresh for up to 6 months!

10. Soy Sauce 

My favorite soy sauce is another great alternative when looking for something similar to dry onion soup mix because it provides that salty umami flavor while also adding depth to dishes like stews or casseroles.

Just be sure not to add too much since soy sauce can easily overpower other flavors if used in excess!

To substitute soy sauce for a dry onion soup mix, use 1 tablespoon per packet called for in your recipe, then adjust accordingly depending on how salty you want it!

Note: If you're looking for more sweetness, try adding brown sugar instead, which will provide some sweetness without making things overly salty.

11. Miso Paste 

Basically, miso paste is a fermented soybean paste that has been used in Japanese cooking since ancient times–it’s packed full of umami flavors which makes it perfect for adding depth to any dish!

To use miso paste as an alternative to dry onion soup mix, start by combining 1 tablespoon per packet called for in your recipe, then adjust accordingly depending on how salty you want it!

Note: Be aware that miso paste can be quite strong, so go easy when adding extra.

12. Fresh Onions 

Fresh onions can also be used in place of an onion soup mix for an added layer of flavor.

For best results, you can use white or yellow onions that have been chopped finely or grated into small pieces so that they blend in with the other ingredients in your dish easily.

13. Shallots 

Shallots are smaller than regular onions but pack a powerful punch when it comes to flavor!

They have a milder taste than regular onions but still, provide plenty of umami-rich flavor to your dish. 

To substitute shallots for an onion soup, mix, mince or grate the shallot before adding it to your recipe as desired.

14. Garlic 

Garlic is another great alternative to an onion soup mix that can add an extra layer of flavor without overpowering the other ingredients in your dish.

If using garlic as a substitute for an onion soup mix, try mashing or mincing it first before incorporating it into your recipe for maximum impact!

15. Chives 

Chives are another flavorful option that can be substituted for onion soup mix in recipes that require minimal cooking time (like salads). 

chive is a good alternative for dry onion soup mix

The delicate flavor of chives will help balance out the other flavors in the dish while adding an extra dimension of savoriness without being too overpowering or pungent like raw onions can sometimes be.

16. Leeks 

Leeks have a milder taste than traditional onions and provide more complexity than shallots do when cooked properly – making them perfect substitutes for dry onion mixes in most recipes.

To get the most flavor out of leeks, remove any tough outer layers, then slice them crosswise before sautéing over medium heat until softened and lightly browned (about 5 minutes).

Add this mixture directly into any recipe calling for dry onion mixes, and enjoy!

Conclusion on substitute for dry onion soup mix

These six alternatives will help you get the same flavor profile as store-bought dry onion soup mix without having to run out and buy some last minute before starting dinner preparation!

Experimenting with different combinations like caramelized onions + garlic + herbs; french dip mixes + soy sauce; etc., might even give you new favorite flavors that surpass regular old store-bought packets–so don’t be afraid to experiment!

With these substitutions on hand, anyone can whip up delicious meals quickly, no matter what time they have available! Bon Appetit!

FAQs on substitute for dry onion soup mix

Q1. Can you use onion soup mix instead of onion?

Yes, you can use onion soup mix instead of onion in some recipes. The onion soup mix is usually a blend of dehydrated onions, herbs, and seasonings. It adds a rich flavor to soups and stews, casseroles, dips, dressings, meatloaves, and sauces.

If you are using it as a substitute for diced onion in a recipe, you will need to adjust the amount of liquid or other seasonings to make up for the extra flavor that comes from using an onion soup mix. It is important to taste and adjust seasoning as needed when substituting an onion soup mix in place of raw onions.

Additionally, some recipes may require additional cooking time if substituting onion soup mix as the onions are already pre-cooked. Be sure to follow the recipe instructions and taste test when possible before serving.

Overall, an onion soup mix can be used in place of raw onions in many recipes, but it is important to adjust other ingredients accordingly and taste-test your dish to ensure that it has the desired flavor.

Q2. Is dried onion flakes the same as onion powder?

No, dried onion flakes and onion powder are not the same. Onion flakes are made from dehydrated onions, while onion powder is usually made from finely ground onions. The texture of both products is quite different; onion flakes have a flaky texture, whereas onion powder is much finer and powdery in consistency.

The flavor of them also differs slightly—dried onion flakes have a more intense and robust flavor compared to the more mellow taste of onion powder. Depending on what you are using them for, one may be preferred over the other.

For example, dried onion flakes may be better in dishes like soups and stews, where you want that strong flavor to come through. In contrast, onion powder may be better for dishes like dressings or marinades where you want a more subtle flavor. Ultimately, it’s up to your preference and the recipe you’re using.

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