Have you ever found yourself in need of a quick flavor boost for your dishes, only to realize you’re out of that store-bought onion soup mix? Or maybe you’re just looking to make a more wholesome, homemade version of a classic kitchen staple? Well, you’re in the right place! Homemade onion soup mix is a flavorful, versatile seasoning that can be used in soups, dips, casseroles, and so much more. It’s a blend of dehydrated onions and a few key spices that work together to create that distinctive savory, umami-packed taste. Best of all, making it at home means you have full control over the ingredients-no additives or preservatives. Plus, it’s incredibly easy and quick to make, and you can adjust the seasonings to match your personal taste.
So, let’s dive into the recipe and all the delicious possibilities it brings!
Homemade Onion Soup Mix Recipe
This homemade onion soup mix recipe is as simple as it gets while still packing a punch of flavor. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a seasoning mix that is perfect for adding depth to your favorite dishes. Here’s how to do it:
Ingredients Needed
Here’s the list of ingredients you’ll need to make the mix. All of them are pantry staples, so you probably have most of them on hand already!
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1 Cup Dried Onion Flakes
These are the base of your mix, providing that familiar onion flavor that will infuse your dishes.
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1/4 Cup Beef Bouillon Granules
The beef bouillon adds that rich, savory umami taste. You can opt for chicken bouillon if you prefer a lighter, less intense flavor.
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2 Teaspoons Onion Powder
For an extra punch of onion flavor to really round out the taste.
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1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
Garlic complements the onions beautifully, boosting the savory profile.
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1/2 Teaspoon Dried Parsley
This adds a subtle herbal note and helps balance out the richness of the other ingredients.
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1/2 Teaspoon Dried Thyme
A small amount of thyme goes a long way in adding warmth and earthiness.
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1/4 Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
A touch of black pepper enhances the savory flavors and adds just a hint of heat.
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1/4 Teaspoon Celery Seed
This is an optional but highly recommended addition-it provides a slight, fresh herbal tone that rounds out the mix nicely.
Cooking Instructions
Making this homemade onion soup mix couldn’t be simpler! Follow these easy steps:
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Mix The Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, combine all the ingredients: the dried onion flakes, bouillon granules, onion powder, garlic powder, parsley, thyme, black pepper, and celery seed.
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Stir Well
Use a spoon or whisk to stir the mixture until all the ingredients are evenly combined. The dried onion flakes will be the bulk of the mixture, with the spices evenly distributed throughout.
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Store In An Airtight Container
Once the mixture is combined, transfer it to an airtight container, such as a mason jar, a plastic bag, or any sealed container you have. Store it in a cool, dry place, and it should last for up to 6 months.
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Use As Needed
For one packet’s worth of onion soup mix, use about 4 tablespoons of this homemade version. Use it in soups, stews, casseroles, dips, and even to season meats and vegetables.
Ingredient Insights
Each ingredient in this recipe brings its own distinct flavor and texture, working together to create that familiar and comforting onion soup mix taste:
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Dried Onion Flakes
The dried onion flakes provide the primary onion flavor in the mix, offering both texture and aroma. While fresh onions would certainly work, dried onions give you that concentrated, long-lasting flavor and are more convenient for this type of mix.
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Beef Bouillon Granules
Bouillon granules are the secret ingredient in many savory recipes, offering an instant depth of flavor. The beef variety imparts that hearty, meaty taste, which is why this homemade mix tastes so much more complex than a simple onion blend.
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Onion And Garlic Powder
These powders provide that concentrated flavor of their fresh counterparts without the moisture. They are much more potent in this dehydrated form, and they help intensify the flavor profile of your mix.
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Dried Herbs
Parsley, thyme, and celery seed are herbs that add nuanced, aromatic qualities to your onion soup mix. They brighten up the rich onion and beef base, making the mix feel well-rounded rather than overly heavy or salty.
Expert Tips
Here are some expert tips to elevate your homemade onion soup mix and make it uniquely yours:
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Adjust Salt To Taste
Depending on the bouillon you use (chicken or beef), the mix might be saltier or less salty. Make sure to taste and adjust the salt level by adding a pinch of sea salt or kosher salt if necessary.
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Use Low-Sodium Bouillon
For a healthier alternative, opt for low-sodium bouillon granules. This will give you control over how much salt is added to your mix while still keeping the rich, umami flavor.
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Grind Your Spices Fresh
If you want to really step up your flavor game, consider using freshly ground black pepper and grinding your thyme or other dried herbs. Freshly ground spices are far more aromatic and potent than pre-ground versions.
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Store In Small Batches
While this mix lasts a long time, if you plan on using it often, try storing it in smaller batches so you can make a new one whenever you run low. Freshly made batches often have a stronger flavor profile.
Recipe Variations
Feel free to get creative with this recipe and make it your own! Here are a few variations to consider:
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Vegetarian Version
If you prefer a vegetarian version of the mix, simply swap the beef bouillon for a vegetable bouillon or miso paste. This will give you a lighter, plant-based alternative without compromising too much on the rich flavor.
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Spicy Onion Soup Mix
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to give your onion soup mix a bit of a kick. You can also experiment with chili powder for a smoky heat.
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Herb-Infused Version
Swap out the thyme for other herbs, such as rosemary or sage, to give your mix a different flavor profile. Oregano also works well for a Mediterranean twist.
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Onion Soup Mix With Lemon Zest
For a fresh, tangy edge, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to your onion mix. This adds a citrusy pop that pairs nicely with the richness of the beef bouillon.
Final Words
Making your own onion soup mix isn’t just about saving money or avoiding additives-it’s about taking control of the flavors in your kitchen. This homemade version can be customized to fit any dietary need, from low-sodium to vegetarian, and it’s a simple way to make your meals shine with minimal effort.
With just a few minutes of prep time and some basic pantry ingredients, you can have a homemade onion soup mix that’s perfect for everything from comforting soups to bold dips and casseroles. Plus, you can store it for months, ensuring that you always have the flavors you love on hand when you need them.