Overview
This homemade onion soup mix is one of those pantry staples I didn’t realize I needed until I started making it myself.
It’s quick, flexible, budget-friendly, and honestly tastes better than the store packets.
I love that I can control the salt, skip unnecessary additives, and adjust the flavor depending on what I’m cooking.
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Servings: 4 packet equivalents
I mostly use this mix for dips, slow cooker meals, seasoning meats, and sometimes soup when I want something fast without opening a box.
Why You’ll Love This
I really love this recipe because it checks all the boxes. It’s easy, it’s made with pantry staples, and it works in almost any recipe that calls for a packet of onion soup mix.
I also like how flexible it is. If I want it salt-free, I skip the bouillon. If I want it richer, I add it back in.
It’s also great if you cook often and hate running to the store just for one seasoning packet. I’ve found that once I keep this on hand, I end up using it more than I expected.
What Is Onion Soup Mix?
Onion soup mix is a dry seasoning blend traditionally made with dried onion flakes, onion powder, herbs, spices, and usually beef bouillon.
While it’s called “soup mix,” it’s actually more popular as a seasoning base for dips, roasts, casseroles, and slow cooker meals.
Homemade versions let you decide how salty, savory, or mild you want it, which is why I prefer making my own now.
Ingredients Needed
Below is the exact ingredient list I personally use. This version is balanced, flavorful, and works as a direct replacement for store-bought packets.
| Amount | Ingredient | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ¼ cup | Dried onion flakes | Provides texture and main onion flavor |
| 2 tablespoons | Beef bouillon granules | Optional, controls salt level |
| ¼ teaspoon | Onion powder | Enhances onion depth |
| ¼ teaspoon | Dried parsley flakes | Adds color and mild herb flavor |
| ⅛ teaspoon | Celery seed | Subtle savory background |
| ⅛ teaspoon | Paprika | Use regular, not smoked |
| ⅛ teaspoon | Ground black pepper | Finely ground works best |
If you want a vegetarian version, simply leave out the beef bouillon or replace it with vegetable bouillon.
Equipment You’ll Need
You don’t need anything fancy for this recipe, which is another reason I make it so often.
| Amount | Equipment | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mixing bowl | Medium size works best |
| 1 | Measuring cup set | For accurate measuring |
| 1 | Measuring spoon set | Small amounts matter here |
| 1 | Airtight container or jar | Keeps mix fresh longer |
How to Make Homemade Onion Soup Mix
This recipe comes together in just a few minutes, and there’s really no room for error.
Step 1:
I start by gathering all my ingredients and measuring them out carefully. This makes mixing faster and avoids mistakes.
Step 2:
I add the dried onion flakes, beef bouillon granules, onion powder, parsley flakes, celery seed, paprika, and black pepper into a mixing bowl.
Step 3:
I stir everything together until the mixture looks evenly combined. I make sure the bouillon and spices are distributed well so each scoop tastes the same.
Step 4:
I transfer the finished onion soup mix into a clean, dry airtight container and seal it tightly.
That’s it. No cooking, no waiting, and no mess.
How to Use Onion Soup Mix
This mix is incredibly versatile, and I honestly use it more as a seasoning than as soup.
Here are my most common uses:
- Mixing with sour cream or Greek yogurt for onion dip
- Adding to slow cooker roasts and chicken dishes
- Sprinkling over potatoes or vegetables
- Using in meatloaf, burgers, or meatballs
- Seasoning soups and stews
Anywhere a recipe calls for one packet of onion soup mix, I use about 3 tablespoons of this homemade version.
How to Make Soup Using Onion Soup Mix
When I do want actual soup, this mix works great.
Step 1:
I bring 3½ to 4 cups of water or broth to a boil.
Step 2:
I whisk in 3 tablespoons of the onion soup mix.
Step 3:
I reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Sometimes I add caramelized onions, sliced beef, or vegetables to make it more filling.
Tips for Making the Best Onion Soup Mix
I’ve tested this mix quite a few times, and these little tips really help.
I always use dried ingredients only. Fresh onion or herbs will cause clumping and shorten shelf life.
I keep my black pepper finely ground so it blends evenly.
I adjust the bouillon depending on the dish I’m making. For dips, I often use less.
I like to double or triple the batch so I don’t have to remake it often.
Variations You Can Try
One thing I love about this recipe is how easy it is to customize.
I sometimes add garlic powder if I want a stronger savory flavor.
For French onion-style flavor, I’ll add a pinch of thyme.
If I want it completely salt-free, I skip bouillon and season dishes separately.
For a sweeter onion note, a tiny pinch of sugar works nicely.
Storage and Shelf Life
I store my homemade onion soup mix in an airtight jar in a cool, dry pantry. As long as it stays dry, it keeps its flavor for about 6 months.
If I notice the aroma fading, that’s usually my sign that it’s time to make a fresh batch.
Is Homemade Onion Soup Mix Gluten-Free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your bouillon brand is gluten-free. I always check labels, especially with bouillon granules, since some brands include additives.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate nutrition breakdown. This will vary slightly depending on brands used.
- Calories: ~20–35
- Protein: ~1–2g
- Carbohydrates: ~4–5g
- Fat: ~0–1g
- Sodium: varies based on bouillon
- Fiber: ~0.5g
Because this is a seasoning, I don’t stress too much about exact numbers, but it’s nice knowing what’s going into my food.
Onion Soup Mix Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- I gather all the ingredients and measure everything out before mixing so it goes quickly and evenly.
- I add the dried onion flakes, beef bouillon granules, onion powder, parsley flakes, celery seed, paprika, and black pepper to a mixing bowl.
- I stir everything together well until the seasoning looks evenly combined with no clumps.
- I transfer the onion soup mix into a clean, dry airtight container and seal it tightly for storage.
Notes
- I use 3 tablespoons of this mix to replace one store-bought packet.
- For onion dip, I mix the seasoning with 16 oz sour cream or Greek yogurt.
- To make soup, I whisk the mix into 3½–4 cups of water or broth and simmer for 5–10 minutes.
- For a vegetarian or low-sodium version, I simply skip the beef bouillon.
- Stored in an airtight container, this mix keeps well for up to 6 months.
FaQs:-
Can I make onion soup mix without beef bouillon?
Yes, I often skip the beef bouillon for a salt-free or vegetarian version. You can season later as needed.
Is homemade onion soup mix gluten-free?
It can be gluten-free, but I always check the bouillon label since some brands contain gluten.
How long does homemade onion soup mix last?
When stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, mine stays fresh for up to 6 months.
Can I use onion soup mix for a dip?
Yes, I mix 3 tablespoons of the mix with 16 ounces of sour cream or Greek yogurt for an easy dip.
Conclusion
I’ve been making this homemade onion soup mix for years now, and I honestly don’t miss the store-bought packets at all. It’s simple, customizable, and always ready when I need it. I love knowing exactly what’s in it, and it just feels good having one more homemade staple in my kitchen. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do, and trust me, once you make it once, you’ll keep making it again.
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