This homemade onion soup mix is an excellent substitute for the packaged variety. It’s gluten-free, vegan when made without bouillon, and made from simple pantry ingredients.
I used to buy the familiar packaged onion soup mix from the grocery store. But when I read the ingredient list, I decided to make my own instead.
The store packets often include unfamiliar additives and long chemical names. Making your own mix lets you control what goes into it, especially the sodium content, which is helpful for special diets.
At its core, onion soup mix is just onion flakes and onion powder—staples in most spice cabinets. I also wanted to avoid beef bouillon, which many copycat recipes use. That choice keeps the mix vegetarian and vegan-friendly and ensures it stays gluten-free, unlike some commercial mixes.
The result is a bold, onion-forward mix that works beautifully not only in onion soup but in a wide range of dishes, from slow-cooker pot roast to dips and casseroles.
Soup Mix Ingredients – No Beef Bouillon Powder!
Dry Onion Flakes – The base of the mix. They give concentrated onion flavor and texture and rehydrate when added to hot liquid for that classic onion soup character.
Parsley Flakes – Add a fresh, herbaceous note that lightens and enhances the mix.
Onion Powder – Intensifies and evens out the onion flavor, adding depth and aroma throughout dishes made with the mix.
Kosher Salt – Balances and brightens the other ingredients, bringing out their natural flavors.
Paprika – Adds mild color and a subtle smoky undertone that pairs well with the onion base.
Garlic Powder – Provides savory aromatics to round out the flavor and increase versatility.
Sugar – A small amount balances savory and sharp notes, giving the mix a pleasant rounded flavor.
Black Pepper – A pinch of warmth and spice to finish the seasoning.
How to Store Homemade Onion Soup Mix
Keep the mix in an airtight container—glass or a mason jar works well—in a cool, dry place for up to 2 months. Shake the jar before measuring: the finer powders settle to the bottom over time.
This homemade mix is versatile: use it to make onion soup, boost casseroles, flavor roasts, or stir into dips and dressings. Adjust ingredient amounts to suit your taste.
If you’re substituting this mix for a store-bought packet, use 5 tablespoons of the homemade mix to replace one commercial packet.
Once prepared and stored, this dry mix is ready whenever you need a quick flavor boost for a variety of recipes.
Homemade Onion Soup Mix
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Ingredients
- ½ cup dried onion flakes
- 3 teaspoons parsley flakes
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
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Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix thoroughly.
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Store in an airtight container for up to 2 months.