Effortless Dry Onion Soup Mix Recipe (Only 4 Ingredients!) (2024)

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Effortless Dry Onion Soup Mix Recipe (Only 4 Ingredients!) (1)

By Tiffany Published Last Updated: October 25, 2023 59 Comments

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Homemade dry onion soup mix takes just 4 simple ingredients, so skip the store-bought packets and make this easy version instead. It’s easy, frugal, and delicious!

Effortless Dry Onion Soup Mix Recipe (Only 4 Ingredients!) (2)

Growing up, my mom would almost always have a box of Lipton dry onion soup mix in the pantry. You could call it a childhood classic, or a home-style favorite (a lot like Stove-Top Mac and Cheese or Classic Shepherd’s Pie).

You can also call it unhealthy since it’s filled with additives, corn syrup, and processed oils.

So I set out to make a homemade copycat version of the classic flavor that we all loved as kids. No more fake stuff, no more packages, no more ingredients you can’t pronounce. And voila! This is even better than the store-bought version.

Not only is your family going to love this recipe, but this homemade dry onion soup mix recipe is awesome because it’s:

  • Healthy
  • Frugal
  • So much more delicious than store-bought packets
  • Super easy to make with only 4 main ingredients

ONION SOUP RECIPE MIX INGREDIENTS

Effortless Dry Onion Soup Mix Recipe (Only 4 Ingredients!) (3)

You only need 4 ingredients for this homemade onion soup recipe mix, although there are several additional optional ingredients for added flavor.

  • Dried Onion Flakes. Also known as dehydrated onion and comes in various sizes, depending on the store you’re shopping at.
  • Onion Powder. Also known as granulated onion. This is a super fine powder that looks like garlic powder if you don’t read the label properly. (Ask me how I know!)
  • Ground Celery Seed. Not SUPER common, but necessary if you want that classic taste that only packaged dry onion soup mix can give. If you have whole celery seeds, you’ll want to grind them up with a mortar and pestle before making this recipe. (You can use celery seed in Homemade Chicken Stock and in Homemade Breakfast Sausage too.)
  • Beef Bouillon Granules. Be sure to check the ingredient list on your bouillon for chemical ingredients. Even some organic brands I’ve seen have MSG in them.
  • Granulated Garlic (optional)
  • Salt (optional)
  • Black Pepper (optional)
  • Sugar (optional)
  • Paprika (optional)
Effortless Dry Onion Soup Mix Recipe (Only 4 Ingredients!) (4)

ONION SOUP MIX RECIPE TIPS

  • You may notice that I only listed 4 main ingredients so far. That’s because that’s all you REALLY need to make dry onion soup mix. All the other ingredients are optional.
  • I do, however, recommend adding the other ingredients listed because it really is good!
  • The only item I’d still consider “optional” would be the salt. Whether or not you add it depends on the type of bullion you’re using, and what you’re making. Remember that you can always add more salt, but once it’s in, you can’t take it out!

Psst! If you DO want to use salt, I HIGHLY recommend Ava Jane’s Kitchen because it doesn’t have microplastics (gross, right?) and it’s SO GOOD! Get all the benefits of “homemade” with this top-quality salt. Plus, you can get a bag for just 1¢!!

Step By Step Instructions

Step 1. Combine all ingredients in aglass jar.

Step 2. Use ¼ cup (4 Tbsp) in lieu of one packet of dry onion soup mix.

Step 3. Store in a cool pantry.

Effortless Dry Onion Soup Mix Recipe (Only 4 Ingredients!) (5)

ADDITIONAL DRY ONION SOUP MIX TIPS

  • If you use this recipe for instant soup, use Homemade Stock or beef broth instead of beef bouillon and avoid the too-much-salt situation entirely.
  • To make this dry mix vegetarian or vegan, substitute vegetable bouillon instead of beef.
  • One ¼ cup serving is the equivalent of one envelope of dry onion soup mix.
  • This recipe is a bigger batch. Not massive, but you’ll get at least 3 servings out of it.
  • I like to make a big batch and store it in the spice cabinet in a re-purposed jar. Then I scoop out 4 Tablespoons (equivalent to ¼ cup) for whatever recipe I’m making (here’s how to remove the labels of your old jars).

HOMEMADE ONION SOUP MIX FAQS

Can I use onion powder instead of onion soup mix?

Onion powder is a component of onion soup mix. But this homemade onion soup mix contains other ingredients like beef bouillon, onion flakes, and celery seed for that classic onion soup mix flavor. Plus, optional flavors like granulated garlic, paprika, salt & pepper.

How do you make Lipton onion soup mix from scratch?

This recipe is the best homemade copycat Lipton onion soup mix recipe from scratch!

Is dry onion soup mix healthy?

Let’s look at the typical packet of Lipton onion soup mix:

Onions, salt, corn starch, onion powder, sugar, soy sauce (fermented soybeans, wheat, salt), caramel color, maltodextrin, corn syrup, yeast extract, high oleic sunflower oil, disodium guanylate, disodium inosinate.

If you cannot pronounce the ingredient name, it’s best not to eat it! Plus, corn syrup, artificial colors, and modified oils. No, thank you! This homemade copycat dry onion soup mix is your healthiest, easiest, and most delicious recipe!

Is homemade onion soup mix gluten free?

Most of the spices used in this onion soup mix are naturally gluten-free. Check the labels, especially on the bouillon, to make sure.

Does dry onion soup mix have MSG?

MSG has lots of fancy names. It’s also one of my top ingredients to avoid. Packaged dry onion soup mixes likely have MSG. This homemade version does not, as long as you’ve checked your bouillon labels carefully.

Effortless Dry Onion Soup Mix Recipe (Only 4 Ingredients!) (6)

RECIPES USING DRY ONION SOUP MIX

Use this healthy substitute for dry onion soup mix in any of these recipes:

  • Classic Slow Cooker Pot Roast
  • The Best Burgers Ever
  • Basic Roasted Potatoes
  • Mix with sour cream or Plain Greek Yogurt to make a French onion dip!

P.S…One of the core principles of my course Grocery Budget Bootcamp is making food from scratch when it makes sense. Homemade soup mix fits the criteria!

MORE EASY HOMEMADE SEASONINGS

  • Homemade Seasoning Salt
  • Chili Seasoning
  • Homemade Italian Seasoning
  • Montreal Steak Seasoning

WATCH HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE DRY ONION SOUP MIX

Dry Onion Soup Mix Recipe

Effortless Dry Onion Soup Mix Recipe (Only 4 Ingredients!) (7)
Print Recipe
★★★★★5 from 10 reviews

Onion soup mix takes just 4 simple ingredients, so skip the store-bought packets and make this homemade version instead. It’s easy, frugal, and delicious!

  • Author: Tiffany
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 mins
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: about 3 packets 1x
  • Category: Sauces/Condiments
  • Method: Combine
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

  • ¾ cup onion flakes
  • cup powdered beef bullion
  • 4 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp ground celery seed
  • 1 tsp granulated garlic (opt)
  • 1 tsp salt (opt)
  • ½ tsp pepper (opt)
  • ¼ tsp sugar (opt)
  • ¼ tsp paprika (opt)

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a glass jar.
  2. Use ¼ cup (4 Tbsp) in lieu of one packet of dry onion soup mix.
  3. Store in a cool pantry.

Notes

  • If you use this recipe for instant soup, use Homemade Stock or beef broth instead of beef bouillon and avoid the too-much-salt situation entirely.
  • To make this dry mix vegetarian or vegan, substitute vegetable bouillon instead of beef.
  • One ¼ cup serving is the equivalent of one envelope of dry onion soup mix.
  • This recipe is a bigger batch. Not massive, but you’ll get at least 3 servings out of it.
  • I like to make a big batch and store it in the spice cabinet in a re-purposed jar. Then I scoop out 4 Tablespoons (equivalent to ¼ cup) for whatever recipe I’m making (here’s how to remove the labels of your old jars).

Nutrition

  • Calories: 20

Keywords: onion soup mix

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Reader Interactions

59 Comments

  1. Effortless Dry Onion Soup Mix Recipe (Only 4 Ingredients!) (12)Joe

    Hello! I’m retired male. From time to time I use a diy onion soup mix using beef bouillon powder in the recipe. I use a tablespoon of the mix add boiling water and add 2 tablespoons of Minute Rice and let sit for 5 mins. Question can I use the same amount of chicken bouillon powder to replace the beef bouillon powder.
    I also make Roman Noodles discard the packet and use 1 tablespoon of the diy onion soup mix!
    Many Thanks
    Joe

    Reply to this comment

    • Effortless Dry Onion Soup Mix Recipe (Only 4 Ingredients!) (13)Brittany @ Team Crumbs

      Hello Joe,
      Yes, you can use the chicken bouillon powder to replace the beef bouillon powder. We’re so glad that you enjoy this recipe. Thank you for posting! 🙂

      Reply to this comment

  2. Effortless Dry Onion Soup Mix Recipe (Only 4 Ingredients!) (14)Krystal

    Do you have a container that you store your diy seasonings in? I would love for my containers to match and be able to label them to make them look pretty. ☺️

    Reply to this comment

    • Effortless Dry Onion Soup Mix Recipe (Only 4 Ingredients!) (15)Karen @ Team Crumbs

      Hi Krystal,

      We usually just use nice ball jars because they’re easy to find, pretty, and affordable. Hope this helps. 🙂

      Reply to this comment

  3. Effortless Dry Onion Soup Mix Recipe (Only 4 Ingredients!) (16)Liane

    Two comments. Knorr ingredient include MSG. Also Penney’s has toasted onion flakes. Money saving tip: get on mailing list so you get their printed catalog. Has loads of good recipes but best of all they occasionally have free shipping with a minimum order. Their shipping is usually horribly high.

    Reply to this comment

  4. Effortless Dry Onion Soup Mix Recipe (Only 4 Ingredients!) (17)Jakob

    I know this recipe has been up for a while but I thought I’d add a comment that I loved this. Worked so well.
    For the bouliion, I’m in the UK and there a brand of stock cubes (what bouillon is often called in UK) called kallo (www.kallo.com) which are superb. No artificial colours or preservatives. No added msg, very low salt, gluten and lactose free and coeliac friendly. If you can get hold of them they’re incredibly tasty

    Reply to this comment

    • Effortless Dry Onion Soup Mix Recipe (Only 4 Ingredients!) (18)Tiffany

      Thanks for the brand recommendation Jakob!

      Reply to this comment

      • Effortless Dry Onion Soup Mix Recipe (Only 4 Ingredients!) (19)Jerrie

        Tiffany, what boullion do you use? I thought they all had msg in them.

    • Effortless Dry Onion Soup Mix Recipe (Only 4 Ingredients!) (20)Della Humphrey

      Jakob, you are a lifesaver! Thank you so much! I just ordered on Amazon.

      Reply to this comment

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Effortless Dry Onion Soup Mix Recipe (Only 4 Ingredients!) (2024)

FAQs

What can I substitute for dry onion soup mix? ›

Stir onion flakes, beef bouillon granules, onion powder, parsley flakes, celery seed, paprika, and black pepper together in a bowl. Use as a substitute for a 1-ounce envelope of dry onion soup mix.

What is the difference between French onion and onion soup mix? ›

What is the Difference Between Onion Soup and French Onion Soup? French onion soup is always made with beef stock. Other onion soups can be made with chicken, vegetable, or beef stock. Additionally, French onion soup typically contains wine or sherry, which isn't typical or necessary in other onion soups.

Does Lipton Dry Onion Soup Mix have MSG? ›

Lipton Onion Soup Mix

The secret ingredient in that French onion dip? MSG. Just about all powdered soup mixes, from Lipton or otherwise, contain the flavor enhancer.

How much sodium is in dry onion soup mix? ›

Dry Onion Soup Mix
  • Calories 22.
  • Total Fat 0g 0%
  • Saturated Fat 0g 0%
  • Polyunsaturated Fat 0g.
  • Monounsaturated Fat 0g.
  • Cholesterol 0mg 0%
  • Sodium 602mg 26%
  • Total Carbohydrates 4.9g 2%

Can you substitute onion powder for dried onion? ›

Dehydrated onion or onion flakes

To replace onion powder with dried onion, use one tablespoon of dried onion for every teaspoon of onion powder.

How do I substitute dried onions? ›

A: Dried onion in any form—minced or powdered—can be substituted for chopped onion. Use a smaller quantity of minced and even less powdered onion as stand-ins for chopped. Fresh chopped onion is another good option. One medium-size chopped fresh onion equals 1/4 cup dried onion.

Why do you put baking soda in French onion soup? ›

The caramelized onions for this soup cook more quickly due to a pinch of baking soda but still have that deep, slow-cooked flavor. Topping the soup with hot, cheesy toasts prepared while the soup simmers, eliminates the need to bake the soup in specialty French onion soup bowls.

How do you deepen the flavor of French onion soup? ›

A few sprigs of thyme and a bay leaf elevate the soup even more, but I take it a step further, adding a splash of fish sauce for complexity and depth—don't worry, it won't taste fishy—and a hit of cider vinegar to balance some of that oniony sweetness.

What broth is French onion soup made of? ›

This soup traditionally is made with beef stock, though sometimes a good beef stock can be hard to come by and expensive to make. If you use boxed stock, taste it first! If you don't like the taste, don't use it. (If you cook a lot of beef or beef roasts, save the scraps and freeze them to make a stock with later.)

Do Doritos have MSG in them? ›

Consumer favorites like Doritos and Pringles are just some of the chip products that contain MSG (10, 11). Aside from being added to potato chips, corn chips, and snack mixes, MSG can be found in a number of other snack foods, so it's best to read the label if you want to avoid consuming this additive.

What does MSG do to soup? ›

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is one such ingredient that has been controversial for decades. It is one of the ingredients that some companies have committed to remove from products. MSG is a flavor enhancer commonly added to processed food products like chicken soup to boost the palatability.

Is there MSG in onion? ›

MSG breaks down into the sodium salt of glutamic acid. Glutamic acid is a common nonessential amino acid, meaning our bodies naturally produce this amino acid. While we may be familiar with sodium salts, glutamic acid is also found in everyday ingredients such as tomatoes, carrots, onions, and more.

Is dry soup mix healthy? ›

Made right, a good dry soup mix turns water into a tasty, comforting meal in minutes. Unfortunately, many dry mixes are hugely problematic. They can be incredibly high in sodium or filled with excessive additives.

Is there MSG in onion soup mix? ›

Officially, Lipton's lists the ingredients as: Onions (deyhydrated), salt, cornstarch, onion powder, sugar, corn syrup, hydrolyzed soy protein, caramel color, partially hydrogenated soybean oil, monosodium glutamate, yeast extract, natural flavors (wheat), disodium inosinate, disodium guanylate.

Is onion soup mix high in carbs? ›

Lipton Dry Onion Soup Mix (0.25 pouch) contains 5g total carbs, 4g net carbs, 0g fat, 1g protein, and 20 calories.

How much onion powder equals dehydrated onion? ›

Medium onion: Produces about 1 cup of chopped onion. Use 1 tablespoon of onion powder or 3 tablespoons of dried onion flakes as a substitute. Large Onion: Produces about 1 1/2 cups of chopped onion. When substituting, use 1 1/2 tablespoons of onion powder or 4 1/2 tablespoons of dried onion flakes.

Is onion powder just dehydrated onion? ›

Onion powder is a popular ingredient used in recipes around the world. It's made from finely ground dehydrated onions that have been carefully dried and processed into a powder. This versatile ingredient is used in various recipes, including soups, stews, dressings, and marinades.

Can you substitute onion powder for onion in soup? ›

One tablespoon of onion powder equals one cup of fresh onion

Because onion powder is so potent, you'll need a greater amount of fresh onion as a substitute. If your recipe calls for one tablespoon of onion powder, you'll have to use an entire cup of fresh onion to achieve the same onion flavor.

Can you use onion flakes instead of onion powder? ›

As a substitute, use 1 teaspoon of onion powder or 1 tablespoon of dried onion flakes. Medium Onion: Produces about 1 cup of chopped onion. Use 1 tablespoon of onion powder or 3 tablespoons of dried onion flakes as a substitute. Large Onion: Produces about 1 1/2 cups of chopped onion.

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