Savory Tweaks: 5 BEST Onion Soup Mix Substitutes

Do you often find yourself out of onion soup mix when a recipe calls for it? Don’t worry, you’re not alone.

Here, we’ll provide five delicious and easy-to-find substitutes that won’t let you down.

You can count on these tasty alternatives to get the job done.

What’s Onion Soup Mix?

Onion Soup mix is undoubtedly a versatile condiment that can easily spruce up almost any dish.

While its name might suggest it’s exclusively for soups, this seasoning blend can be used in a variety of dishes from meats and potatoes to chili.

Onion soup mix has an umami flavor profile consisting of ingredients like onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and other herbs.

Its texture is wonderfully crunchy with a bit of a kick from the pepper and other spices.

When using onion soup mix, it’s important to balance out the flavors by adding acidic ingredients.

Of course you don’t have to use this mix just for cooking – it also makes a delicious dip when mixed with mayo or sour cream.

Whether you’re replacing salt with this savory blend or adding it to your favorite dish for striking new flavor notes, experimenting with onion soup mix will surely enliven your cuisine.

When using onion soup mix, keep in mind the following tips:

• Start by reconstituting the onion soup mix with water or liquid of your choice.
• Be sure to taste test your dish before adding extra salt as onion soup mix can be quite salty on its own.
• Using more than the recommended amount of onion soup mix could cause the food to become bland and greasy tasting.
• Unused onion soup mix can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or in the freezer for six months.

5 Best Onion Soup Mix Substitutes to Consider

But what if you’re all out of onion soup mix? Don’t worry — there are plenty of delicious substitutes that you can use instead.

Here are five of the best onion soup mix substitutes to consider:

1 – Dried Onion Flakes

Dried onion flakes make a great substitute for onion soup mix as they provide both the taste and texture of fresh onions.

To use this substitute, mix one tablespoon of dried onion flakes per one fourth cup of water.

You can also use this method to add flavor and texture to any dish that calls for onion soup mix.

This substitute works best in dishes with a longer cooking time since the flakes have time to soften and release their flavor throughout the entire dish.

Be sure not to add too much, though, as the overpowering scent of raw onions can take over your dish.

If you find yourself in this situation, try adding more liquid or using a lesser amount next time.

2 – Caramelized Onions

Caramelized onions are a great alternative to onion soup mix that is sure to bring out the delicious flavors of your dish.

Caramelized onions take longer to make than onion soup mix and require more effort, but the extra time is well worth it.

The process of caramelizing involves slowly cooking onions in butter or oil until they become softened and browned.

This process helps to develop a rich, sweet flavor as the natural sugars of the onion toast and become deeply caramelized.

To make true caramelized onions, you’ll also need to add a small amount of sugar or vinegar for enhanced sweetness, as well as seasonings like salt, pepper and herbs for depth of flavor.

Once cooked, these onions can be enjoyed on their own or used as a tasty flavoring for soups and stews or in recipes like French Onion Soup Crock Pot Casserole.

Caramelized onions can also be used chopped up fresh and sprinkled on top of salads or sandwiches for delicious flavor enhancement.

3 – Onion Powder

Onion powder is made from dehydrated onions and is a great way to add some delicious onion flavor to any dish.

To bring out the flavor even further, you can fry or toast the powder before adding it to your recipe.

It’s a good idea to use less onion powder than you would onion soup mix, since you may find it overly strong when added directly from the jar.

When using onion powder as a substitute for onion soup mix, combine one tablespoon of the powder with two tablespoons of all-purpose flour and two tablespoons of beef or vegetable stock for every packet of soup mix needed.

4 – Fresh Green Onions

Fresh green onions are remarkably easy to prepare and can be used as a substitute for onion soup mix in casseroles, vegetables, and soups.

To use, simply slice or dice 1/4 cup of fresh or frozen green onions (scallions) for each tablespoon of onion soup mix the recipe calls for.

You can also use finely chopped chives to add some extra flavor if desired.

Fresh green onions provide a similar mild onion flavor that is complemented by subtle hints of garlic and other herbs from your other ingredients.

The onions will also cook quickly, making them ideal for recipes that require quick prep times.

For a richer flavor, you can sauté the green onions in olive oil until they are golden brown before adding them to your dish.

5 – Mix of Dried and Fresh Herbs

If you’re looking for a flavorful twist on your favorite soup, consider substituting onion soup mix with a combination of dried herbs and fresh ingredients like finely chopped celery, carrots, bell peppers, and fresh onions.

To prevent the fresh ingredients from overpowering the soup, use a two-to-one ratio of dried herbs to fresh vegetables.

Popular herb combinations include thyme, parsley, garlic powder and basil.

Adding this mix will give your soup a powerful depth of flavor that’s hard to beat.

Conclusion

When it comes to the best substitutes for onion soup mix, the possibilities are endless.

There is no one-size-fits-all replacement and everyone’s tastes and preferences will differ.

However, with a little research and careful consideration, you can find a suitable onion soup mix alternative that will give your recipe just the right flavor.

When replacing onion soup mix in recipes, it’s important to pay attention to measurements — some substitutes may be more concentrated than prepared mixes so adding too much of them could result in an overly strong flavor.

In addition, if you do not have access to any of the ingredients mentioned above then simply adding an equal portion of salt combined with other seasonings can be an acceptable substitute for onion soup mix.