A Better Way for Onion Soup Mix
I used to buy those little envelopes of onion soup mix. They were so easy. But one day, I read the ingredients. I could not even say some of the words! That is when I decided to make my own.
This mix is just simple things from your spice cupboard. You know every single thing that goes into it. That feels good, doesn’t it? Knowing what you are feeding your family matters so much.
A Little Story About Spices
My grandson helped me make this once. He saw the paprika and said, “Grandma, that’s just red pepper!” He was so surprised. I still laugh at that.
He learned that spices can be fun. Mixing them is like a little science experiment in your kitchen. What is your favorite spice to cook with? Mine will always be black pepper.
How to Make Your Own Mix
This could not be simpler. Get a bowl. Put all the ingredients in it. Then, just stir it all up. That is it!
You need dried onion flakes, beef bouillon, and a few other spices. The celery seed is my secret. It gives a little extra flavor that is just wonderful. Doesn’t that smell amazing when you mix it?
Why This Is a Kitchen Hero
This little jar is a real helper. You can use it in so many ways. It makes a great dip when you mix it with sour cream. Just let it sit for an hour first.
It is also perfect for seasoning a pot roast. Or you can sprinkle it on potatoes before you bake them. *Fun fact: Onion flakes are just fresh onions that have had all the water taken out!* What will you make with your mix first?
A Thought to Share
Making things from scratch connects us to our food. It is a small act of love. I feel that every time I twist the lid on my jar of mix.
It is not just about saving money. It is about knowing you made something good. Do you have a simple homemade recipe that makes you proud? I would love to hear about it.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| dried onion flakes | 1/4 cup (14g) | |
| beef bouillon granules | 2 Tablespoons (30g) | or bouillon paste, or 6 beef bouillon cubes, chopped |
| onion powder | 1/4 teaspoon (0.6g) | |
| dried parsley flakes | 1/4 teaspoon (0.1g) | |
| celery seed | 1/8 teaspoon (0.3g) | |
| paprika | 1/8 teaspoon (0.3g) | |
| freshly ground black pepper | 1/8 teaspoon (0.3g) |
A Little Jar of Magic
I think every kitchen needs a little magic. This onion soup mix is mine. It sits in a jar on my shelf. I feel so clever when I use it. It makes everything taste like you cooked all day.
My grandson loves it on his burgers. He calls it my “secret sprinkle.” I still laugh at that. The best part is knowing what’s inside. No funny chemicals, just good, simple things. Doesn’t that sound better?
Let’s make some together. It is so easy. You just need a bowl and a few minutes. Are you ready? Here we go.
- Step 1: Get all your jars and spices out. Measure the dried onion flakes. They look like little crispy petals. Pour them into a medium-sized bowl.
- Step 2: Now add the beef bouillon. I use the granules. They look like tiny brown sand. (A hard-learned tip: if you use cubes, chop them up fine first!).
- Step 3: Time for the tiny spices. Add the onion powder and parsley. Then comes the celery seed and paprika. That paprika gives it such a nice color. I love that part.
- Step 4: Last, a good grind of black pepper. Now stir it all up. Use a fork to break up any clumps. Doesn’t that smell amazing already?
- Step 5: Find a pretty jar with a tight lid. Pour your magic mix inside. Store it in a cool, dark cupboard. It will be waiting for you. What’s the first dish you’d make with this? Share below!
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1 jar (1 envelope)
Category: Pantry Staple
Three Fun Twists to Try
This mix is like a good friend. It gets along with everyone. You can change it up so easily. Here are a few of my favorite ways to play.
- Mushroom Magic: Use mushroom bouillon instead of beef. It makes a wonderful vegetarian version. Perfect for sprinkling on roasted potatoes.
- Spicy Kick: Add a big pinch of chili powder. Maybe a little pinch of cayenne too. It gives your dip a nice warm feeling.
- Herby Garden: Stir in some extra dried thyme and rosemary. It tastes like a sunny day in my backyard. So fresh and lovely.
Which one would you try first? Comment below!
My Favorite Ways to Serve It
Oh, the things you can do with this mix. My favorite is the classic sour cream dip. Just stir one batch into a pint of sour cream. Let it sit for an hour. The flavors just melt together so nicely.
I also love it rubbed on a chicken before roasting. Or mixed into the ground beef for meatloaf. It makes the whole house smell wonderful. For a drink, a cold glass of milk is always good. For the grown-ups, a pale ale is a nice match.
Which would you choose tonight? The cozy dip or a savory roasted chicken? It’s a tough decision, I know.
Keeping Your Onion Soup Mix Fresh
Let’s talk about storing your homemade mix. Keep it in a jar with a tight lid. A cool, dark cupboard is the perfect spot.
This mix is a wonderful batch-cook project. I make a big jar every month. It saves me so much time on busy nights.
I remember my first batch. I left the lid loose. The onion flakes got soft and lost their punch. A tight seal keeps everything snappy.
Making your own staples matters. You control the salt and know every ingredient. It makes weeknight cooking feel simpler and smarter.
Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!
Simple Fixes for Common Mix-Ups
Is your mix too salty? Use low-sodium beef bouillon next time. You can also use less mix in your recipe.
Do the onion flakes seem too big? Just give them a quick chop. This makes the texture perfect for dips.
I once used old paprika. It had no color or flavor. Your spices should smell strong. If they don’t, it’s time for new ones.
Getting the flavor right builds your confidence. You learn to trust your own taste. Fresh ingredients make your whole dish taste brighter and better.
Which of these problems have you run into before?
Your Onion Soup Mix Questions
Q: Is this mix gluten-free? A: Yes, if your beef bouillon is gluten-free. Always check the label.
Q: Can I make it ahead? A: Absolutely! It lasts for months in your pantry. Fun fact: This is called a “dry pantry staple.”
Q: What if I don’t have celery seed? A: A tiny pinch of dried celery leaves works too.
Q: Can I double the recipe? A: Of course! Just use a bigger jar to mix everything well.
Q: Any extra tips? A: For a richer dip, let it sit in the fridge for an hour. The flavors will blend beautifully.
Which tip will you try first?
From My Kitchen to Yours
I hope you love having this mix in your cupboard. It is such a handy helper for quick meals.
I would be so thrilled to see what you create. Please share your cooking adventures with me.
Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest! Use our handle @GracysKitchen. I look at every single photo.
Happy cooking!
—Grace Ellington.
Homemade Dry Onion Soup Mix Pantry Staple
Description
A simple and flavorful pantry staple to replace store-bought onion soup mix. Perfect for seasoning recipes or making a quick dip.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together. Store in an airtight container. Use in recipes that call for one envelope of dry onion soup mix.
- To make as a dip, mix recipe with one pint of sour cream.
Notes
- This mix makes the equivalent of one standard store-bought envelope of onion soup mix.