Homemade Onion Soup Mix is easy to make with just six pantry ingredients. Keep a jar on hand to use in recipes calling for a packet of dry onion soup mix, or stir it into sour cream for a quick onion dip.
This homemade version has plenty of onion flavor without being quite as salty as the store-bought mix. It takes just 5 minutes to put together and stores well in the pantry.

Homemade dry onion soup mix
I used to keep packets of onion soup mix in my pantry for making onion dip and adding flavor to different recipes. Making my own is just as convenient, and I can control exactly what goes into it.
This dry mix comes together in minutes using pantry staples. I like to make a batch and store it in a jar so it's ready whenever I need it.
Use ¼ cup of homemade mix in place of one packet of store-bought onion soup mix.
Key ingredients

- Dried minced onion: Sometimes labeled dried onion flakes. This gives the mix its onion texture.
- Beef bouillon granules: Use your preferred brand of powdered or granular bouillon. I use Orrington Farms. A low-sodium variety can also be used.
- Onion powder: Adds additional onion flavor.
- Garlic powder: Adds a little extra seasoning.
- Celery seed: Adds a subtle savory flavor.
- Black pepper: Use finely ground pepper so it distributes evenly throughout the mix.
Step by step directions
- Measure out all ingredients and place in a bowl or a glass jar with a lid.
- Stir everything together until well combined.
- Use right away or store in an airtight container for up to a year.


Recipe tips
- Give the jar a good shake before measuring out the mix. The smaller seasonings can settle toward the bottom.
- When using the mix in a dip, refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before serving. This gives the dried onions time to soften and the flavors time to blend.
- Store in an airtight jar in a cool, dry pantry. For the best flavor, use within 6 months.
- Use ¼ cup of homemade onion soup mix to replace one packet of store-bought dry onion soup mix.
Frequently asked questions
Store the mix in an airtight container in a cool, dry pantry. For the best flavor, use within 6 months. Be sure to check the expiration dates on your individual ingredients.
Yes! Chicken bouillon can be substituted for beef bouillon in equal amounts. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still make a tasty onion soup mix.
Yes. Choose a reduced-sodium beef bouillon to help lower the overall sodium content. The amount of sodium will vary depending on the brand of bouillon you use.

To use onion soup mix
Use this soup mix in any recipe calling for onion soup mix. You'll need ¼ cup of the mix for a packet of store-bought mix.
Onion soup dip
- Mix ¼ cup of soup mix into 16 ounces of sour cream.
- Let mixture sit for at least 30 minutes before using to allow the dried onions to become hydrated.


Cup of quick onion soup
- Mix 1 tablespoon of the mix with one cup of boiling water.
- Stir well.
- Allow mixture to sit for a few minutes until the dried onions are soft.
More homemade seasoning mixes
Keep your pantry stocked with more homemade seasoning blends, including taco seasoning, fajita seasoning, and homemade pickling spice.

If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below and snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @beyondthechickencoop

Homemade Onion Soup Mix
Video
Equipment
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
Ingredients
- ¾ cup dried onion
- ⅓ cup beef bouillon granules
- ¼ cup onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon celery seed
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Place everything together in a bowl and mix with a whisk or a spoon until well mixed.
- Place in an airtight container and store at room temperature.
Notes
- Yield: Approximately 1⅓ cups.
- Packet equivalent: Use ¼ cup of homemade mix in place of one packet of store-bought dry onion soup mix.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry pantry. For the best flavor, use within 6 months.
- Shake or stir before measuring, as the smaller seasonings may settle to the bottom.
Nutritional Disclaimer:
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and should only be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. To obtain the most precise nutritional information in a provided recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the exact ingredients you are using when preparing the recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.











Sarah says
Can you use chicken bouillon instead of beef?
Kathy says
Absolutely!
Diane says
Can powder soup base be used instead of bullion granules?
Kathy says
Hi Diane,
You should be able to use a powdered soup base.
Kathy
David @ Spiced says
What a great idea, Kathy! We use onion soup mix to make a dip similar to the one you mentioned. However, I'm guessing that dip will taste even better if we start with a homemade soup mix. I've never thought about making my own...putting this on the list for sure!
Kathy says
I hope you give it a try! It's fun making your own pantry staples! 🙂
Phyllis Ponack says
Hi Kathy
This is one recipe I am going to
try, as I use Lipton Onion Soup mix on my beef roasts as my mother in law did and it gives it an awesome taste. And you you are right the Lipton is pretty salty always had to remember when I made gravy not to use potato water. 🙂
Thank you for all the recipes you share with us they are amazing.
Kathy says
Hi Phyllis,
Thanks so much!!! It's so great to hear from you! Hope all is well and enjoy the recipe.
Kathy 🙂