I was raised with a father who despised the taste and smell of onions, so we rarely consumed them at home. However, in high school, I discovered my fondness for onions, and the closest alternative we had was dried French onion soup mix. Thus, French onion soup became a staple in our household.
I utilized the soup both as a standalone dish and as a seasoning for various foods and roasted vegetables. Sometimes, I would sneak fresh onions into the house (dubbed contraband onions), but I truly developed an affection for the French onion soup mix during this period.
Upon entering college, I began incorporating onions into many of my own culinary creations. When I eventually had my own home, onions became a key ingredient in almost all of my dishes (alongside garlic).
Transitioning to a real food diet meant eliminating most boxed or canned products, including French onion soup mix. Despite missing the flavors and convenience of the mix, I no longer purchased it.
French Onion Flavors
This homemade onion soup mix combines the essence of onion, garlic, celery, salt, and pepper, just like the pre-mixed French onion soup mix. However, it excludes ingredients like cornstarch, soy protein, and yeast extract. Additionally, this homemade version is naturally gluten-free.
I prefer to purchase all the herbs and spices needed for this recipe, as well as for other herb and spice blends, online in bulk. This practice saves money and ensures I always have the required spices on hand. Any unused herbs and spices can be stored in the freezer or a cool, dark place until needed.
How to Use Dry Onion Soup Mix
Onions have a way of enhancing the savory taste of almost any dish. You can incorporate this seasoning mix into your preferred soup recipe or create French onion soup using it. For instance, I typically add 1/4 cup of the dry onion soup mix to 2 cups of beef broth and include thinly sliced, caramelized onions. Topping the soup with melted Gruyere cheese enhances the flavor even further!
Here are a few more ideas:
- Combine 3 tablespoons of onion soup mix with 2 cups of sour cream to whip up French onion dip. Allow the flavors to meld for several hours or overnight before serving.
- Add a few tablespoons of the onion soup mix to homemade meatloaf.
- Incorporate 3 tablespoons of the mix into a pot roast along with veggies and slow cook the dish.
- I enjoy using this mix to season the meat when preparing shepherd’s pie.
French Onion Soup Mix Recipe
Homemade French onion soup mix with herbs, spices, and salt is a great alternative to store-bought onion soup mix. Use it in a variety of recipes.
-
Combine all ingredients in a jar with a lid and shake to mix.
-
Store in your jar or an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
Nutrition Facts
French Onion Soup Mix Recipe
Amount Per Serving (1 tsp)
Calories 3
% Daily Value*
Fat 0.01g0%
Saturated Fat 0.002g0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.003g
Monounsaturated Fat 0.001g
Sodium 76mg3%
Potassium 13mg0%
Carbohydrates 1g0%
Fiber 0.1g0%
Sugar 0.2g0%
Protein 0.1g0%
Vitamin A 0.3IU0%
Vitamin C 0.5mg1%
Calcium 2mg0%
Iron 0.04mg0%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
- To make French onion soup, use about ¼ cup onion soup mix per 2 cups of beef stock. Add 3-4 very thinly sliced, caramelized onions for extra flavor.
- To use as a mix, you can add ½ cup soy-free and MSG-free beef bouillon granules and use as you would a packet of French onion soup mix (¼ cup=1 package). It is excellent on roasts or for making French onion soup. I also use it as the seasoning for the meat in shepherd/cottage pie.
Ever used French onion soup mix? Ready to try a healthy version?
