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This homemade onion soup mix is an easy pantry staple made with dehydrated onions, spices, and beef bouillon. It replaces store-bought packets and works well in roasts, casseroles, soups, and baked dishes.
COOK + BAKE | Published February 3, 2026
COOK + BAKE | Published February 3, 2026
Onion soup mix is one of those quiet workhorses in your pantry used for preparing a variety of classic recipes.
It shows up in roasts, casseroles, dips, and simple weeknight dinners adding flavor without much thought.
Making your own onion soup mix is less about reinventing the wheel and more about knowing what’s in it. With a handful of pantry ingredients, you can mix up a jar that’s ready whenever you need it, tastes just as familiar, and gives you control over the seasoning. It is actually more flavorful and full bodied than the store-bought packets.
Once you start keeping this on hand, you’ll find yourself reaching for it even more often than before. (Hint - It's great for seasoning potatoes as they roast in the oven!)
Here's everything you need to know about making this popular ingredient from scratch.
Ingredients You'll Need
Each ingredient plays a specific role in creating a balanced, savory blend that works across many recipes and tastes just like you'd expect from the store-bought packet.
- Dehydrated Onion Flakes - These are the backbone of the mix. They rehydrate as they cook, giving dishes that familiar onion flavor and texture you'd expect from a soup mix.
- Onion Powder
- Smoked Paprika - Adds a subtle smokiness that gives depth without overpowering.
- Garlic Powder - Balances out the onion flavor.
- Black Pepper - Adds warmth and a gentle bit to round out the richness of the other ingredients.
- Dried Parsley Flakes - Mostly for color, parsley brings a light herbal note that keps the mix from tasting too intense.
- Brown Sugar - Just enough to soften the savory flavors and mimic the slight sweetness found in store-bought mixes
- Celery Seed - A small amount to add a classic soup flavor that pairs well with beef and vegetables.
- Salt - Enchances all the flavors to bring the mix together.
- Beef Bouillon Powder - This is what gives the mix its rich, savory base. It adds depth and makes the blend especially good for roasts, soups, and baked dishes.
What's nice about making your own mix is that you can adjust the amounts of the seasonings to suit your taste.
How to Make Onion Soup Mix from Scratch
Making this pantry staple could not be easier. Add all the ingredients to a bowl and mix well until fully combined. Transfer to an airtight container and store in a cool, dry place.
Assuming your ingredients are fresh to start, this mix should last for 6 to 12 months in the cupboard. If you notice the aroma has dulled, that's a good sign it's time to make a fresh batch.
The recipe given below will make the equivalent of between 7 and 8 packets of store-bought mix. If this is more than you can use in that period of time, feel free to divide the ingredients in half or even quarters so that you always have something fresh to use.
How to Use the Homemade Onion Soup Mix
Use 4 to 5 Tablespoons of this from-scratch mix to replace one store-bought packet of onion soup mix in recipes.
It works best in dishes that include a liquid, like roasts, bakes, soups, and slow-cooked meals.
Recipe Source
This recipe was first shared by Megan Moose (@healthyhomesteader) on Instagram and is the one that I've been using in my own kitchen ever since. She shares a wide range of from-scratch recipes that make it easier to skip of-the-shelf products and rely more on simple pantry ingredients. If you enjoy recipes like this one, her account is well worth exploring.
This is one of those pantry staples that makes cooking easier. It takes a few minutes to mix, stores well, and works in the same recipes you already love.
Whether you're using it in a no-peek beef bake, stirring into a pot of soup, or seasoning meat, having a homemade version on hand gives you flexibility without extra effort. Once you make it, you may find it earns a permanent spot on your shelf!
Other From-Scratch Staples You'll Want to Make
NO-WASTE CHICKEN STOCK - Prepare your own flavorful broth from leftover chicken bones and vegetable scraps.
CREAM OF CELERY SOUP - Replace the canned version with this recipe that uses fresh celery.
HOMEMADE MAYONNAISE
SWISS MOCHA CAPPUCCINO MIX
FROM-SCRATCH CHEESE SOUP - Another base for soups and casseroles that is easy to make at home.
Homemade Onion Soup Mix
Makes the equivalent of 7-8 packets
PRINT RECIPE
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup dehydrated onion flakes
- 1 Tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
- 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 2/3 cup bouillon powder*
INSTRUCTIONS
Mix ingredients together and store in an airtight container for 6-12 months.
TO USE: Measure out 4 to 5 Tablespoons of mix to equal one store-bought packet of soup mix.
*Omit the beef bouillon powder and substitute the desired amount of beef stock in the recipe you're preparing.