Lipton onion soup mix is a popular ingredient used to add onion flavor to recipes like dips, meatloaf, casseroles, and more. However, some people need a replacement for Lipton onion soup mix due to preferences or dietary restrictions. The good news is there are many suitable substitutions available using common pantry ingredients.
Why Substitute Lipton Onion Soup Mix?
There are a few key reasons you may want or need to use an alternative to Lipton onion soup mix:
Dietary Restrictions
Lipton onion soup mix contains ingredients some people avoid such as MSG, yeast extract, and milk ingredients. It’s not gluten-free, vegan, or appropriate for those with allergies or sensitivities. Substituting homemade alternatives allows you to control the ingredients.
Preference
You may simply prefer homemade seasoning blends over pre-packaged mixes. Making your own blend allows you to customize the flavors to your taste.
Convenience
Lipton onion soup mix may not always be on hand when you need it. Having an easy homemade substitute means you likely have the ingredients available to season dishes without an extra trip to the store.
Homemade Replacements for Lipton Onion Soup Mix
Making your own Lipton onion soup mix substitute is simple with just a few pantry staples. Here are some easy homemade options:
Dried Onion Mix
| Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| Dried minced onion | 1/4 cup |
| Dried parsley | 1 Tbsp |
| Onion powder | 2 tsp |
| Garlic powder | 1/2 tsp |
| Salt | 1/4 tsp |
| Black pepper | 1/4 tsp |
To make the dried onion mix: combine all ingredients and mix well. Store in an airtight container. Use 2 tablespoons of mix per 1 packet of Lipton onion soup mix called for in recipes.
Sauteed Onion Mix
| Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 1 Tbsp |
| Yellow onion, diced | 1/2 cup |
| Garlic powder | 1/2 tsp |
| Onion powder | 1/2 tsp |
| Dried parsley | 1 tsp |
| Salt | 1/4 tsp |
| Black pepper | 1/4 tsp |
To make the sauteed onion mix:
1. In a skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the diced onion and cook for 5-7 minutes until translucent.
2. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, salt and pepper. Cook for 1-2 more minutes until fragrant.
3. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
Use 2 tablespoons of the sauteed onion mix in place of 1 packet of Lipton onion soup mix.
Onion and Garlic Powder
| Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| Onion powder | 2 Tbsp |
| Garlic powder | 2 tsp |
| Dried parsley | 1 tsp |
| Salt | 1/4 tsp |
| Black pepper | 1/4 tsp |
To make the onion and garlic powder blend: Combine all ingredients and mix well. Store in an airtight container. Use 1 tablespoon of seasoning blend in place of 1 packet of Lipton onion soup mix.
Dry Onion Soup Mix
| Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| Beef bouillon granules | 2 Tbsp |
| Onion powder | 3 Tbsp |
| Garlic powder | 1 Tbsp |
| Dried parsley | 1 1/2 tsp |
| Celery seed | 3/4 tsp |
| Black pepper | 1/2 tsp |
To make the dry onion soup mix: Combine all ingredients and mix well. Store in an airtight container. Use 2 tablespoons of the seasoning blend in place of 1 packet of Lipton onion soup mix.
Tips for Using Homemade Onion Soup Mix
When using a homemade onion soup mix substitute in recipes, keep these tips in mind:
Adjust to Taste
Taste the blend and adjust seasoning to your preferences. Add more or less onion powder, salt, pepper, garlic, or parsley to suit your tastes.
Use the Right Amount
Pay attention to ingredient amounts when replacing Lipton onion soup mix. Use the recommended amount of homemade blend for best results.
Mix Well Before Using
Make sure to mix any homemade blend thoroughly before measuring out the amounts needed for recipes. This helps distribute flavors evenly.
Store Properly
Keep dried homemade mixes in airtight containers away from light and moisture. Properly stored, they’ll last several months. Refrigerate fresh sauteed onion mix.
Recipes Using Onion Soup Mix
Here are some popular recipes that you can make using a homemade onion soup mix substitute:
Onion Dip
| Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| Sour cream | 16 oz |
| Mayonnaise | 1/2 cup |
| Homemade onion soup mix | 2 Tbsp |
| Garlic powder | 1/4 tsp |
| Dried parsley | 1 Tbsp |
In a bowl, combine all ingredients and mix well. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to blend. Garnish with extra parsley if desired. Serve with potato chips, pretzels, or crackers.
French Onion Meatloaf
| Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 1/2 lbs |
| Onion, diced | 1/2 cup |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Homemade onion soup mix | 3 Tbsp |
| Breadcrumbs | 1/2 cup |
| Egg | 1 |
| Worcestershire sauce | 2 Tbsp |
| Ketchup | 3 Tbsp |
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. In a bowl, combine beef, onion, garlic, soup mix, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup. Mix well.
2. Form into a loaf and place in a baking dish. Bake for 1 hour until cooked through.
3. Top with sautéed onions and Swiss cheese in the last 10 minutes if desired.
Onion Chicken Casserole
| Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| Boneless skinless chicken breasts | 1 lb |
| Cream of mushroom soup | 10 oz |
| Sour cream | 8 oz |
| Homemade onion soup mix | 3 Tbsp |
| Frozen peas and carrots | 1 cup |
| Shredded Cheddar cheese | 1/2 cup |
1. Cook chicken breasts and cut into bite-size pieces.
2. In a casserole dish, combine soup, sour cream, onion soup mix, peas and carrots.
3. Stir in chicken pieces.
4. Top with shredded cheese.
5. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Buying an Onion Soup Mix Substitute
If you don’t want to make your own homemade onion soup mix, there are some purchased products you can use instead of Lipton:
Mccormick Onion Soup Mix
McCormick makes an onion soup and dip mix similar to Lipton. It contains dehydrated onions, beef broth, potato flour, sugar, salt, yeast extract, garlic, and natural flavors.
Edward & Sons Not-Chick’n Bouillon Cubes
These vegan bouillon cubes can sub for Lipton soup mix. They contain onion, garlic, yeast extract, and natural flavors. Use 2 cubes per 1 packet of Lipton mix.
Frontier Soup Base Onion
Frontier’s soup base is gluten-free, vegan, and made from onion, garlic, yeast extract, and spices. Use about 1 Tbsp per packet of Lipton mix.
Knorr Vegetable Recipe Mix
Knorr makes a vegetable bouillon recipe mix with onion flavor that works well in savory dishes calling for Lipton soup mix.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is onion soup mix gluten-free?
Lipton’s original onion soup mix contains wheat flour so is not gluten-free. However, there are gluten-free options like Frontier onion soup base which can be substituted. Homemade mixes without wheat products are also gluten-free.
Can I make onion soup mix vegetarian/vegan?
Yes, you can make meatless and vegan versions of onion soup mix at home. Omit broth powders containing meat products and use vegetarian Worcestershire sauce. Commercial vegetarian and vegan mixes are also available.
What’s the difference between onion soup mix and onion powder?
Onion soup mix contains dried onions plus a blend of seasonings like onion powder, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Onion powder alone lacks the flavor complexity of soup mix.
How long does homemade onion soup mix last?
Most homemade onion soup mix will stay fresh for up to 6 months stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Sauteed onion mix keeps for 1 week refrigerated.
Can I use onion salt instead of onion soup mix?
Onion salt on its own won’t provide the same flavor as onion soup mix. For best flavor, use onion powder combined with garlic, parsley, pepper and other seasonings.
Conclusion
With a few simple ingredients, you can easily recreate the savory onion flavor of Lipton soup mix at home. Make a big batch to have on hand whenever recipes call for it. Customize a homemade blend to suit your dietary needs or tastes. And explore new ways to use onion soup mixes and substitutes in dips, casseroles, roasts, and more for maximum flavor.