How to Make an Easy Packet-Size Onion Soup Mix Using Pantry Spices at Home – a step-by-step guide with video!
Hi! If you’ve been following me for long you’ll already know this, but for those who are new, welcome to Far From The Farm. I’m Mona, the Brit behind the recipes, learning life and food in the States while sharing our debt-free journey and what’s on the menu in our home today!
This recipe came together the way so many of my favorite kitchen solutions do. Not planned. Just real life.
I was halfway through prepping dinner and had already pulled out the ground beef for Salisbury steak when I reached for my usual packet of onion soup mix and realized I was completely out. No spare. No backup. No time or budget to run to the store.
So I did what most of us do in that moment. I improvised.
I started pulling spices from the cupboard and built a simple onion forward blend that would work for that dinner. And then something funny happened. We liked it better than the packet version. Enough that I wrote it down. Enough that I have been using it ever since.
This is not a copycat of any boxed brand. It is not trying to be an exact dupe. It is simply a small batch onion style seasoning mix that replaces one standard packet and works beautifully in real home cooking.
As a military family on baby step 2 of our debt free journey, every time we can make something ourselves instead of buying a convenience product, it genuinely helps. These little swaps add up over a month.
And this one takes less than five minutes!
This recipe makes the equivalent of one packet of onion soup mix, which means no half used jars and no waste. If you need more, you can double or triple it easily.
And just a reminder that if you’re struggling and you need help with managing your budget or starting your own debt free journey then here’s some FREE resources below you may find helpful!
living frugally and fully
free tips and resources to make the most of what you have
As always, these photos are from my real kitchen here in our sweet military base home. No staged lighting or spotless marble counters. Just real life and real food made in a small space. Proof that you can feed your family well without needing a dream kitchen or fancy tools!
So roll up your sleeves and head into the kitchen with me to make a simple pantry onion soup mix you can rely on when dinner plans go sideways!
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Airtight jar or container for storage
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Ingredients
Makes 3 1/2 tbsp – the equivalent of 1 standard packet of onion soup mix or French onion soup mix
- 2 tablespoons dried minced onion (or any dried onion flakes)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1
Add all ingredients to a small mixing bowl.
Step 2
Stir well until fully combined and evenly mixed.
Step 3
Use immediately or transfer to an airtight container for storage.
How to Use This Onion Soup Mix
This small batch recipe is the equivalent of 1 standard packet of onion soup mix.
Use the entire batch anywhere a recipe calls for 1 packet of onion soup mix or French onion soup mix.
If you specifically need it made up as “onion soup” first, whisk the full batch into 2 cups beef broth (or water plus bouillon) and warm it through for 3 to 5 minutes, just until the flakes soften. Then use it exactly as your recipe instructs!
How to Scale This Recipe
This recipe is written as a small batch on purpose, but it scales up beautifully.
If you want to double, triple, or make a larger jar, simply keep all the ingredient ratios exactly the same and multiply each one evenly. No adjustments needed.
Once mixed, store the seasoning in an airtight container at room temperature. I reuse an old dried minced onion tub because it’s already the perfect size and easy to grab. No fancy labelled jars required around here!
When using a larger batch, measure out 3 1/2 tablespoons of the mix to replace one standard packet of onion soup mix or French onion soup mix in any recipe.
Notes and Troubleshooting
Notes
- This is a flexible seasoning blend. If you like a stronger onion flavor, add an extra teaspoon of dried onion flakes.
- Parsley is optional but adds a nice balance to the savory flavors.
- This mix is naturally gluten free when made with pure spices.
Troubleshooting
- Too salty for your dish? Use less next time or skip added salt in the recipe you are making.
- Not onion forward enough? Increase the dried onion flakes slightly.
- Want deeper savory notes? Add a pinch of mushroom powder or nutritional yeast if you keep those on hand.
Storage
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 months.
- Keep away from heat and moisture for best flavor.
- This blend does not need refrigeration.
Serving Ideas
- Classic Salisbury steak
- Slow cooker beef and onions
- Homemade onion dip
- Roasted vegetables
- Seasoned rice or potatoes
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?!
- Small batch and no waste
- Replaces one store bought packet
- Uses pantry staples
- Budget friendly
- Ready in minutes
- Perfect for backup dinner plans
FAQ
Can I make a larger batch?
Yes. Double or triple the recipe and store in a jar. Use 2 tablespoons per packet needed.
Does this contain MSG?
No. This is a simple spice based blend.
Can I use this for dip?
Yes. Mix with sour cream or Greek yogurt and let it rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
Make This Recipe With Me!
Sometimes it’s just easier to watch a video than read a recipe card isn’t it?! So here’s a quick tutorial on how to make this simple and delicious recipe at home and on a budget – thank you for joining me in the kitchen today!
Small Batch Onion Soup Mix Recipe!
January 28, 2026Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Add all ingredients to a small mixing bowl.
- Stir well until fully combined and evenly mixed.
- Use immediately or transfer to an airtight container for storage.
Video
Notes
- This is a flexible seasoning blend. If you like a stronger onion flavor, add an extra teaspoon of dried onion flakes.
- Parsley is optional but adds a nice balance to the savory flavors.
- This mix is naturally gluten free when made with pure spices.
Storage
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 months.
- Keep away from heat and moisture for best flavor.
- This blend does not need refrigeration.
How to Use
This recipe replaces 1 standard packet of onion soup mix or French onion soup mix. Use the full batch anywhere a recipe calls for one packet. If onion soup is needed first, whisk the mix into 2 cups beef broth or water with bouillon and heat for 3 to 5 minutes until the onion flakes soften. ÂScaling the Recipe
This mix scales easily. Double or triple all ingredients using the same ratios. Store in an airtight container at room temperature. Use 3 1/2 tablespoons of the mix to replace one standard packet of onion soup mix or French onion soup mix in recipes. ÂRelated Recipes
- Check out our other Seasoning Recipes!
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
The Takeaway
This recipe exists because dinner did not go to plan. And honestly, that is exactly why it works.
Being able to improvise with what you already have is one of the most underrated kitchen skills, especially when you are trying to stay on budget and still feed your family well.
This little seasoning blend has saved more than one dinner around here. And those wins matter!
What to Try Next?!
Share & Rate This Recipe!
If this homemade French onion soup mix saves your dinner the way it saved mine, tap the stars on the recipe card and leave a quick comment. Sharing simple pantry solutions helps other families cook well on a budget too!
Last update on 2026-02-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
