Onion powder is hard to substitute, but there are a few options if you don’t have this spice on hand! Here is the best substitute for onion powder.
Are you preparing a recipe that calls for onion powder and you don’t have any? Onion powder is a spice made from dried and ground onions. It is often used in homemade spice mixes or as a seasoning for vegetables, seafood, meat and salad dressings. Onion powder is often a backup for other more dominant flavors, but it offers a flavor nuance that’s hard to substitute.
Onion powder is hard to substitute, so if you can, go to the store and get some! But if you’re in the middle of a recipe and don’t have time to shop, we get it. Here is the best substitute for onion powder!
Best substitute for onion powder
Note that how these options work depends on how the onion powder is used in the recipe.
1. Onion flakes (dried chopped onion).
The best substitute for onion powder? onion flakes! Onion flakes are dried sliced onions that are also sold in the spice section. How do we use them most? Homemade condiment for every bagel. If you’re at the store and can find onion flakes, grab a packet. To mimic the texture of onion powder, you can grind the flakes in a blender with a mortar and pestle and roll with a rolling pin. Use onion flakes as a 1:1 substitute for onion powder. This works for most uses of onion powder in recipes.
2. Garlic Powder.
Another substitute for onion powder? It’s not an exact flavor composition, but you can use half the amount of garlic powder instead of onion powder. Both are often used in combination in recipes. Garlic powder naturally adds garlic flavor, but it mimics some of the savory quality of onion powder. Again, use ½ tsp garlic powder instead of 1 tsp onion powder.
3. Chopped chives (in special cases).
This onion powder substitute will not work in seasoning mixes or recipes where you need a dry seasoning. But if you just need a little onion flavor, you can substitute onion powder for chopped chives. It can be used in cooked dishes and/or something like a dip or salad dressing. Of course, chopped chives are thick and light green, so only use them if they make sense in your recipe.
Here are some of our favorite onion powder recipes:
