11 Best Onion Powder Substitutes

The easiest substitute for onion powder is fresh onions. You can also use onion flakes, granulated onion, dried minced onion, onion salt, scallions, leeks, shallots, garlic powder, chopped chives, or make your own.

If you are in the middle of making a recipe that calls for onion powder but you have run out, no need to worry. There are several alternatives you can use in place of onion powder.

In this article, we will go through 10 easy substitutes as well as a recipe for you to make your own homemade onion powder.

Best Onion Powder Substitutes

1. Fresh Onion

The easiest substitute for onion powder is fresh onions. It is something that you probably already have in the house, so you don’t have to go searching for it.

Onions have a lot of moisture in them compared to onion powder. You might need to adjust your liquid amount in your recipes if using fresh onions. I like to dry the onion out as much as possible before adding it to my dish. Also, you will want to avoid overcooking the fresh onions, so they don’t become too mushy. You will need to peel, cut, and then chop the onion finely before using.

Substitute 1 teaspoon of onion powder for 4 teaspoons of chopped onion.

2. Onion Flakes

Another great substitute is onion flakes. You can find onion flakes in the spice section of the grocery store. They are chopped onions that have been dehydrated. I like to use onion flakes in soups and stews.

Substitute 1 teaspoon of onion powder for 1 tablespoon of onion flakes.

3. Granulated Onion

Granulated onion is dried onions that are coarsely grounded. They have a texture like grains of sand. It is similar to onion powder.

Substitute 1 teaspoon of onion powder for 2 teaspoons of granulated onion.

4. Dried Minced Onion

Dried minced onions are white onions that have been dehydrated. Add them to your recipes to create an onion flavor.

Substitute 1 teaspoon of onion powder for 1 1/2 teaspoons of minced garlic.

5. Onion Salt

Onion salt is another easy substitute for onion powder, as it is just a mixture of onion powder and salt. If you are going to use onion salt as an alternative you may need to reduce the salt in your recipe, so that it does not turn out too salty.

Substitute 1 teaspoon of onion powder for 1 teaspoon of onion salt.

6. Scallions

You can use scallions as a substitute. They have a milder flavor than onions. I like to use them as a topping for sauces. Chop them finely before using them.

Substitute 1 teaspoon of onion powder for 1 teaspoon of scallions.

7. Leeks

Use leeks as a substitute for onion powder. They are part of the onion family. Leeks have a mild flavor and are easy to prepare. Chop them finely before using them. I like to use leeks in soups and stews.

Substitute 1 teaspoon of onion powder for 1 teaspoon of leeks.

8. Shallots

Shallots can be used as an alternative to onion powder. They have a milder flavor than onion powder. Also, chop the shallots finely before using them as a substitute.

Substitute 1 teaspoon of onion powder for 1 teaspoon of scallions.

9. Garlic Powder

If I don’t have onion powder on hand I will use garlic powder. Keep in mind that garlic powder has a more intense flavor. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Substitute 1 teaspoon of onion powder for 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.

10. Chopped Chives

Chives can be used as a replacement. They won’t work well for recipes that call for dry spices. I like to use them as a topping for sauces, or soups.

Substitute 1 teaspoon of onion powder for 1 teaspoon of chopped chives.

11. Make Your Own Onion Powder

If you don’t want to use any of the above substitutes you can also make your own homemade onion powder.

Ingredients:

2 Onions

Directions:

The first step you will need to do is peel the onions and then chop them into small pieces. I like to cut them into rings.

There is 2 options for drying the onions. You can place them in a dehydrator and dry them in there. If you don’t have a dehydrator you can place them on a baking sheet and then heat them at 150 in the oven. You know they are done when they crumble easily.

After they are dry allow them to cool and then you can grind them. Grind them in a food processor, coffee grinder, spice mill, magic bullet, or mortar and pestle. I find that the coffee grinder works the best.

Once your finished making the onion powder you can store it in an airtight container. Label with the name and date. Store in a dry cool place. It is recommended to shake the container at least once a day to prevent mold.

Conclusion

The best substitute for onion powder is fresh onions, onion flakes, granulated onion, dried minced onions, onion salt, scallions. leeks, shallots, garlic powder, chives, and your own homemade onion powder.

Questions

What is equivalent to onion powder?

The equivalent to onion powder would be onion flakes. They are onions that are dehydrated but have not been grounded up. You can use them as an alternative to onion powder in your recipes.