Out of Onion Powder? Here Are 3 Easy Substitutes You Can Use

Onions form the foundation of many savory dishes. Flip through any cookbook, and you'll find that most recipes begin with fresh or powdered onions. Onion powder is a staple in most kitchens, but if you run out while cooking, there are several simple alternatives that will keep your dish on track.

What Does Onion Powder Taste Like and How Is It Used?

Onion powder has a flavor that's unmistakably onion, but without the moisture and sharp bite. It's a great way to add the subtle sweetness and savory kick of onions to dishes without the texture or the sharpness of fresh onions.

Some dishes prefer onion powder for convenience — just a few shakes are all you need, without the fuss of chopping an onion. However, for recipes like French onion soup or onion rings, fresh onions are irreplaceable.

Can I Replace Onion Powder with Fresh Onion?

Yes, you can substitute fresh onion for onion powder, but there are a few things to consider. Some recipes specifically call for onion powder instead of fresh onions because they aim for a dry consistency, like in meat rubs or popcorn seasoning. Others prefer it for its fine texture and flavor balance in recipes like homemade ranch dressing. In these cases, it's best to stick with powdered onion to keep the recipe's texture and flavor. However, fresh onion works well in dishes like pasta sauces or roasted vegetables, as long as you're okay with the added moisture and texture. To substitute fresh onion, use about half a cup of finely chopped onion for every tablespoon of onion powder.

Get the recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion, and Garlic

Top Alternatives for Onion Powder

Garlic powder or granulated garlic

Onion salt

Onion salt is a mixture of onion powder and salt, sometimes with parsley flakes added. It makes for a good substitute in many recipes, but be cautious—it contains extra salt. To avoid over-salting your dish, simply reduce the amount of regular salt in your recipe. If you're using it in dishes like seasoned roast chicken or meatballs where the salt might be masked, use half the usual amount of salt and the same amount of onion salt as the recipe calls for onion powder.

Dehydrated onion or onion flakes

These are finely chopped bits of onion that have been fully dehydrated and will rehydrate when exposed to moisture. You might recognize them as the little onion pieces on a McDonald's cheeseburger or the onion bits found in French onion soup mix. If they aren’t added to a liquid-rich dish like a soup or sauce, they can be a bit tough to chew, so be mindful of this when swapping them in.

To substitute dried onion for onion powder, use one tablespoon of dried onion for every teaspoon of onion powder.