Seasonings Archives - The Slow Roasted Italian

Best Copycat Lipton Onion Soup Mix and Dip Recipe

Donna Elick — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 10:05:00 +0000

Homemade Lipton onion soup mix is easy to make and has so many uses! Keep a jar of this inexpensive blend in your fridge for up to 1 month. Add this dry mix to any recipe as the secret ingredient. This is one of those amazing recipes that adds delicious flavor to any dish you add it to. Making your own spice blend is a must!

Create a flavorful dry onion soup mix with simple spices and seasonings that you probably already have in your pantry.

The first time that you make this recipe, you’ll be hooked! I love that I can use this as a simple soup base to create the best comfort soup recipes.

This is a great way to add flavor to a recipe when you’re on a low calorie diet! It’s a good way to get a jumpstart on the year, while fueling your belly and body.

This original recipe has tons of flavor and is perfect for mixing with new recipes. It easily adds flavor to lean ground beef, ground turkey, and even baked red potatoes.

It’s truly a versatile addition that everyone in the whole family will love!

It’s so much better for you than a packet of onion soup mix from the store – and it’s a flavor that the whole family will love.

Being able to know exactly what does into the soup mixture, rather than have a zillion of ingredients on a label that I can’t even pronounce or read is so much better for my body and mind!

Have I mentioned that I love creating yummy dinners and dishes from home?

Lipton Onion Soup Mix

Not only is my homemade version of Lipton™ onion soup mix lower in sodium, but it’s also free of added preservatives and caramel color.

In fact, I have dozens of copycat recipes to choose from!

Whether it’s seasonings and sauces, or homemade versions of your favorite restaurant meals, there’s something for everyone.

Once you get in the habit of making your own spice blends at home, you’ll never go back to store bought again.

Like this BLT Dip! It’s infinitely better than anything you can find at the store, and it feels fresher (because it literally is) and tastier too!

Making dips & spices at home only takes a few minutes, the flavors are so much more intense, and you will save some money in the process as well!

Easy party dips are always a hit, and our Cream Cheese Salsa Dip that only takes two ingredients & five minutes is a real showstopper that you have to taste to believe!

Onion Soup Mix Recipe Tips and Tricks

Make a larger batch. Easily double or triple the onion soup mix recipe if you find yourself going through each jar quickly.

Just store in a glass jar so that it’s ready for the next time you need to use it.
Don’t forget the soy sauce! Sprinkling this over the seasonings may seem a bit unconventional, but it’s a small amount and doesn’t add much more moisture than the bouillon already has.
Sugar substitute: I find that this helps balance the stronger flavors of the Lipton soup, but you can easily omit it or use your favorite artificial sweetener.
Need a vegetarian version? Simply replace the beef bouillon with vegetable bouillon instead.
Add celery seed. This spice isn’t as commonly used, but it really adds an authentic flavor.

Include ⅛ teaspoon in this recipe and use the extra in rubs and salad dressings!

How To Use Lipton Soup Mix

For a simple batch of soup, stir ¼ cup of the mixture into 4 cups of water in a saucepan.

Simmer on the stove for 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through and thickened.

Otherwise, the most popular use is for party onion dip! Mix ¼ of the seasoning into 16-ounces of sour cream.

Refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours before serving – this allows the larger flakes to soften and gives time for the flavors to combine.

It’s also a great way to add flavor to beef dishes like stew and Mississippi Pot Roast. Add some to your burgers and meatloaf recipe or mashed potatoes and rice!

There are so many great recipes that this delicious crowd-pleaser can be added to – have fun with it and let the amazing flavor and taste speak for itself!

Lipton Soup Mix FAQ

How much does this onion soup mix recipe make?

Each batch will yield 1 cup total, which is equivalent to 4 packets of Lipton soup mix. To replace one packet in a recipe, use ¼ cup of the homemade mixture.

Can I freeze dry Lipton onion soup mix?

This homemade blend can be stored in either the refrigerator or freezer for up to 1 month.

How do I store leftovers of this classic recipe?

Add the leftovers to an airtight container and keep them in the pantry. You then have it on hand to add to your other favorite recipes as called for on the recipe card.

Donna’s Pro Tips

Double or triple the batch if you go through it fast. Just store the extra in a sealed glass jar so it’s ready the next time you need it.
Don’t skip the soy sauce. It’s just a small splash, but it rounds out the flavor of the blend.
Let onion dip chill for 2 to 3 hours before serving. This gives the onion flakes time to soften and the flavors time to fully combine.
Simmer onion soup for 10 to 15 minutes. Stir ¼ cup of the mix into 4 cups of water and let it simmer until warmed through and thickened.
Swap in vegetable bouillon for a vegetarian version. It’s a simple one-for-one substitution that keeps the same flavor base.
Add ⅛ teaspoon celery seed for a more authentic flavor. It’s not as commonly used, but it makes a noticeable difference — save the rest for rubs and salad dressings.

Enjoy!

With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.

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Other Simple Soup Recipes

Hearty Italian Sausage Soup

Slow Cooker Taco Soup Recipe

Crockpot French Onion Soup

Hearty Italian Beef Soup

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Best Copycat Lipton Onion Soup Mix and Dip Recipe

Lipton onion soup mix is easy to make, and has so many uses! Keep a jar of this homemade blend to have on hand for seasoning, dips and much more!

Course Pantry Staple

Cuisine American

Method Mixed

Prep Time 10

Total Time 10

Servings

Calories 66cal

Author Donna Elick

Equipment

Ingredients

1/2 cup dried onion flakes
1/3 cup beef bouillon granules
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt
1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon soy sauce

Instructions

Combine all dry ingredients in a small dish or bowl.
Sprinkle the soy sauce over the mixture and then stir well to combine.
Store in a tightly sealed jar and keep refrigerated for up to a month.

Notes

The amounts in this recipe will make 1 cup of onion soup dry mix – equivalent to four store bought packets. 1/4 cup of this mixture is equivalent to 1 packet of Lipton onion soup.

To prepare onion dip, stir 1/4 cup of seasoning into 16 oz. of sour cream and refrigerate for 2-3 hours to allow the onion flakes to soften and the flavors to incorporate into the dip.

To Make Onion Soup: Simmer 1/4 cup mix with 4 cups of water for 10-15 minutes to make onion soup.

Sprinkling soy sauce over the seasonings may seem a bit unconventional, but it is a small amount and doesn’t add much more moisture than the bouillon already adds.

Store mixture in a sealed jar in the refrigerator or freezer for up to 1 month

Nutrition

Originally published February 2022, updated and republished October 2025

Disclosure: Posts may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link your price will remain the same and The Slow Roasted Italian will automatically receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting us, it helps us keep creating new recipes.

The post Best Copycat Lipton Onion Soup Mix and Dip Recipe appeared first on The Slow Roasted Italian.

Best Ever Homemade Mexican Seasoning Blend Recipe

Donna Elick — Mon, 28 Oct 2024 10:05:00 +0000

This Mexican Seasoning blend is a perfectly balanced mixture of aromatic ground chiles and authentic Mexican spices. The seasoning is mildly spicy, with warm smokey notes. Use this Mexican spice mix to add flavor to casseroles, skillet meals, chili, enchiladas, or any other Mexican dishes!

Homemade spice blends are just the best!! Not only are they cheaper than the pre-made, store-bought stuff, but they’re also way fresher and tastier.

I think you’ll flip for this incredible blend of Mexican spices!! It’s better than anything that you’ll buy at the grocery store, and making your own authentic flavor is perfect for Mexican recipes, Taco night, or when you need to add great flavor to some of your favorite dishes.

I always make a big batch of this homemade blend because it’s such a yummy Mexican seasoning mix.

It has a little big of a smoky flavor, and tastes so good when added to ground meat, or even sprinkled on fish tacos! You can also vary the spice levels for more authentic Mexican flavors.

Mexican Seasoning

This Mexican spice mix gives a smoky and savory flavor, without being salty or too spicy — it’s just perfect!

Instead of overwhelming your meals, you’ll just enhance them! And that’s just the way a great spice blend should work.

If you like making your own spice blends, you will want to try out my Tex-Mex and homemade taco seasoning recipes next!

Those recipes use a few different Mexican spices than this Mexican seasoning recipe, for a completely different but equally tantalizing, tongue-tingling flavor!!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Chili Powder and Chipotle Chile Powder – I want to differentiate between these two spices.

Regular chili powder is a blend of seasonings, whereas chipotle chile powder is made entirely of dried, smoked, and ground chipotle chile peppers.
Paprika – You can use either Hungarian sweet or regular smoked paprika in this recipe.

The Hungarian sweet isn’t as hot, and isn’t as traditional as smoked paprika. But use whichever you like best!
Cumin – I just love adding this warm, earthy spice to my seasoning blends! It goes well with basically everything.

If you don’t have it around, you could try grinding some coriander instead — the two are very similar!
Oregano – Mexican oregano is, of course, preferred. The flavor is close to marjoram and is your best substitute!
Onion and Garlic Powder – These two are a can’t-miss in any Mexican spice blend and homemade fajita seasoning!

Tips for the Best Homemade Mexican Spice Blend

Grind your own spices.

Nothing matches the taste of freshly ground ingredients.

A mortar and pestle is a great investment, and you’ll use it all the time! Otherwise, a coffee bean grinder works well.

Control the heat.

One of the best things about making homemade seasoning blends is that you can completely control the spice level.

For example, chipotle powder is spicier than regular chili powder — add some extra if you want to. You can even add cayenne for more heat!

Save the shaker.

The next time you use the last of a store-bought spice shaker, save it to store a homemade spice blend!

Just rinse it out well, and be sure it’s completely dry before storing anything in it.

Make it in bulk!

You can easily double or triple this Mexican seasoning blend. It keeps for a very long time. If you make a lot of Mexican cuisine, it’s worth making this blend in bulk!

Mexican Seasoning Recipe FAQ

Is Mexican seasoning the same as taco seasoning?

Both are very similar in flavor and can often be used interchangeably.

Often, a Mexican seasoning recipe will include ancho and chipotle chili powder for more kick. This makes taco seasoning a bit milder.

The same goes for fajita seasoning — you’ll always have your main Mexican spice mix (paprika, cumin, garlic, chili powder) with a few variations from recipe to recipe.

How much Mexican spice blend should you use?

Most dishes only need 1 to 2 tablespoons of this seasoning, depending on how many servings it makes.

The general rule for tacos or fajitas is 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning per pound of meat.

Since this is a bit spicier, start with a lower amount and increase by 1/2 a tablespoon at a time until it tastes perfect!

Other Uses for Mexican Spice Mix

There are so many ways to enjoy this homemade Mexican seasoning!

I like to add it to grilled meats and ground hamburger when making fajitas or tacos. It also makes a great dry rub or the base of a wet marinade.

I often add it to other recipes to kick up the flavor. For example, in my copycat recipes for the Taco Bell Burrito Supreme, Chicken Quesadilla, and Carnitas.

But you can also sprinkle this combo on stir-fried or roasted vegetables! Fried eggs and omelets would be 10x tastier with just a dash of Mexican seasoning as well.

Storing Your Mexican Spices

You want a good, airtight container with a wide opening so that you can easily measure out scoops.

A glass jar does the trick for me! As I mentioned earlier, I’ll also keep some in a leftover spice shaker to store in my cabinet.

Regardless of the container, keep it somewhere cool and dry. Stored properly, this blend will last you a year!

Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.

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Other Mexican Recipes

Mexican Salad with Street Corn

Mexican Chalupa

Mexican Red Rice

Mexican Breakfast Casserole

Best Ever Homemade Mexican Seasoning Blend Recipe

My homemade Mexican Seasoning blend is not too spicy and can be used to flavor meat, veggies, your favorite Mexican recipes, and more!

Course Pantry Staple

Cuisine Mexican

Method Mixed

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Servings tablespoons

Calories 25cal

Author Donna Elick

Equipment

Ingredients

1/2 cup chili powder
1/4 cup paprika see Notes
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon chipotle chile powder
2 teaspoons dried oregano leaves

Instructions

Add all ingredients to a small bowl; whisk to combine.
Pour into an airtight container and store in a cool, dry location for up to 6 months.

Notes

Any flavor of paprika may be used, but I prefer a sweet Hungarian or a smoked variety.

Nutrition

Originally Published July 2011, updated and republished October 2024

Disclosure: Posts may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link your price will remain the same and The Slow Roasted Italian will automatically receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting us, it helps us keep creating new recipes.

The post Best Ever Homemade Mexican Seasoning Blend Recipe appeared first on The Slow Roasted Italian.

Tex-Mex Seasoning

Donna Elick — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Tex-Mex Seasoning

Course Condiment

Cuisine Tex Mex

Method Mixed

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Servings bowl

Calories 37cal

Author Donna Elick

Ingredients

1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon New Mexico chili powder

Instructions

Mix all ingredients in a small bowl. Place seasoning in an airtight container and enjoy!

Nutrition

The post Tex-Mex Seasoning appeared first on The Slow Roasted Italian.

Homemade Taco Seasoning

Donna Elick — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 12:00:00 +0000

Homemade Taco Seasoning will give your tacos great flavor that you can’t get from a packet! So easy to make. We also have a homemade Lipton onion soup mix that is so simple to make.

Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.

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Taco seasoning recipe from Wholefully.

Homemade Taco Seasoning

Excellent homemade taco seasoning! It will give your tacos great flavor that you can't get from a packet! So easy to make.

Course Pantry Staple

Cuisine Tex Mex

Method No Bake

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Servings (3 tablespoons)

Calories 53cal

Author Donna Elick

Equipment

small mixing bowl

Ingredients

1 tablespoon New Mexico chili powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon paprika
2 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Stir all ingredients together. This recipe doubles and triples perfectly. Consider making a quadruple batch and using 1 tablespoon at a time to season dishes or individual portions.

Nutrition

Originally published September 2011.

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