If you’ve ever opened a jar of onion powder and thought, “Wow…that smells like dust,” you’re not alone. Store-bought onion powder can be flat, lifeless, and honestly, a little disappointing. But when you make it fresh at home? Game changer. The flavor is punchy, sweet, savory, and full of that onion-y magic that makes just about every dish better.
And the best part? It’s so easy to make. With just one ingredient (yep, onions!) and a little patience, you can stock your pantry with onion powder that will make you wonder why you didn’t start sooner.
Why This Recipe Works
- Flavor boost – Freshly made onion powder has a deeper, richer flavor than anything in a store-bought jar.
- Budget friendly – Onions are cheap, and you’ll stretch them further by preserving them as powder.
- Waste reduction – Got onions starting to sprout? Perfect excuse to dry them out!
- Pantry hero – Onion powder is a foundation spice. From soups and sauces to rubs and marinades, it makes everything taste better.
Jump to:
Want to Save This Recipe?
Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Went Here 8 This.
What is My Take on How To Make Onion Powder
I like to keep things simple. While some people add salt or extra seasonings, I prefer a pure onion flavor. I slice the onions thin, dry them low and slow, and then blitz them into a fine powder. No fillers, no anti-caking agents, just pure onion goodness.?
How to Use Fresh Onion Powder
Homemade onion powder can go in almost anything. A few of my favorite uses:
- Shake a little on popcorn with butter for a surprisingly tasty snack.
- Sprinkle into soups, stews, and gravies for an instant depth of flavor.
- Add to marinades, dry rubs, and seasoning blends (perfect for meats and veggies).
- Mix into dips, dressings, or even scrambled eggs for that savory kick.
Easy Side Dishes with Onion Powder
- Easy Curry Roasted Winter Vegetables – Onion powder enhances the curry spice mix beautifully.
- Cheesy Mini Bagels with Apple, Onion & Bacon – Add onion powder to the cream cheese base for even more onion-y goodness.
- Instant Pot Korean Pork Ribs – Use onion powder in the dry rub for extra depth of flavor.
Ingredients
The full list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Step By Step Instructions
Preparation
Step1: Chop onions in about ¼ inches. Uniformity in size will ensure even drying.
Step2: If using a food processor using the pulse option and don’t overprocess. If the onions are overprocessed it will affect the color of the final product will have a pink tinge. However, the taste will not change. A food processor with a slicing disc can be helpful for quick and consistent slicing.
Drying
Step1: Spread the chopped onions in a single layer on the dehydrator trays. Ensure good airflow between pieces.
Step2: Dry at 105-140°F (40-60°C) for best flavor preservation.
Step3: Drying time will vary depending on the humidity of your area. You may want to start the dehydration in the evening and check it in the morning. It can take around 8-16 hours.
Step4: You may want to place your dehydrator outside on the porch or in the laundry room. The onion aroma will fill your house.
Checking for Dryness
Step1: The dried onions should be lightly browned and not burnt. If you get a pink tinge, it is okay, it just means the onions were over processed.
Step2: The onions are fully dehydrated when it is brittle and snaps like a potato chip when it is cool.
Conditioning
Step1: If you see the signs of mold anywhere in your jar, you will have to toss the contents and sanitize the jar.
Step2: Allow the dried onions to cool completely
Step3: Place your dried onion into jars. Do not add moisture absorbers at this time.
Step4: Daily for five to seven days, flip the jar over and check to see if anything sticks to the side of the jar. If it doesn't come off easily with a few shakes or has clumps that will not separate, you will need to place the onions back in the dehydrator for a few more hours to ensure the onions are completely dry. Otherwise, mold will grow on your onions.
Storage
Step1: For longer storage (over a year), consider freezing the dehydrated onions.
Step2: Once you have conditioned your onions for 5-7 days you can store it in an airtight container or glass jar in a cool, dark place.
Step3: Place a moisture packet in the jar to absorb any moisture from the air.
Usage
Step1: Powdered onion can be used in recipes that call for powdered onion in the amount as stated in the recipe.
Step1: You can use dehydrated onions in soups and stews. Dried onions are condensed, and you will need less than you would for fresh onions. See measurements below.
Expert Tips
- Make sure onions are completely dry before grinding—any moisture can lead to clumping or spoilage.
- For a sweeter powder, try caramelizing your onions before drying.
- If your powder clumps, just give the jar a shake or pop a food-safe silica packet inside.
- Mix onion powder with garlic powder, smoked paprika, and chili powder for an instant all-purpose seasoning blend.
Common Questions
Yes! Just set your oven to the lowest temperature (usually around 170°F) and prop the door open slightly. Keep an eye on them—they’ll dry in about 6–10 hours.
A LOT. Onions shrink drastically when dried. Plan on 3–4 large onions to get about ½ cup of powder.
Absolutely. Yellow onions give the classic flavor, but red onions make a slightly sweeter, pink-tinged powder that’s beautiful.
Storing Instructions
Store your onion powder in an airtight container in a cool, dry, and dark spot (like your spice drawer). Properly dried, it will last for up to 6 months with maximum flavor.
Making onion powder at home is one of those small kitchen hacks that pays off in big ways. Next time you’re chopping onions, set a few aside for drying—you’ll thank yourself later!
Did you make this homemade onion powder? Rate the recipe and leave a comment to let me know how they turned out!
Recipe
How to Make Onion Powder (and Why You’ll Never Buy It Again)
Ingredients
- 12 yellow onions Onions shrink drastically when dried. Plan on 3–4 large onions to get about ½ cup of powder
Instructions
- Preparation:
- Chop onions in about ¼ inches. Uniformity in size will ensure even drying.
- If using a food processor using the pulse option and don’t overprocess. If the onions are overprocessed it will affect the color of the final product will have a pink tinge. However, the taste will not change. A food processor with a slicing disc can be helpful for quick and consistent slicing.
- Drying:
- Spread the chopped onions in a single layer on the dehydrator trays. Ensure good airflow between pieces.
- Dry at 105-140°F (40-60°C) for best flavor preservation.
- Drying time will vary depending on the humidity of your area. You may want to start the dehydration in the evening and check it in the morning. It can take around 8-16 hours.
- You may want to place your dehydrator outside on the porch or in the laundry room. The onion aroma will fill your house.
- Checking for Dryness:
- The onions are fully dehydrated when it is brittle and snaps like a potato chip when it is cool.
- The dried onions should be lightly browned and not burnt. If you get a pink tinge, it is okay, it just means the onions were over processed.
- Conditioning
- Allow the dried onions to cool completely
- Place your dried onion into jars. Do not add moisture absorbers at this time.
- Daily for five to seven days, flip the jar over and check to see if anything sticks to the side of the jar. If it doesn't come off easily with a few shakes or has clumps that will not separate, you will need to place the onions back in the dehydrator for a few more hours to ensure the onions are completely dry. Otherwise, mold will grow on your onions.
- If you see the signs of mold anywhere in your jar, you will have to toss the contents and sanitize the jar.
- Storage:
- Once you have conditioned your onions for 5-7 days you can store it in an airtight container or glass jar in a cool, dark place.
- Place a moisture packet in the jar to absorb any moisture from the air.
- For longer storage (over a year), consider freezing the dehydrated onions.
Expert Tips:
- Make sure onions are completely dry before grinding—any moisture can lead to clumping or spoilage.
- For a sweeter powder, try caramelizing your onions before drying.
- If your powder clumps, just give the jar a shake or pop a food-safe silica packet inside.
- Mix onion powder with garlic powder, smoked paprika, and chili powder for an instant all-purpose seasoning blend.
Nutrition
Comments
No Comments