Does your recipe call for Dijon mustard, but you don’t have any available? Here’s what to do.
One of the worst first-world problems I have is planning a dinner and then finding out when I go to make it (which is always at Go-Time, of course) that I am missing a critical ingredient. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “What can I use if I don’t have Dijon mustard?” I’m here to help you find the best Dijon mustard substitute for your recipe woes.
Mustard is an incredibly versatile ingredient that can add a lot of flavor and body to just about any dish — that’s one of the reasons why it’s on our essential pantry staples list.
If you’re looking for mustard replacements for other popular mustards, we’ve got you covered there as well!
What is Dijon Mustard?
Before knowing how to replace Dijon mustard in your recipe, it’s important to know what it is. Dijon mustard is used as a very flavorful addition to recipes or as a condiment. We love it in salad dressings, for example.
What makes Dijon mustard unique is the base of brown mustard seeds and white wine. It also contains verjuice, which makes it tangy and flavorful. Verjuice is a tart, acidic juice made from unripe grapes, crab apples, or other sour fruits. It’s often found in Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Persian cuisines.
Dijon mustard has a unique flavor and tang, which must be considered when replacing it effectively in dishes.
What’s in Dijon Mustard?
In addition to the above ingredients, you may also find the following in Dijon mustard:
- Sugar
- Salt
- Egg yolks
- Vinegar
- Mustard seed
- Garlic
- Onions
Our Best Substitutes for Dijon Mustard
The above information is crucial when looking for a substitute for Dijon mustard. You need a spicy, tart flavor to make a complete switch, but that can be done quickly!
Here’s what we love and why:
- Spicy Brown Mustard: Spicy brown mustard adds a kick of flavor and heat to any recipe. While it is tangier than Dijon mustard and not as creamy, it is a suitable replacement and will hit the spot.
- Yellow Mustard: Yellow mustard uses a different mustard seed variety than Dijon. Blended with turmeric, it has a good combination of vinegary tartness and balanced spices to replace Dijon mustard without a lot of fuss.
- Stone Ground Mustard: Stone-ground mustard is made with brown mustard seeds, just like Dijon mustard, so the base remains familiar.
- Wasabi: If a strong, spicy kick is what you’re aiming for, wasabi is a good alternative to Dijon mustard when you want to elevate the heat.
- Dry Mustard: Dry mustard, mixed with something mellow like mayo or left in powder form, can be a great alternative for Dijon mustard in your recipes.
Make Your Own Dijon Mustard
Perhaps you don’t have Dijon mustard on hand, but you have the components of a perfect Dijon mustard recipe. Good news — you can make your own!
It’s simple, as long as you have everything you need. Here are step-by-step instructions for making Dijon mustard from scratch:
- Add 1 tablespoon dry mustard powder to a bowl.
- Scoop 2 tablespoons mayo and add to bowl.
- Add ¾ tablespoon white wine vinegar, and stir to combine.
- Sprinkle in salt and sugar to your preference.
- Enjoy!
How to Store Your Homemade Dijon Mustard
Once you’ve made your own Dijon mustard, you can easily save it for later. Dijon mustard can last a long time, but it should be kept in the fridge for the best results.
It can last in the fridge for up to a year.
Whole Grain Mustard Substitute
Whole grain mustard, also known as stone ground mustard, is made from whole and cracked mustard seeds that are ground with other ingredients to form a smooth paste. These ingredients are often vinegar, salt, sugar, water, and other spices.
Whole grain mustard is used in many dressings, marinades, and sauces. We love it in our Steak Sandwich Sauce Recipe.
If you’re out, here are some great options for replacing whole grain mustard in your favorite dishes:
- Yellow Mustard: This mild mustard makes a good replacement for the vinegar base and tangy flavor.
- Honey Mustard: Honey mustard is a combination of either yellow mustard or Dijon mustard and honey. The sweet blend lends itself to many recipes and can be used as an alternative to whole-grain mustard when a dish can benefit from a bit of sugar. Try out the Honey Mustard Chicken with Bacon recipe to see just what we mean. Or, experiment with honey mustard as a dipping sauce for your chicken strips.
- Spicy Brown Mustard: Spicy brown mustard has a strong flavor due to the addition of horseradish. It works very well for dishes that could use a bit of a kick, such as deviled eggs or potato salad. Because it is so much stronger than whole grain mustard, you will want to use about a third of the amount the original recipe calls for.
- Dijon Mustard: Sharply flavored and smoothly textured, Dijon mustard is a great replacement for whole grain mustard that can be substituted using the same measurement as a replacement, making this a seamless swap.
- Chinese Hot Mustard: This spicy mustard should be added a little bit at a time to dishes that call for whole-grain mustard but when you want more heat. It’s a perfect pairing with neutral meats like burgers or sausages.
- German Mustard: Made from several varieties of mustard seeds and spices and also mixed with vinegar, oil, and other seeds, this mustard is slightly sweet yet spicy and works great in sandwiches or recipes that call for whole grain mustard. It can be used at a 1:1 ratio.
Mustard Seed Substitute
Mustard seeds are tiny seeds that come from a mustard plant. While small in size, they have a huge amount of flavor and can make dishes pop with flavor. You will see mustard seeds in recipes like corned beef seasoning.
If your recipe calls for mustard seeds and you discover that you’re out, here’s some substitutes we recommend:
- Ground Mustard: This mustard has a hotter flavor than mustard seeds but will be a perfect replacement if the extra spice doesn’t take away from your recipe.
- Caraway Seeds: Similar in flavor to a mustard seed, they have a bittersweet flavor that is perfect in rye bread, stews, and pork.
- Prepared Mustard: Pre-made mustard, such as whole-grain mustard, can be a good replacement for mustard seeds in a recipe. Use approximately one tablespoon of mustard for each teaspoon of mustard seed in a recipe.
- Horseradish: Another option with some heat, horseradish can be used in small amounts to replace mustard seeds in recipes.
Substitute for Dry Mustard
Perhaps you are here because you want to find the perfect alternative for dry mustard. Recipes such as our Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese, Smoked Pork Shoulder Recipe, and our Seafood Seasoning Spice Mix Recipe show the wide variety of flavors that pair well with dry mustard, making it perfect to use for just about anything.
If you’re planning to make a recipe that calls for dry mustard and you’re coming up empty, here are our best suggestions for dry mustard substitutes in recipes:
- Mustard Seeds: Dry mustard is made from mustard seeds, so naturally returning to the source can bring you exactly what you may be looking for — especially for dry rubs. You can grind the seeds yourself in a spice or coffee grinder. Yellow mustard seeds have a similar flavor, but stronger seeds (such as brown or black) will require less to get the right amount of flavor and spice.
- Dijon Mustard: If dry vs. wet isn’t a concern, our beloved Dijon mustard is a great substitute for dry mustard — and vice versa.
- Horseradish Powder: If you’re looking for something in the same plant family as Dijon mustard, opt for horseradish powder. Stronger than dry mustard, you will want to use less of it than the recipe calls for.
- Turmeric: Turmeric is one of our favorite options because it is an anti-inflammatory spice that we adore. Turmeric is a good dry option if you’re in a pinch and need to sub out dry mustard. Turmeric is less spicy, so you can sub it in at a 1:1 ratio. However, if you want more flavor than zest, opt for something else. May we suggest:
- Wasabi Powder: Perfect for those looking for something with the heat of mustard or horseradish, wasabi is here to make things fired up! Use it in moderation — you can always add more later. Or, add a pinch to your turmeric for balance.
Mustard Recipes to Explore
Craving mustard or looking for ways to use your new knowledge about mustard? Check out some of our favorite mustard recipes.
- Keto-Friendly Honey Mustard Dressing
- Puff Pastry Honey Mustard Chicken Pizza
- Instant Pot Honey Mustard Pork Chops
- Chicken in Mustard Tarragon Sauce
- Smoky Salmon Rub Seasoning
- Meatloaf Seasoning
- Chopped Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing
Related: Find a substitute for heavy cream or apple cider vinegar.