The Best Dijon Mustard Substitutes: Easy, Tasty Alternatives (2024)

Dijon mustard is a popular ingredient for salads, roasts, and sandwiches due to its distinct flavor profile and creamy consistency.

But what if you find yourself in a pinch and realize you're fresh out of this flavorful condiment?

Fear not! Several Dijon mustard substitutes can come to your rescue, providing a similar flavor and texture to your favorite dishes.

Let's dive into the best Dijon mustard alternatives and uncover some tasty and versatile options for your culinary needs.

The 15 Best Dijon Mustard Substitutes

Dijon mustard is a holy grail for many home kitchens. But if you ever run out of it, swap it out for one of these Dijon mustard substitutes!

1. Yellow Mustard

Yellow mustard is a great alternative to Dijon mustard because its mild, tart-and-tangy flavor is similar to Dijon mustard but with a hint of subtle sweetness.

It’s primarily made from yellow mustard powder, vinegar, water, additional spices, and turmeric. The resulting mixture is a vibrant yellow color.

Now this condiment is more easily accessible and affordable compared to Dijon mustard.

It’s a great choice for those who want to enjoy the taste of Dijon but would rather not spend extra money on specialty mustard.

Suggested ratio:

Use a 1:1 ratio when substituting yellow mustard for Dijon mustard. Although the yellow variety is mild, the flavor difference between the two is slight. This means you can go for a direct swap.

2. Spicy Brown Mustard

If you want your sauce to have more of a kick than yellow mustard, use spicy brown mustard. Its bold and tangy taste resembles Dijon with extra heat.

Generally, spicy brown mustard is often the top choice for hotdogs and sandwiches since it can stand up against rich, salty flavors from meats like pastrami and ham.

So if you are up for the robust flavor and coarse texture of this mustard sauce variety, then we highly recommend replacing your Dijon with spicy brown mustard!

Suggested ratio:

Use a 1:1 ratio when substituting spicy brown mustard for Dijon mustard. However, expect your alternative to add more heat to your dish than your regular Dijon.

3. Hot English Mustard

For a spicier Dijon mustard substitute, hot English mustard is also a superb choice.

Its blend of brown and yellow mustard seeds, vinegar (or wine, stale beer, milk, or flat champagne), and spices gives it a bold and fiery flavor with a pungent kick.

This flavor profile is closely similar to Dijon, which also has a tangy and spicy taste due to mustard seeds and vinegar.

Hot English mustard usually comes in bottles, but you can also buy it in powder form. Mix it with cold water for 15 minutes before you use it to unleash its full heat and flavor.

Suggested ratio:

Use a 1:2 ratio (English to Dijon) when substituting with hot English mustard.

It's significantly hotter than Dijon, which is why it's important to be cautious and use this sparingly in recipes to avoid overpowering the other flavors!

4. Stone-Ground Mustard

Stone-ground mustard has a mild spiciness while offering a slightly coarser texture compared to Dijon mustard because of its semi-ground seeds.

It’s important to note that there is a slight difference in taste between these mustard sauces.

However, stone-ground mustard still excellently adds a chunky and tangy flavor required in various recipes, making it an earthy sauce that can replace your regular creamy Dijon mustard.

Suggested ratio:

Use a 1:1 ratio when substituting stone-ground mustard for Dijon mustard.

5. Whole-Grain Mustard

For added texture, try whole-grain mustard.

Note, however, that it doesn't have the same smooth consistency as that of traditional Dijon mustard. This is because whole-grain mustard still contains whole mustard seeds.

But if you love the flavor of Dijon but want it stronger in its earthy and pleasantly bitter taste, then whole-grain is definitely for you.

It's best for sandwiches with dark bread and sausages like bratwurst or Italian sausage. You can also use it in a sauce for salmon, as its chunkiness contrasts with the flaky texture of the fish.

Suggested ratio:

Use a 1:1 ratio when substituting whole-grain mustard for Dijon mustard.

6. Honey Mustard

Want a sweeter option? Go for store-bought or homemade honey mustard.

It's milder and sweeter than Dijon mustard, mainly because it’s a combination of mustard and honey with an addition of a creamy element, which can either be mayonnaise or Greek yogurt.

But don't worry! The mustard flavor is still there, although the taste is not as complex and sharp as your typical Dijon.

This less intense taste makes it ideal to pour over your salads, chicken dishes, and sandwiches or incorporate into your favorite dipping sauce.

Suggested ratio:

Use a 1:1 ratio when substituting honey mustard for Dijon mustard.

7. Beer Mustard

Who would have known that beer and mustard, when combined, would also make a good substitute for Dijon?

Beer mustard is made by steeping black or yellow mustard seeds, vinegar, herbs, and spices in a delicious Belgian craft beer or any kind of dark beer for 48 hours. The mixture is then blended to a smooth puree.

The resulting mixture is a sharp, strong taste coupled with a distinct and refreshing tanginess perfect for sandwiches and deli meats.

Suggested ratio:

Use a 1:1 ratio when substituting beer mustard for Dijon mustard.

8. Creole Mustard

Creole mustard contains tabasco or horseradish, making it a spicy replacement for Dijon mustard.It's also often made with a blend of spices such as garlic, paprika, and cayenne pepper.

This gives it a unique tangy and spicy flavor due to the mustard and a slight sweetness due to the horseradish. You also get to enjoy a depth of flavors from the spices.

Also, Creole mustard is usually coarser and thicker than Dijon mustard.

This is because Creole mustard contains coarsely ground or whole mustard seeds, which gives it a chunkier texture that can add a nice crunch to your salads and sandwiches.

Suggested ratio:

If you enjoy a stronger flavor, use a 1:1 ratio when substituting Creole mustard for Dijon mustard. Otherwise, use less Creole mustard.

9. German Mustard

The main difference between German mustard and Dijon mustard is the blend of spices and seasonings (herbs, oils, and sweeteners) used in German mustard, which gives it a unique flavor different from Dijon mustard.

German mustard also tends to have a milder flavor than Dijon, which may not be suitable for all recipes. However, it's still a great alternative for dishes that call for a tangy and slightly sweet flavor profile.

Now there are two popular types of German mustards:

1. Düsseldorf — Coarse and grainy mustard that is more tangy and spicy
2. Bavarian sweet — Smooth and creamy mustard that is slightly sweet

Feel free to choose the specific mustard that matches your flavor and texture preferences!

Suggested ratio:

Use a 1:1 ratio when substituting German mustard for Dijon mustard.

10. Wasabi

You can also try substituting Dijon with wasabi for a unique and fiery kick!

Wasabi is a Japanese condiment made from the grated stem of the wasabi plant, which has a pungent and spicy taste similar to horseradish.

While it lacks the mustard flavor, the spice of wasabi makes it an excellent Dijon mustard substitute for dressings, sauces, and dips that need that extra kick.

In terms of texture, wasabi is usually smooth and creamy, similar to Dijon. However, it is worth noting that wasabi can fire up your nose more quickly than Dijon, so it should be used sparingly.

Suggested ratio:

Use a 1:4 ratio (wasabi to Dijon) since it's much stronger than Dijon mustard.

11. Horseradish Sauce

And if wasabi's strong punch-in-the-nose heat doesn't appeal to you, horseradish sauce would be the milder Dijon mustard substitute.

Because it comes from grated horseradish root, it has a spicy and pungent taste like wasabi.But it's also mixed with mayonnaise, cream, or sour cream to create a tangy and mildly sweet flavor similar to Dijon mustard.

As for texture, horseradish sauce can range from smooth and creamy to chunky and coarse.

So in what instances is horseradish a great Dijon alternative?

If the salad or other recipes require a sauce that can provide a spicy, pungent taste, the horseradish sauce is the way to go, despite its lack of mustard-like flavor.

Suggested ratio:

Use a 1:2 (horseradish to Dijon) when substituting horseradish sauce for Dijon mustard.

12. Mayonnaise

For a creamy alternative, try mayonnaise. However, it’s significantly milder than Dijon mustard.

So when is mayonnaise one of the best substitutes for Dijon mustard?

Well, if your spinach arugula salad or other recipes need a creamy and smooth-textured sauce, mayonnaise can be used as a substitute.

You can also use mayonnaise if you want something that’s not as bold in flavor or if you simply don’t have any other options in the pantry.

Suggested ratio:

Due to its milder flavor, you can use two parts mayonnaise for one part of Dijon mustard when substituting.

13. Worcestershire Sauce

Worcestershire sauce can be an interesting substitute due to its umami flavor.

While it doesn't come close to Dijon's pungent and spicy taste profile, the fermented condiment still provides a complex and savory taste that is tangy and slightly sweet.

This can elevate the depth of flavor of marinades, sauces, and dips.

It's a perfect substitute if you want a different take on recipes that require Dijon.

Suggested ratio:

Use a 1:1 ratio when substituting Worcestershire sauce for Dijon mustard.

14. Lecithin Powder + Seasonings and Spices

Lecithin powder, a natural emulsifier, doesn't offer the same flavor as Dijon mustard. Still, it can help maintain the texture of any Dijon substitute.

Since lecithin powder has no strong flavor, it can be used as a neutral base for any liquid. This means that you can add spices and other seasonings to the mixture until you achieve the desired mustard taste.

For example, you could mix lecithin powder, water, vinegar, and a blend of spices such as garlic, onion, and paprika to create a Dijon substitute with a flavor profile similar to traditional Dijon mustard.

Suggested ratio:

This will depend on the amount of spices and seasonings you’ll be mixing with the lecithin powder. Try using less if the flavor is intense or more if the flavor is mild.

15. Egg Yolk and Egg Powder + Vinegar and Seasonings

For a mild, creamy alternative, try egg yolk or egg powder.

Keep in mind the flavor will be different from Dijon mustard.This is because egg yolk and egg powder are milder and less tangy than Dijon mustard.

Nonetheless, they can be a great alternative in dishes that require a thick and creamy texture.

For example, you can combine egg yolk or powder, vinegar, and other seasonings to make a creamy salad dressing or a sandwich spread.

Suggested ratio:

The amount of vinegar and seasonings you’ll be mixing with the egg yolk or powder will determine the right ratio for substitution. Try using less if the flavor is intense or more if the flavor is mild.

What Is Dijon Mustard?

Dijon mustard is a popular condiment originating from the city of Dijon in Northeast France.

It's known for its distinctive sharp, spicy, and tangy flavor, which sets it apart from the more common yellow mustard.

Primarily, Dijon is made from these ingredients:

• Brown mustard seeds
• White wine
• Vinegar
• Several herbs and spices, such as chervil, fennel, parsley, and dill

Out of these components comes a pungent flavor and spice that kicks.

That's why you'll pretty much find Dijon mustard as a key ingredient in many recipes, ranging from salad dressings to burgers and dipping sauces.

Its unique taste adds depth and zest to various dishes, elevating their flavors further.

Easy Homemade Dijon Mustard Recipe

Aside from using one of the Dijon mustard substitutes listed above, you can even consider making your own Dijon mustard at home.

It is quite simple and requires only a few basic ingredients.

To get started, gather the following items:

• 100g (3.5 oz.) brown mustard seeds like Anthony's Organic Brown Mustard Seeds
• 50ml (1.5fl. oz.) dry white wine
• 30ml (1fl. oz.) white wine vinegar
• Water
• Salt
• A pinch of sugar

Instructions:

1. Soak the brown mustard seeds in water for at least 12 hours or overnight to soften them.
2. Drain the water from the seeds, then transfer them to a blender.
3. Add the dry white wine, white wine vinegar, salt, and sugar to the blender or food processor.
4. Blend the mixture until smooth and creamy, adding a few tablespoons of water to achieve the desired consistency.
5. Taste the mustard mixture, and add more salt or sugar depending on your preferences.
6. Transfer the mustard condiment to a clean jar. Store it in your refrigerator until ready to use.

This Dijon mustard can be used as a spread for sandwiches, a vegetable dip, or a condiment for steaks (or other meats) and cheeses. It has a unique and slightly spicy flavor that will add a distinct kick to any dish.

Now you have a homemade Dijon mustard ready for use in your favorite recipes! But remember, you can always adjust the measurements and ingredients to suit your taste preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Add to Yellow Mustard So It Tastes Like Dijon?

To make yellow mustard taste like Dijon mustard, you can add the following ingredients:

• White wine vinegar or white wine and vinegar: Dijon mustard is typically made with vinegar or white wine, which gives it a slightly tangy and acidic flavor.

  Adding a tablespoon of any of these liquids or a mixture of ½ tablespoon white wine and ½ tablespoon vinegar to yellow mustard can help replicate Dijon mustard's flavor.

• Salt: Dijon mustard is typically saltier than yellow mustard, so adding a pinch of salt to yellow mustard can help enhance the flavor and make it taste more like Dijon mustard.

• Garlic powder: Dijon mustard often contains garlic powder, which gives it a spicy and aromatic flavor. Adding a pinch of garlic powder to yellow mustard can help replicate Dijon mustard's flavor.

However, remember that the mixture's flavor may not be exactly the same as traditional Dijon mustard as Dijon mustard often contains a blend of spices and seasonings that can be difficult to replicate.

Is Dijon Mustard Healthier Than Yellow Mustard?

Dijon mustard is not significantly healthier than yellow mustard, but it does have a slightly different nutritional profile.

Both mustards are low in calories and fat, making them a healthier alternative to condiments like mayonnaise or ketchup.

However, Dijon mustard typically contains white wine, which may provide more health benefits than yellow mustard due to its antioxidant properties.

Moreover, some brands of Dijon mustard may contain less sugar and fewer additives than yellow mustard, making it a healthier choice.

Go on a Flavorful Journey With Dijon Mustard Substitutes!

Dijon mustard is a popular condiment loved for its tangy and spicy flavor. But it's not always readily available in every kitchen.

Fortunately, there are several Dijon mustard substitutes that can be used to create similar flavors and textures in a variety of recipes.

Whether you're looking for a creamy and rich texture or a tangy and acidic taste, there’s sure to be a Dijon mustard substitute out there that can meet your needs.

Don't be afraid to mix and match the above options to find the perfect balance for your taste.

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