Looking for the perfect substitute for Dijon mustard? You’re in the right place! Whether you’re mid-recipe or just prefer a different flavor, I’ve got 14 incredible Dijon mustard alternatives for every occasion. From simple swaps like yellow mustard to creative combinations, this guide will help you find the right fit for your dish—no pantry panic required!
Don’t Have Dijon? Don’t Panic!
You know how it goes. You’re making a recipe and think you have everything you need on hand, and then all of a sudden you need Dijon mustard and you don’t have it. AHH!
Don’t worry! I’ve done all of the testing for you so you know exactly what to grab from your pantry (or fridge) to remedy this issue in no time! Happy cooking!
Table of Contents
What is Dijon Mustard?
Dijon mustard originated in Dijon, France, and is known for its creamy texture and sharp, tangy flavor. Made with brown or black mustard seeds and white wine or verjuice, its subtle heat and smooth consistency make it a favorite for salad dressings, marinades, sandwiches, and sauces.
It is a popular condiment for a variety of foods, including salad dressings, like in this La Scala chopped salad. It’s also great on top of sandwiches or burgers, or for a dipping sauce for French fries. We love this burger bowl recipe and highly recommend adding in some dijon to change up the “house” sauce!
How is Dijon Mustard Different?
There’s a reason Dijon mustard stands out among other types of mustard. Let’s break it down:
Dijon vs. Honey Mustard: Honey mustard is sweet and mild, often made with dijon as its base. It’s a great choice when you want a touch of sweetness in dressings or dips.
Dijon vs. Yellow Mustard: Yellow mustard is milder and slightly sweeter. It’s made with powdered yellow mustard seeds and vinegar, resulting in a simpler flavor. Dijon, on the other hand, has a more complex, sharp taste with less acidity and is made with black and/or brown mustard seeds.
Dijon vs. Spicy Brown Mustard: Spicy brown mustard is bolder and coarser, thanks to the addition of unground mustard seeds. While dijon is creamy and slightly spicy, spicy brown mustard leans toward a more robust heat. Spicy brown mustard is mixed with vinegar while dijon is mixed with unripe grapes (white wine vinegar).
The 14 Best Substitutes for Dijon Mustard
Dijon mustard is a popular condiment because of its creamy texture and tangy flavor. Depending on the other main ingredients or flavor profile of the recipe you are making, finding the best dijon mustard replacement may be different each time you need a substitute! If you use one of our substitutes, comment below and tell us what you thought!
1. Stone-Ground Mustard
This is the absolute best substitute for dijon mustard. Brown mustard seeds are the main ingredient for both dijon mustard and stone ground mustard.
It usually contains a few more whole mustard seeds, giving it a milder flavor than dijon mustard, but only slightly milder, as their favor profiles are almost exactly the same. Because of their similarities, stone-ground mustard is the best dijon mustard substitute.
Substitution ratio: 1:1
2. Yellow Mustard
Common in most kitchens, yellow mustard is a great backup. It’s a bit sweet and more acidic than dijon mustard but at an affordable price point (read: it’s cheaper!) makes it an attractive substitute to use.
Substitution ratio: 1:1 (taste and adjust)
3. Spicy Brown Mustard
Perfect for dishes that can handle a little more heat, spicy brown mustard’s coarse texture and bold flavor make it a standout choice. It’s an excellent option for sandwiches, dressings, and marinades.
Substitution ratio: Start with 1:2 and adjust
4. Honey Mustard
For sweeter recipes or dressings, honey mustard is an excellent option. It combines the tangy taste of mustard with the sweetness of honey, and its creamy consistency makes it a versatile substitute for salad dressings, dipping sauces, and marinades.
Substitution ratio: 1:1 (adjust sweetness to taste)
5. Whole Grain Mustard
With a similar flavor but a chunkier texture (due to the whole mustard seeds), whole grain mustard works well in sauces, glazes, and vinaigrettes.
Substitution ratio: 1:1 (if texture isn’t an issue)
6. Hot English Mustard
Hot English mustard is a pungent preserved mustard. It is made from ground English mustard seeds and packs a hot punch. Hot English mustard is a cross between dijon and yellow mustard. It goes well with roasts, sandwiches, and sauces/gravies.
Substitution ratio: Start with 1:2 and adjust
7. German Mustard
A flavorful choice that varies by region—it can be sweet, mild, or spicy. It’s best to adjust the mustard to taste when using German mustard. If the kind you have is sweet, add a splash of white wine vinegar and a pinch of salt. If the flavor profile is too mild, mix in cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce.
Substitution ratio: 1:1 (adjust to taste)
8. Wasabi
For a spicy twist, wasabi can mimic the heat of dijon. Be cautious with the amount you use, as it can quickly overpower other flavors. We definitely do not recommend an exact 1:1 ratio for dijon mustard to wasabi. Try mixing your wasabi with mayonnaise or sour cream. This helps to obtain the creamy texture that dijon mustard possesses.
Substitution ratio: Start small and adjust
9. Horseradish Sauce
Pungent and sharp, horseradish sauce brings heat and tang to dishes. It will add a sharp and pungent flavor to your dishes. Horseradish is a great alternative to use on dishes that feature lamb,fish or beef. While horseradish sauce will have a similar consistency to dijon mustard, the flavor is much stronger, so use it sparingly and adjust to taste.
If you like horseradish, you can substitute horseradish sauce as a 1:1 ratio. If horseradish sauce is a bit spicy for your personal preference, mix it with honey or maple syrup. This will match the flavor of dijon mustard even more.
Substitution ratio: Start with 1:2 and adjust,
10. Mayonnaise
Its creamy texture makes it a good option for recipes where the tang of dijon isn’t essential. ` Add spices and flavors like honey, garlic powder and white vinegar to mimic the flavor of dijon mustard.
Substitution ratio: 1:1
11. Worcestershire Sauce
There are mixed reviews on whether Worcestershire sauce is a good dijon substitute or not. Since we aren’t here to make decisions, only offer recommendations, we thought it best to provide all of the best options, which includes Worcestershire sauce.
Since Worcestershire sauce is liquid, the ratio for substitution is not an exact science. Be careful about how the extra liquid will affect your recipe.
Its tangy, umami-rich flavor can stand in for Dijon in marinades and saucesIf you want a creamy texture similar to dijon mustard, we recommend mixing mayonnaise or sour cream.
Substitution ratio: Adjust based on recipe
12. Egg Yolks or Egg Yolk Powder
For dressings, egg yolks act as an emulsifier similar to dijon. Combine with spices for added flavor. Another benefit of using egg yolk is that it shares the same pale yellow color of dijon.
Substitution ratio: Use a spoonful of egg yolk powder or a couple of fresh egg yolks (no egg whites) and adjust to taste.
13. Lecithin Powder
Lecithin powder is not a common pantry item but it might be if you are vegan! It is a great vegan alternative to thickening a dijon substitute. Lecithin powder doesn’t add much flavor, so you’ll want to add your favorite spices to boost its flavor.
Substitute ratio: There is no direct ratio for lecithin powder to dijon mustard as it is just a thickening agent. Your personal preference will determine how thick you want a sauce or dressing to be!
14. Homemade Dijon Mustard
It should come as no shock that the best substitute for dijon mustard is…dijon mustard! If you don’t have any of the above substitutes, have no fear: making your own dijon mustard is easy. You probably even have most of the ingredients on hand.
Mix together:
- 1 tablespoon dry mustard powder
- 1 ½ tablespoons mayonnaise
- ¾ tablespoon white wine vinegar
- Optional: 1 pinch salt and 1 pinch sugar
Expert Tips for Substituting Dijon Mustard
- For dressings, prioritize substitutes with a creamy texture. For marinades, focus on tangy or spicy options.
- Taste as you go. Start small and adjust-some substitutes have stronger flavors than dijon mustard.
- If your substitute lacks tang, add a splash of white wine vinegar or lemon juice.
Serving Tips
Dijon mustard (and its substitutes) can be used in endless ways. Try it in:
- Sandwiches, like cheesy breakfast sliders or cottage cheese flatbread.
- Salad dressings like fresh herb vinaigrette or caesar dressing.
- Marinades for Salmon and pork tenderloin.
- Vegetables, like crispy brussel sprouts and maple dijon sweet potatoes.
Storage Tips
Keep substitutes like mustard or mayonnaise in the refrigerator. For homemade blends, store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Recipe FAQs
Stone-ground mustard is the closest match, offering a similar flavor and texture.
Not exactly, but you can mix yellow mustard with mayonnaise, a splash of vinegar, and a pinch of garlic powder to mimic dijon’s flavor.
Yes, you can use mustard powder as a substitute for dijon mustard! Mustard powder, also known as ground mustard, can replicate the tangy flavor of dijon when combined with the right ingredients. Since mustard powder is dry and concentrated, you’ll need to mix it with other liquids, like water or vinegar, to achieve the creamy texture and balance the sharpness. See the recipe above to recreate dijon mustard using powdered mustard.
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If you try one of these, I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
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