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You’ve found the perfect recipe for dinner but it requires one ingredient that you don’t have on hand: Dijon mustard. Good news, though, as we have researched and taste-tested a ton of options for a great Dijon mustard substitute!
Keep reading for our list of Dijon mustard alternatives and try one in this maple Dijon sausage . There are so many options to use in place of Dijon mustard that we recommend you try a few to see which is the best substitute for you!
What is Dijon Mustard?
Dijon mustard is a French type of mustard that originated in the city of Dijon in the Burgundy region of France. 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!
Known for it’s pale yellow color, it has a creamy texture and uses less vinegar than other types of mustard. Dijon mustard doesn’t get that “watery” squirt that you may see with regular mustard. There is no need to shake Dijon mustard before use!
Dijon mustard is made with black and brown mustard seeds, which contributes to its tangy flavor. It is usually flavored with either white wine vinegar or verjuice, a very acidic juice made from unripe grapes, crab apples, or another kind of sour fruit.
How is Dijon Mustard Different?
Grocery stores have so many different types of mustard that it can be overwhelming. From honey mustard to spicy brown mustard, to Dijon mustard and regular yellow mustard, and everything in between: the options can be endless. We’ve broken down the biggest differences in the most common types of mustard.
Dijon Mustard vs Regular Yellow Mustard
Besides the obvious color difference, Dijon mustard has a more unique flavor than regular mustard, which has a milder flavor. Regular yellow mustard does not have whole mustard seeds which tones down its flavor profile. Because of their creamy texture, both are popular to use as bases for dipping sauces or in salad dressings.
One of the biggest differences of these mustards is how they are made. Regular mustard is made of powdered yellow mustard seeds, a spice blend, and vinegar (or water). Dijon mustard is made with black mustard seeds and/or brown mustard seeds and white wine and has a more intense, sharp, and complex flavor than yellow mustard.
Dijon Mustard vs Spicy Brown Mustard
The main difference between spicy mustard and Dijon is how the mustard seeds are combined; specifically, the liquid that combines the ground mustards seeds is different.
Dijon mustard seeds are typically combined with unripe grapes (white wine vinegar) while spicy brown mustard uses vinegar. These produce a different flavor profile for each. Spicy brown mustard has just that: a spicy flavor. It’s a bit more bold and pungent than Dijon mustard. Spicy brown mustard also has a slightly coarser texture than Dijon mustard.
Dijon Mustard vs Honey Mustard
Dijon mustard and honey mustard share a similar pale yellow color but their flavor profile is different from each other. While Dijon is less spicy than spicy brown mustard, it is more spicy than honey mustard. Honey mustard also has a much milder flavor than Dijon mustard and is much sweeter than Dijon.
Fun fact: Dijon mustard is usually a base for making honey mustard! This is why honey mustard also makes great dipping sauces and salad dressings, just like Dijon mustard. Try this 3-minute healthy honey mustard recipe that uses Dijon mustard!
The 13 Best Alternatives to Dijon Mustard
Dijon mustard is a popular condiment because of it’s creamy texture and tangy flavor. Depending on the dish you are making, finding the best substitute may fall to your personal preference. Depending on the other main ingredients or flavor profile of the recipe your are making, finding the best Dijon mustard substitute 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
The absolute best substitute for Dijon mustard is stone-ground 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.
Substitute Dijon mustard to stone-ground mustard using a 1:1 ratio.
2. Yellow Mustard
Your every day regular mustard, also known as deli mustard, is also a great alternative to Dijon mustard. Plus, it’s probably one you have on hand! While regular yellow mustard has a slightly milder flavor compared to Dijon mustard’s slight kick, it’s a staple household ingredient. It is a popular condiment for hot dogs and roast beef sandwiches.
It’s a bit sweet and more acidic than Dijon mustard but the affordable price point (read: it’s cheaper!) makes it an attractive substitute to use. We even offer yellow mustard as the suggest best substitute in these honey mustard chicken thighs. (Spoiler alert: Dijon mustard is the base of honey mustard!)
Substitute Dijon mustard to regular yellow mustard using a 1:1 ratio but adjust to taste!
3. Spicy Brown Mustard
Spicy brown mustard is another great alternative. It has a coarser texture and a spicier flavor when compared to Dijon. It is also an excellent option for sandwiches, dressings, and marinades.
Since it’s flavor profile is a bit more intense than Dijon mustard, substitute a little less than 1:1 (either 1:2 [which is half cup spicy brown mustard to full cup Dijon] or 1:3) and adjust to taste.
4. Honey Mustard
If you’re looking for a sweeter flavor, honey mustard can be a good choice. 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.
Dijon mustard is often the base of honey mustard, which is why they complement each other so well. Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, and honey are what is needed to make honey mustard. Try this crispy chicken salad with homemade honey mustard dressing or this Rice Crispy chicken with healthy honey.
Substitute Dijon mustard to honey mustard using a 1:1 ratio but adjust to taste as honey mustard is much sweeter!
5. Whole Grain Mustard
Whole grain mustard, or, grainy mustard, contains whole mustard seeds, giving it a more textured appearance and milder flavor compared to Dijon. It works well in vinaigrettes, glazes, and meat rubs. Whole-grain mustard tastes very similar to Dijon mustard. The main difference is in the texture. Whole mustard seeds create the coarse texture.
Substitute Dijon mustard to whole grain mustard using a 1:1 ratio. However, your personal preference may desire less than a 1:1 ratio. The coarse texture of whole grain mustard can change the overall texture of your recipe so keep this in mind!
6. Hot English Mustard
Traditional hot English mustard is a spicy, pungent preserved mustard made from ground English mustard seeds. It packs a hot punch and is a great substitute for Dijon mustard when you’re in a pinch. Hot English mustard is a cross between Dijon and yellow mustard. It’s spicy hot and goes well with meat roasts, sandwiches, and is a great addition to sauces and gravies.
You can buy English mustard as prepared mustard or in dry powder form. If you buy powder form to make hot English mustard, mix it with white wine vinegar and cold water. Do this until the consistency is thick enough to use like a mustard. Season with a pinch of salt and let the mixture sit for no less than 10 minutes. This helps release the flavors!
Hot English mustard is spicier than Dijon mustard and has a stronger flavor. Because if it hotter than Dijon mustard, substitute using a 1:2 ratio.
7. German Mustard
Not only are there several types of mustard in general but sometimes, even each type of mustard can have several options! That’s the case with German mustard.
Mustard is found everywhere in German cuisine! Different regions and specialty dishes use different mustards. It’s all called “German mustard” but the ingredients vary greatly. The flavors range from mild and sweet (thanks to honey or applesauce) all the way to hot and pungent.
German mustard can be spicier than Dijon mustard and has many whole mustard seeds, giving it lots of texture. It’s made with brown mustard seeds, vinegar, and spices, and is great with meats, sausages, hot dogs, and baked pretzels.
To use German mustard as a substitute for Dijon mustard, it is best to adjust the mustard to taste. 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. Once you know the flavor profile of your German mustard, we recommend to substitute Dijon mustard to German mustard using a 1:1 ratio. Adjust to taste.
8. Wasabi
If you want a bold and spicy substitute, wasabi can work in certain dishes. It is known for it’s very strong flavor but can make a good alternative to Dijon mustard, especially if you are specifically looking to add some spice to your dish. Wasabi is related to horseradish, another suitable substitute for Dijon mustard.
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.
9. Horseradish Sauce
For a bit more heat and a different twist, you can use horseradish as a substitute. It will add a sharp and pungent flavor to your dishes. This is a great alternative to use on dishes that feature fish, beef, and lamb as a side sauce or dip.
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.
Check out these horseradish substitutes for use in your dishes!
10. Mayonnaise
That’s right – mayonnaise is a good substitute for Dijon mustard! Mayonnaise is a blend of oil, egg yolk, and lemon juice or vinegar. Thought it’s not nearly as tangy or spicy, it is another good Dijon mustard substitute. It’s creamy texture provides a lot of similarities to recipes that Dijon mustard does.
If you want to use mayonnaise as a Dijon replacement, but want it to mimic the Dijon flavor, try this! Mix a spoonful of mayonnaise with a teaspoon of honey, a pinch of garlic powder, a pinch of cayenne pepper (or wasabi for a more mustardy flavor), and a teaspoon of white vinegar. This blend of ingredients gives the mayonnaise a slightly spicy and sweet flavor that is resembles Dijon mustard.
Experiment with your mayonnaise flavor in these bacon jalapeño deviled eggs!
Substitute Dijon mustard to mayonnaise using a 1:1 ratio.
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.
While the textures are literally nothing alike (one is a liquid and the other is, well…not), they can taste similar. Worcestershire sauce is generally made from fermented molasses, vinegar, garlic, tamarind paste, anchovies, other condiments, onion, and sugar. It’s tangy taste and bold flavor really mimics the taste of Dijon.
Since Worcestershire sauce is liquid, the ratio for substitution is not an exact science. Be mindful of how the extra liquid will affect the outcome of your recipe.
We suggest using Worcestershire sauce as a substitute within marinades. If you want a creamy texture similar to Dijon mustard, we recommend mixing mayonnaise or sour cream.
Egg Yolks or Egg Yolk Powder
Egg yolks and egg yolk powder are great Dijon mustard alternatives when the Dijon mustard is used as a thickening agent (emulsifier). They are a great Dijon mustard substitute for use salad dressings. Another benefit of using egg yolk product is that it shares the same pale yellow color of Dijon.
Substitute using a spoonful of egg yolk powder or a couple of fresh egg yolks (no egg whites). If you want to deepen the flavor profile, consider adding wasabi, Worcestershire sauce, or other spices of your choosing!
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, especially for salad dressings and dipping sauces. Because lecithin powder doesn’t add much flavor, be sure to add your favorite spices to boost its flavor.
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!
Homemade Dijon Mustard Recipe
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
Frequently Asked Questions
You can’t actually make Dijon mustard from yellow mustard because they are made from different ingredients. If you only have regular yellow mustard on hand and need Dijon mustard, try adding a little mayonnaise. This will mimic the creaminess of Dijon, especially for the purposes of cooking. If you want to gain a little bit of the tangy flavor that Dijon has, add a bit of wasabi.
Put simply, no. This is because they are made from different ingredients. Regular yellow mustard is a great Dijon mustard substitute on it’s own. However, if you want to mimic the Dijon flavor, add some mayonnaise and a “spicy” seasoning, like wasabi or cayenne pepper.
No, Dijon mustard and yellow mustard are different. While both are popular condiments used in salad dressings and for dipping sauces, they look and taste very differently.
The best substitute for Dijon mustard is stone-ground mustard. They share a common ingredient of brown mustard seeds and are similar in taste, texture, and consistency.
