That sharp, tangy, pungently sweet flavor from Dijon mustard isn’t just great for sandwiches. It’s a delicious condiment that can help you amplify the flavors of marinades, salad dressings, and so much more. When you’ve got a recipe that calls for Dijon mustard, but your fridge and cabinet don’t have it, here are the 25 best substitutes you can use!
This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclaimer for details.
Table of Contents
What is Dijon Mustard?
Hailing from Dijon, France, Dijon mustard is a creamy and flavorful condiment that brings a pungent zippiness to food. Typically, it is made from mustard seeds blended with either white wine or vinegar, water, and salt.
Dijon Mustard vs Mustard
Dijon mustard is far more complex in flavor than regular mustard, with a more sharp and intense taste. It’s creamier and isn’t bright yellow like other mustards.
Nutrition
Mustard seeds are rich in fiber, selenium, magnesium, and manganese. A clinical trial found that the lower a person’s dietary intake of selenium was, the more reports of depression, anxiety, and tiredness there were.
The List: 25 Best Substitutes For Dijon Mustard
If you need a substitution for Dijon mustard, I’ve got you covered with these awesome swaps that will help you pull off tasty flavors!
Would you like to save this?
- Yellow Mustard Seeds: You can use yellow mustard seeds to help replicate the flavor of Dijon, especially when you mix it with a creamy base (see below).
- Yellow Mustard Powder: This works, too, though the flavor will be just a little bit different.
- Brown Mustard Seeds: Use these mustard seeds to make a stone ground mustard, which is a little more similar to Dijon than yellow mustard and adds great depth.
- Brown Mustard Powder: While not the best option for replacing Dijon mustard, the brown mustard powder can pack a punch to keep your recipe from falling flat.
- Black Mustard Powder: You can use black mustard powder, too, but beware! It’s much spicier, so you’ll need to use less.
- Stone Ground Mustard: Stone ground mustard has a similar sharp flavor to Dijon, making it a great substitute.
- Whole Grain Mustard: You can use whole grain mustard, though the texture will be different. It’s not creamy like Dijon.
- Spicy Brown Mustard: While it is similar to Dijon, spicy brown mustard says it all in the name – it’s spicier, so add with care.
- Hot English Mustard: If you enjoy spicy foods, hot English mustard can fill in for your Dijon, though if you’re not a spice-loving person, you may regret it.
- Creole Mustard: Creole mustard adds plenty of flavor with a nice punch to make your recipe unique. This mustard would work well as a dijon mustard substitute in this Vegan Sloppy Joe Recipe.
- German Mustard: German mustard comes in different varieties and the one you choose may impact the flavor. Dusseldorf mustard is most similar to Dijon while other types can be milder, spicier, or even sweeter. Give it a taste test before adding to your recipe.
- Honey Mustard: Honey mustard is sweeter and it’s a lot less tangy, so it may not always be the right substitute for Dijon, though it can work in certain dishes.
- Horseradish Sauce: Horseradish sauce is creamy and tangy, just like Dijon, mirroring the flavors you want in your recipe.
- Worcestershire Sauce (vegan): Using vegan Worcestershire sauce is a great option when you are making dressings or marinades.
- Wasabi: Wasabi is much spicier than Dijon, so if you’re going to use it, use it very sparingly.
Combine two or more of the following ingredients:
Make your own Dijon when you combine things together for a quick hack to get those creamy, tangy vibes you want!
- Mayonnaise (vegan): The creamy texture of vegan mayo is a great base.
- Lecithin Powder: This emulsifier helps with the texture.
- Yogurt (vegan): Try vegan yogurt for tangy tastes and creaminess.
- Sour Cream (vegan): Start with this rich base for your mix to make Dijon.
- Ground Turmeric: The earthy flavors and color of ground turmeric can replicate the look of mustard.
- Lemon Juice: Lemon juice is great for brightening up the flavors and adding a tangy appeal.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: A little ACV goes a long way to adding acidity.
- Ground Black Pepper: Let your mustard creation give you a spicy kick.
- Mustard Greens: Finely chop mustard greens to get that great earthy, mustardy flavor.
- Carnation Leaves: You may find the strong, peppery taste of carnation leaves to be just what you need!
FAQ
Dijon mustard has several key differences from regular mustard. The first is in the color, which Dijon has as a less vibrant shade of yellow or light brown. Regular mustard is usually bright yellow. Dijon’s flavors are more intense, sharp, and complex, and it has a thicker, creamier texture. It’s also far superior in recipes, whereas regular mustard is often served as a condiment to add on after cooking.
If you have a mustard allergy, you can try using horseradish sauce for its similarly creamy texture and flavor. Additionally, if Dijon mustard is called for in your recipe, you can try white vinegar or Worcestershire sauce (use the vegan variety if you are vegan) to replace Dijon.
Not always. Worcestershire sauce, even the vegan version, is similar in flavor profile to Dijon mustard. The issue arises with the texture as Dijon is creamy while this sauce is a liquid. You’ll need to adjust any other liquids in your recipe in order to use Worcestershire sauce. Start with a .05:1 ratio when making this substitution.
It depends. Dijon mustard emulsifies well, so if you’re making a sauce, marinade, or salad dressing with it, changing it out for American mustard may not work quite as well. The flavors will be different, too, which is why you may want to reach for stone ground mustard or spicy brown mustard instead of American mustard. If American mustard is all you’ve got on hand, try adding just a little white vinegar to it, and it will enhance its tanginess.
Final Words
Dijon mustard truly has a special flavor that is hard to replace. If you don’t have any in your kitchen when you’re cooking something that calls for this ingredient, you can turn to many different kitchen staples to help out. However, some may not have quite the same flavor or texture that you seek. Still, with mustard flavors added in, you won’t miss any of the depth and pungent tastes that this delicious French mustard brings to your table.
References
Benton, D., & Cook, R. (1991). The impact of selenium supplementation on mood. Biological psychiatry, 29(11), 1092–1098. https://doi.org/10.1016/0006-3223(91)90251-g
