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Dijon Mustard Substitute Ideas


Can you imagine making your favorite egg salad sandwich without Dijon mustard?

Would you be able to make an equally tasty meal without mustard? Check out our Dijon mustard substitute list below and find the best option.

measuring spoon filled with Dijon mustard, glass bottle filled with yellow dressing

What is Dijon mustard?

Dijon mustard originated in 1752 when Jean Naigeon swapped vinegar customarily used to make mustard with verjuice. Verjuice is a sour juice created from unripened grapes. The abundance of available grapes in the area likely affected this decision. At that time, waste was avoided as much as possible.

Dijon is named after the city it was created in – Dijon, France. Initially, Dijon mustard could only be made in this city. In current times, the term Dijon mustard has become broader to include any mustard that uses the same ingredients.

Dijon mustard adds a bold and spicy flavor to any dish it’s included in, and it can be used in sauces, dips, dressings, and, of course, sandwiches.

Top Dijon Mustard Substitute

1. Yellow Mustard

Yellow mustard works as a Dijon mustard substitute since they are both in the mustard family. They have a similar base flavor, though yellow mustard provides a sourer taste. It also lacks the spiciness that Dijon is known for.

You’ll find the color to be different as well. Yellow mustard is a bright yellow color, while Dijon is more of a yellow, brown hue. In most dishes, the color difference will not be a big deal. However, it is a change that can be noticed.

Pros
Yellow mustard can be substituted in nearly every dish that Dijon mustard is used in. It’s an excellent alternative for people who do not enjoy the spicy flavor of Dijon. Yellow mustard is relatively easy to find at the store and is usually listed at a low price.

Cons
The flavor will be slightly different, as well as the color. When using yellow mustard, you’ll be missing the sharpness and spice provided by Dijon.

Cooking Tip:
Use in a 1:1 ratio when subbing yellow mustard for Dijon.

2.. Homemade Dijon Mustard

If you have mustard seeds on hand and don’t want to run to the grocery store, you can easily whip up a homemade Dijon mustard recipe. This will provide a nearly identical flavor, color, and consistency as store-bought Dijon.

You can use this in most dishes that generally require Dijon – especially sandwiches.

Pros
Homemade Dijon provides a very similar flavor and color as its store-bought counterpart. It’s easy and relatively quick to make. This recipe works well in egg salad, chicken salad, or any creamy recipe.

Cons
It’s not an exact flavor match, so you may notice slight differences when using this as an alternative. If you don’t have the ingredients on hand, you’ll need to purchase them from a store or online.

Cooking Tip:
Use your homemade Dijon mustard in a 1:1 ratio in each recipe.

3. Wasabi

Wasabi lacks the color of Dijon mustard – it is a bright green and has a different flavor. It is a paste made from horseradish and is often used in sushi dishes. It has a bold and spicy taste that burns quickly and does not linger.

Wasabi is one of the best Dijon mustard substitutes if your focus is on replacing the heat in a dish. It does have a more pungent taste and a different type of heat, though.

Pros
Wasabi is excellent for adding spiciness to dishes. You can use it for recipes that only use a small amount of Dijon.
Cons
Wasabi is much spicier, so if you do not enjoy spicy foods, you may want to avoid this substitute. It’s also not as easily found in grocery stores. You’ll have more luck finding it in an Asian marketplace than in your nearby store.

Cooking Tip:
Start with 1/8 tablespoon of wasabi for every tablespoon of Dijon and adjust to your liking.

4. Honey Mustard

As honey mustard is also created from mustard, it works as a replacement. Honey mustard provides a much sweeter taste, though you’ll still get a hint of the tang that Dijon provides.

Make sure to use honey mustard in recipes that can be a little sweeter and still taste good, like sandwiches, dressings, and creamy salads (chicken salad, egg salad).

Pros
Substitute Dijon mustard for honey mustard if you do not enjoy the heat from Dijon. Honey mustard pairs well with chicken and potato recipes.

Cons
The heat provided by Dijon mustard is not replicated when using honey mustard. It can also limit the dishes that you recreate as not all recipes will work with honey mustard.

Cooking Tip:
Use honey mustard in a 1:1 ratio. If you prefer a less sweet flavor, start with ½ tablespoon of honey mustard for every tablespoon of Dijon.

5. Spicy Brown Mustard

Spicy brown mustard can be considered one of the best substitutes for Dijon mustard. It provides that mustard taste you’re seeking, excellent heat, and bold flavors. Spicy brown mustard livens up any dish that it is included in.

It is commonly used in Chinese and Indian recipes and on deli sandwiches.

Pros
Spicy brown mustard works well in marinades, spicy dressings and dips, and in some beef dishes. It creates a similar spiciness and flavor as Dijon.

Cons
The consistency and color of spicy brown mustard differ from Dijon. Dijon mustard is smooth and creamy, while spicy brown mustard has whole mustard seeds, giving it a rougher consistency.

As spicy brown mustard has an intense flavor, it can be overpowering in certain dishes.

Cooking Tip:
Use ½ tablespoon of spicy mustard for every tablespoon of Dijon the recipe calls for.

6. Mayonnaise

Mayonnaise works well as a substitution for Dijon if you’re only looking for a way to add creaminess to dishes. It does not have any heat to it. However, both mayonnaise and Dijon provide a tanginess to recipes.

Pros
Mayonnaise adds a creamy consistency to dishes as well as a similar tangy flavor. It can be used in salad dressings, dips, or as a topping for sandwiches and burgers.
Cons
There is not much flavor provided by mayonnaise. It lacks the heat that Dijon recipes request.
Cooking Tip:
Use ½ tablespoon of mayonnaise for every tablespoon of Dijon. A 1:1 ratio can be used for dressings.

FAQs

What can I add to yellow mustard to make it Dijon?

They are both created with different seasonings and flavors (like garlic powder in yellow mustard), so it’s challenging to convert yellow mustard into Dijon. However, if you’re seeking the lighter color provided by Dijon mustard, you can add ½ tablespoon mayonnaise to 1 tablespoon yellow mustard. This will create a more similar color and add creaminess.

Can you use dry mustard instead of Dijon mustard?

No, you can’t use dry mustard as a swap for Dijon mustard. However, you can create your own Dijon mustard using dry mustard. See above for directions and necessary ingredients.

Does Dijon mustard have mayonnaise in it?

Yes and no. Traditional Dijon mustard does not have mayonnaise in it – it is made from mustard seeds and vinegar (or verjuice). Homemade Dijon mustard does include mayonnaise on occasion.

Summary

Regardless of which condiment option you choose, there’s sure to be an option that fits well into the meals you have planned. Create your homemade version of Dijon as the closest option in taste and appearance. For those who don’t want to take the time to do this, you can grab a bottle of spicy brown mustard as the next best option.

Other options for Dijon replacements that are not listed include stone ground mustard, brown mustard seeds, horseradish sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Taste them all and find one that makes your tastebuds happy.

Recipes With Mustard

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Natalia | Flavorful home
Natalia is a recipe developer, food photographer, and home cook. She started Flavorful Home to document her recipes and share home cooking tips. She loves creating flavorful and nutritious meals while keeping the cooking process simple and joyful!
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