Create maximum flavour with minimum fuss using this budget-friendly pantry item
A packet of French onion soup mix is the perfect flavour booster. It’s a low-cost and convenient staple to have on hand whenever you need it. “Don’t tell anybody, but one of my culinary secret weapons comes in a sachet and costs less than $1!” shares Fresh Ideas Food Editor Claire Brookman. “I always keep a few in the pantry. Its umami flavour really takes a simple recipe to ultimate tastiness.” Here, Claire shares some of her favourite ways to pump up the flavour with these French onion soup mix recipe ideas.
01
French onion beef burgers
I love using spice mixes when I’m cooking because they’re a quick and convenient way to add instant flavour. I also love a homemade burger; they’re so much better than takeaway and much cheaper, too. Here, adding a sachet of French onion soup mix to beef mince is my instant budget-friendly flavour booster. Plus, you don’t need to slice an onion, so you’ve got all the taste without the tears!
02
French onion potato bake
I love serving this super-flavoursome potato bake with a slow-roasted shoulder of lamb or roast chook. It also makes a perfect side for a barbecue. If you don’t have fresh thyme, you could use a tablespoon of finely chopped fresh rosemary leaves or 2 teaspoons dried oregano or mixed herbs instead. It’s important to allow the potato bake to stand for at least 10 minutes once it comes out of the oven, as that will allow the bake to set and make it easier to cut into portions.
03
Air-fryer French onion chicken bites
I love this budget-friendly “fakeaway”. It’s simple to make and disappears in minutes every time I serve it up – to kids and adults alike! The French onion soup mix gives these crunchy, tender little chicken bites their more-ish flavour – it’s my version of ’secret herbs and spices’! For maximum crispiness, don’t overload the air-fryer basket. Cooking in batches with fewer pieces of chicken will give you the best result. And if anyone isn’t keen on chilli, simply serve the sour cream and sriracha sauce in separate serving bowls.
04
Slow-cooker apricot chicken
French onion soup mix is an essential ingredient in this Aussie family favourite. It adds just the right amount of savouriness to balance the sweetness of the apricot and brings out the flavour of the chicken. I sometimes swap out the couscous for steamed rice, but also love serving this with fluffy mashed potato. The same goes for the broccolini – any steamed green veggies work well, but you could serve it with a crisp leafy salad instead.
05
French onion meatball pasta
This super-quick and easy recipe is a weeknight dream after a long day at work. Feel free to use any style of short pasta that you’ve got in the pantry. Making meatballs out of sausages is such a simple shortcut, too – I’ve tried this recipe with pork sausages and they also work a treat. I often serve this with a rocket and tomato salad for a fresh, colourful contrast.
06
Cauliflower & French onion cheesy cobs
These adorable individual cobs make delicious appetisers to serve with drinks or as a starter for a dinner party. You can use any style of crusty rolls you like as long as they’re sturdy enough to hold that luscious cauliflower-cheese filling. Feeding a big crowd? You can always go for the classic spinach dip in cob loaf as well. I always line my baking tray with baking paper first; it just makes everything easier to clean!
07
French onion dip
Despite its retro reputation, there’s a reason French onion dip remains a favourite. It’s delicious and so quick and simple to make. Plus, you can dip whatever you have lying around in the crisper and cupboard. I’ll often use a combination of veggies – such as capsicum, cucumber and carrot – cut into batons alongside toasted bread slices cut into fingers. I’ve also served the dip as part of a larger platter, with olives, smoked salmon, crackers and cornichons.
08
Easy French onion rissoles
These French onion rissoles are your answer to an easy weeknight meal. Made with that handy packet of French onion soup mix, they deliver lots of flavour with minimal fuss. This simple rissoles recipe lets you stir, roll, form and cook your way to a simple, filling meal in just 25 minutes. Perfect for busy evenings, serve these homemade rissoles with a fresh salad and a squeeze of lemon for a complete and satisfying dinner.
09
French onion beef stew
Make the ultimate comfort food with this rich and wonderful French onion beef stew recipe. Featuring tender cuts of beef, sweet caramelised onions and hearty vegetables simmered in a deeply savoury broth (thanks to the French onion soup mix), this classic beef stew is absolutely perfect for a chilly evening. It's also a great recipe to turn to for meal prepping. Simply make ahead, freeze, then reheat for a fuss-free, flavour-packed dinner.
10
Creamy rice cooker chicken and risoni soup
Cook up a simple and satisfying meal with our creamy rice cooker chicken and risoni soup. This recipe makes clever use of your rice cooker and a packet of French onion soup mix to deliver a flavourful, creamy chicken and risoni soup with minimal effort. Just combine your ingredients – chicken, risoni and the soup mix –in the rice cooker, and let it handle the cooking. It's a convenient one-pot solution for busy weeknights, offering a comforting dinner without the need for multiple pots or constant attention.
11
Freezer-friendly creamy chicken & bacon pasta
Discover a new weeknight dinner favorite with this freezer-friendly creamy chicken and bacon pasta recipe. This easy pasta dish combines tender chicken, crispy bacon and a creamy sauce, with added depth from a packet of French onion soup mix, for a truly satisfying meal. It's designed to be made ahead and frozen, making meal prep straightforward and ensuring you have a delicious homemade dinner ready for busy nights.