8 Best Dijon Mustard Substitutes (+Homemade Dijon Mustard Substitute Recipe)

Dijon Mustard can be used to elevate any sandwich, prepare a marinade for juicy honey mustard chicken, or as a tangy salad dressing. But what if you’re all out? Save yourself a trip to the store with these simple Dijon Mustard Substitutes.

Dijon mustard is a special variety of French-style mustard that has a more intense flavor than regular American mustard. The sauce shares its name with the city of Dijon in France, where it was first created hundreds of years ago. Today, the popular style of mustard is available in the condiment aisle of most grocery stores.

What Makes Dijon Mustard?

Dijon mustard is made from brown mustard seeds and white wine. The brown mustard seeds give Dijon mustard its characteristic flavor and texture, while the wine adds a subtle tartness.

Difference Between Dijon Mustard And Regular Mustard

It’s pretty easy to spot the differences between these sauces just by looking at them. Regular mustard is a bright yellow, while Dijon mustard is a paler, creamier yellow. When it comes to taste, regular mustard is much milder in comparison to Dijon’s intense, distinctive flavor. Regular mustard is made using powdered mustard seeds, spices and vinegar. Dijon mustard is made from brown mustard seeds and white wine. The wine, made from tart grapes, helps to give Dijon mustard its unique, distinctive taste.

Dijon Mustard Substitutes

1. Stone-Ground Mustard

Stone-ground mustard is the best substitute for Dijon mustard because they are very similar in taste. Both are made from brown mustard seeds, but the seeds in stone-ground mustard have not been finely ground, so there is a milder flavor. With Dijon mustard, the seeds have been crushed to release all the spices. Stone-ground mustard contains whole mustard seeds, so it’s less smooth than Dijon mustard.

2. Yellow Mustard

Yellow mustard or American mustard is an easily-sourced substitute. This kind of mustard is made using white mustard seeds, which have a different flavor to the brown seeds used for Dijon mustard. American mustard has a bright yellow color due to the inclusion of turmeric.

3. Spicy Brown Mustard

This mustard is similar in taste to Dijon mustard, but is much spicier. Spicy brown mustard is not as smooth or creamy and is less ideal if you’re cooking for people who can’t handle heat.

4. Honey Mustard

You can find honey mustard in the condiment aisle. This sauce is creamy and tangy just like Dijon mustard, but is also sweet thanks to the addition of honey. Honey mustard is especially tasty in sandwiches or as a dipping sauce.

5. Horseradish Sauce

In Germany, horseradish is added to mustard for a spicy kick, reminiscent of wasabi. For those who like the heat, horseradish sauce can be used as an alternative to Dijon mustard.

6. English Mustard

The British have their own variety of mustard, made from both brown and white mustard seeds. English mustard is hot and spicy with a bright yellow color.

7. Mustard Powder + Vinegar

It’s easy to make your own mustard sauce by combining the mustard powder with vinegar. Mix ½ cup vinegar with ½ cup water and combine with ¾ cup powdered mustard. For a more complex flavor, add a teaspoon of garlic powder.

8. Worcestershire Sauce + Mayonnaise

This traditional British sauce contains a savory mix of spices. When combined with creamy mayonnaise, you’ve got a tasty concoction that can be used in place of Dijon mustard.

9. Wasabi

Wasabi is a popular condiment used in Japanese cuisine. This bright green paste has a similar sharp, spicy and pungent flavor to Dijon mustard. 

To use wasabi as a substitute for Dijon mustard, start by mixing a small amount of wasabi paste with water to give it a thinner consistency. The amount of water will depend on how strong you want the flavor to be. Once the wasabi takes on a similar consistency to Dijon mustard, you can use it as a substitute. 

10. Pesto

Pesto’s bold, herbaceous flavor works well as a substitute for Dijon mustard in many recipes. 

To use pesto as a substitute for Dijon mustard, start by mixing a small amount of pesto with some olive oil to create a spreadable consistency. The amount of olive oil will depend on how thick the pesto is. Once you have the right consistency, you can use it in the same way as you would use Dijon mustard. 

What Can I Add To Yellow Mustard To Make It Dijon?

It’s surprisingly easy to upgrade your regular yellow mustard to make it taste more like Dijon. All that’s needed is a tablespoon of white wine vinegar (or ½ tablespoon white wine and ½ tablespoon vinegar).

Can I Substitute Dry Ground Mustard For Dijon Mustard?

Dry mustard can be used as a substitute for Dijon mustard for many recipes. Mustard powder can be used to add flavor to meats, soups and other dishes. If you need something cream-based or saucier, try combining dry mustard with mayonnaise.

FAQs

Can I Use Mustard Powder Instead of Dijon mustard?

Yes, you can use mustard powder as a substitute for Dijon mustard. Mustard powder is made from ground mustard seeds and has a similar flavor profile to Dijon mustard. To use mustard powder as a substitute, mix it with water to create a paste.

What is the Difference Between Dijon Mustard and Whole Grain Mustard?

Dijon mustard is smoother and more finely ground than whole grain mustard. Whole grain mustard has visible mustard seeds in it, giving it a coarser texture.

What Can I Substitute for Dijon Mustard in a Salad Dressing?

You can use any of the substitutes mentioned above, such as horseradish sauce, wasabi, pesto, or Worcestershire sauce with mayonnaise in place of Dijon mustard in a salad dressing.

What is a Good Vegan Substitute for Dijon mustard?

All of the substitutes we’ve covered are vegan-friendly, with the exception of Worcestershire sauce with mayonnaise. Be sure to use vegan mayonnaise if you decide to use this option.

What is a Good Substitute for Dijon Mustard in a Marinade?

All of the substitutes mentioned above can be used as a substitute for Dijon mustard in a marinade. 

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