Looking for a way to avoid preservatives and unnecessary chemicals in your seasonings? Making your own garlic powder and onion powder at home is not only incredibly easy, but also gives you full control over what goes into your food. With just a few basic ingredients, a standard oven, and a blender, you can create flavorful powders that will elevate any meal. Plus, you’ll reduce waste, save money, and fill your kitchen with an amazing natural aroma.
Here’s a complete step-by-step guide to making homemade garlic powder and onion powder—natural, fresh, and straight from your own kitchen.
Why Make Your Own Garlic and Onion Powder?
- No preservatives or additives
- Full control over freshness and ingredients
- Saves money compared to store-bought jars
- Customizable flavor and texture
- Reduces plastic waste
- Natural, chemical-free seasoning for your meals
What You’ll Need
✅ 1 large head of garlic (or 2 small ones)
✅ 1½ medium onions (or 2 small ones)
✅ A knife and cutting board
✅ Glass containers or shallow baking dishes
✅ Oven
✅ Blender or spice grinder
✅ Fine mesh strainer
✅ Airtight jars for storage
✅ (Optional) Small funnel for transferring powder
Step 1: Prepare the Onions
- Peel the onions and remove the root and stem.
- Chop the onion finely. The smaller the pieces, the faster and more evenly they will dry.
- Spread the chopped onion in a glass or oven-safe container. Avoid using metal pans if possible, as they heat too quickly and may burn the pieces.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic
- Peel the garlic cloves. Avoid soaking them in water to keep the drying process effective.
- You’ll need about half a cup of peeled garlic cloves to fill a standard spice jar.
- Chop the garlic into small pieces, just like you did with the onion.
- Spread the garlic evenly in a separate oven-safe glass dish or container.
Step 3: Dehydrate in the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (about 150°C).
- Place the garlic in the oven and bake for 1.5 hours.
- Place the onion in the oven and bake for 2.5 hours.
🟡 Important Tips:
- Check periodically to avoid burning.
- The pieces are ready when they are dry, crisp, and snap easily.
- If they still feel soft or flexible, leave them a bit longer.
Step 4: Blend Into Powder
- Once cooled, place the dried garlic into a blender.
- Use the ice-crush or high-speed blend setting. Blend in short 20-second bursts, allowing the machine to rest in between to avoid overheating.
- Repeat the process with the onion.
- If your blender isn’t very strong, you can blend the mixture in smaller batches.
Step 5: Sift and Refine
- Pour each powder through a fine mesh strainer to remove any large pieces or chunks that didn’t blend fully.
- Store these coarse bits separately—they can still be used in soups, marinades, or further dried and re-blended.
- For any leftover chunky mix, combine garlic and onion pieces and place them back in the oven for 20 more minutes. This creates a flavorful garlic-onion blend powder.
Step 6: Store Your Powders
- Use small recycled spice jars or airtight containers to store your finished powders.
- A funnel can help pour the powder cleanly into jars.
- Keep them in a cool, dry place away from light for best shelf life.
- Properly dried and stored, your powders can last for up to 6 months.
Bonus Tip: Get Creative!
Once you’ve mastered this basic method, you can create your own custom blends. Try mixing:
- Garlic + smoked chili flakes
- Onion + rosemary or thyme
- Garlic-onion blend with dried oregano
You can also make powders from other dehydrated vegetables or herbs using this same method—just adjust oven time based on the moisture level.
Final Thoughts
Making your own garlic and onion powders at home is incredibly simple, requires no special equipment, and produces flavorful, natural seasonings you can trust. Whether you’re avoiding chemicals, reducing waste, or just want fresher-tasting spices, this is a practical and rewarding kitchen project.
So the next time you chop an onion or use fresh garlic, consider setting a little aside to dry and turn into powder. Your meals—and your pantry—will thank you.
Disclaimer:
While garlic and onion are generally safe and beneficial for most people, those with sensitivities, allergies, or specific medical conditions should consult a healthcare provider before increasing consumption.
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