I love having a versatile, homemade seasoning blend that can instantly elevate the flavor of any dish. This Homemade Bouillon Powder is my go-to seasoning for soups, stews, sauces, and more. It’s packed with aromatic herbs, rich umami from nutritional yeast, and a perfect balance of spices. Whether you’re making a comforting soup or seasoning roasted vegetables, this bouillon powder adds depth and warmth to every bite.
Why Make Your Own Bouillon Powder?
Store-bought bouillon cubes or powders often contain additives, artificial flavors, and excess sodium. Making your own bouillon powder ensures that you’re using wholesome ingredients while customizing the flavor to your liking. Plus, it’s shelf-stable and easy to store, making it a convenient staple in any kitchen.
This homemade version is completely vegan, yet it provides a deep, savory taste that mimics traditional broths. The combination of nutritional yeast, dried herbs, and turmeric gives it a warm, umami-rich profile that enhances any dish.
A Perfectly Balanced Seasoning Blend
Each ingredient in this Homemade Bouillon Powder plays a key role:
- Nutritional Yeast adds a subtle cheesy and umami flavor.
- Dried Herbs like parsley, thyme, sage, and basil create a well-rounded herbal aroma.
- Turmeric Powder not only adds a golden hue but also brings mild earthiness and health benefits.
- Garlic and Onion Powder provide a bold, aromatic base.
- Celery Seed and Black Pepper enhance the overall depth of flavor.
Ingredients for Homemade Bouillon Powder
Creating this Homemade Bouillon Powder requires just a few pantry staples. These ingredients come together to form a rich, umami-packed seasoning that enhances any dish.
- Nutritional Yeast (1/2 cup) – The key ingredient that adds a deep, savory umami flavor, making it a perfect plant-based substitute for traditional bouillon.
- Onion Powder (2 tablespoons) – Provides a natural sweetness and depth to the bouillon mix.
- Garlic Powder (2 tablespoons) – Adds bold, aromatic flavor that enhances savory dishes.
- Dried Parsley (2 tablespoons) – Brings a fresh, slightly peppery taste that rounds out the seasoning.
- Dried Thyme (1 tablespoon) – Adds an earthy, slightly floral note to the blend.
- Dried Sage (1 tablespoon) – Offers a warm, herby taste that pairs well with soups and stews.
- Dried Marjoram (1 tablespoon) – A mild, slightly citrusy herb that brightens the bouillon’s flavor.
- Dried Rosemary (1 tablespoon) – Provides a piney, aromatic note that enhances depth.
- Dried Basil (1 tablespoon) – Adds a slightly sweet and peppery flavor to the mix.
- Celery Seed (1 tablespoon) – Contributes a subtle bitterness and herbal richness.
- Salt (1 tablespoon) – Enhances all the flavors in the blend, making it a well-rounded seasoning.
- Ground Black Pepper (1 tablespoon) – Adds warmth and a slight kick to balance the seasonings.
- Turmeric Powder (1 tablespoon) – Not only gives a golden hue but also provides an earthy depth.
How to Make Homemade Bouillon Powder
This Homemade Bouillon Powder comes together in just a few simple steps. Once blended, it’s ready to use for soups, stews, and even as a dry seasoning for vegetables and proteins.
Step 1: Measure the Ingredients
Gather all the ingredients and measure them accurately. Having everything ready before blending ensures a well-balanced mixture.
Step 2: Blend the Ingredients
Add all the ingredients to a high-speed blender or food processor. Pulse until everything is finely ground into a uniform powder. This step is essential for making sure the flavors combine evenly.
Step 3: Store the Bouillon Powder
Transfer the blended bouillon powder to an airtight container or a glass jar with a tight lid. Store it in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness. This homemade blend stays fresh for up to 6 months.
Step 4: How to Use It
- To make broth – Dissolve 1 tablespoon of the bouillon powder in 1 cup of hot water for an instant, flavorful broth.
- For seasoning – Sprinkle directly onto roasted vegetables, rice, or pasta for an extra boost of flavor.
- As a soup base – Stir into soups and stews to replace store-bought bouillon cubes or broth.
This Homemade Bouillon Powder is incredibly easy to make and provides a delicious, all-natural alternative to store-bought options. Whether used in liquid form or as a dry seasoning, it’s a must-have for enhancing home-cooked meals!
How to Use Homemade Bouillon Powder
This all-purpose seasoning can be used in multiple ways:
1. Making Instant Broth
Simply dissolve 1 tablespoon of bouillon powder in 1 cup of hot water to create a flavorful broth. Use it as a base for:
- Soups and stews
- Cooking grains like rice, quinoa, or couscous
- Simmering vegetables for extra flavor
2. As a Seasoning
Sprinkle the bouillon powder directly onto:
- Roasted vegetables
- Mashed potatoes
- Popcorn for a savory twist
- Grilled tofu or meats for an added depth of flavor
3. Enhancing Sauces and Dressings
Mix a small amount into salad dressings, marinades, or creamy sauces to intensify the taste. The nutritional yeast and herbs blend beautifully to add depth to any dish.
How to Store Homemade Bouillon Powder
Proper storage ensures that your bouillon powder stays fresh and aromatic for months.
- Airtight Container – Store the powder in a sealed glass jar or an airtight container to keep out moisture and maintain its potency.
- Cool, Dry Place – Keep it in a cabinet or pantry, away from direct sunlight and humidity.
- Shelf Life – When stored properly, this homemade bouillon powder stays fresh for up to 6 months.
If you live in a humid climate, adding a small packet of food-safe silica gel to the jar can help prevent clumping. Alternatively, give the jar a quick shake before using it to redistribute the ingredients.
Tips for the Best Homemade Bouillon Powder
Want to make sure your bouillon powder turns out perfectly every time? Follow these simple tips:
- Blend it finely – The finer the powder, the more evenly it dissolves in liquid. Use a high-speed blender or spice grinder for best results.
- Adjust seasoning – If you prefer a more herbaceous flavor, increase the dried herbs slightly. For a richer umami taste, add extra nutritional yeast.
- Customize the salt level – If you’re watching your sodium intake, reduce or omit the salt and add it separately when cooking.
- Experiment with flavors – Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika for a deeper flavor or a touch of cayenne for mild heat.
Homemade Bouillon Powder – A Flavorful All-Purpose Seasoning
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 1 cup of bouillon powder 1x
Description
This Homemade Bouillon Powder is an easy, all-natural seasoning blend that enhances the flavor of soups, stews, grains, and vegetables. With a perfect balance of herbs, spices, and nutritional yeast, this bouillon powder is a healthy and delicious alternative to store-bought versions.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons onion powder
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons dried parsley
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon dried sage
- 1 tablespoon dried marjoram
- 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon celery seed
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon turmeric powder
Instructions
- Blend Ingredients – Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender or food processor. Pulse until the mixture becomes a fine powder.
- Store Properly – Transfer the blended bouillon powder to an airtight container or glass jar. Store in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
- To Use – Dissolve 1 tablespoon of bouillon powder in 1 cup of hot water to make an instant broth. Use it as a soup base, seasoning for vegetables, or to enhance rice and grains.
Notes
- Salt-Free Option – Omit salt for a low-sodium version and adjust seasoning when cooking.
- Enhance the Flavor – Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a different depth of taste.
- For Finer Texture – Use a spice grinder for an ultra-smooth powder that dissolves easily.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I Use Fresh Herbs Instead of Dried?
No, it’s best to use dried herbs for this bouillon powder. Fresh herbs contain moisture, which can cause the mixture to spoil quickly. Dried herbs have a longer shelf life and blend into a fine powder, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
2. How Much Bouillon Powder Should I Use Per Cup of Water?
For a flavorful broth, dissolve 1 tablespoon of homemade bouillon powder in 1 cup of hot water. If you prefer a stronger broth, you can adjust the amount to taste. This works as a great replacement for store-bought bouillon cubes or broth.
3. Can I Make a Salt-Free Version of This Bouillon Powder?
Yes! If you prefer a low-sodium or salt-free version, simply omit the salt from the recipe. You can add extra nutritional yeast or celery seed to enhance the depth of flavor. When cooking, you can always add salt separately to control the seasoning.
4. How Long Does Homemade Bouillon Powder Last?
When stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, this bouillon powder will stay fresh for up to 6 months. Make sure to keep it away from humidity to prevent clumping. If you notice a loss of aroma, give it a quick shake or pulse in a blender to refresh the mixture.
This Homemade Bouillon Powder is an easy, flavorful, and natural way to enhance your favorite dishes. With no artificial additives and complete control over the ingredients, it’s a must-have staple in every kitchen!