The Best Dijon Mustard Substitutes

If you're wondering what to substitute for Dijon mustard, we've got 14 great ideas for you!

Dijon mustard is a savory, tangy, slightly spicy mustard used in sandwiches, salad dressings, sauces, and a topping or dip. It's a great ingredient to have in your pantry, but if you don't have it on hand or can't find it, there are several great substitutions you can use.

There are many types of mustard you can use in a variety of ways - most in equal measure, as well as other ingredients with similar flavor notes to Dijon mustard like horseradish and wasabi.  

If you can’t find Dijon mustard but have time to assemble a quick recipe, I'll show you a 4 ingredient Dijon mustard substitute.

Dijon Mustard Substition Ideas

If a recipe calls for Dijon mustard and you don't have any on hand, don't worry, there are lots of possible substitutions to make! Which great option will you try?

1. Stone Ground Mustard

Stone ground mustard (or coarse ground mustard) is made with brown mustard seeds, just like Dijon mustard! It has a coarser texture and a little more spice than Dijon mustard but it is the closest and best substitute you'll get!

Use an equal amount of stone-ground mustard in place of Dijon.

2. Spicy Brown Mustard

Spicy brown mustard (also called deli mustard) is another great Dijon mustard substitute. It's made with the same brown mustard seeds, but they're soaked in less vinegar than Dijon mustard seeds, making the flavors sharper and spicier.

Use an equal amount of spicy brown mustard in place of Dijon.

3. Honey Mustard

Honey mustard is a lovely sweet and tangy condiment that is a good alternative to Dijon mustard, especially in sauces and dressings.

Honey mustard is typically an equal blend of honey and mustard, giving it a smoother and sweeter flavor than most mustards.

You can use an equal amount of honey mustard in place of Dijon.

10. Yellow Mustard

Yellow mustard will work as a substitute for Dijon but has a milder flavor and less heat. Yellow mustard is bright yellow because it contains turmeric powder.

It can be used in sauces and dressings, as well as our easy substitute recipe below.

5. Whole Grain Mustard

Whole grain mustard has seeds that are soaked in vinegar and left whole. It's often a little crunchy and very flavorful. It's a little spicy and very tangy.

It's a good flavor substitute for Dijon mustard, but the texture differs. If you are making a smooth sauce, this won't be a good swap, but if you need it for a topping or dip it can be a great alternative!

Use the same amount of whole-grain mustard as you would Dijon.

6. German Mustard

German mustard is a slightly sweet condiment that's similar to honey mustard and is a good Dijon mustard substitute. Instead of being made with honey, it's made with white wine. It's a little sour and a little sweet.

It can be used in equal proportions to Dijon mustard. It's fantastic in potato salads and other hearty dishes.

4. Mustard Seeds

You can soak whole mustard seeds in a little vinegar for homemade mustard or blend them to make a powder that can be mixed with water.

7. Creole Mustard

Creole mustard was originally made by French settlers in Louisiana. It's a spicy blend, similar to spicy brown mustard, with white wine vinegar and horseradish. It has a great unique flavor and is popular in Southern cuisine.

It's great on sandwiches and is a great marinade for meat. It's a bit spicier than Dijon but can still be used in equal measurements.

8. Beer Mustard 

Beer mustard is a savory mustard made with beer and typically brown sugar. It's fantastic when paired with pretzels, hot dogs, spread on sandwiches, and more.

It's a great substitute for Dijon in a recipe that needs a strong flavor.

9. Horseradish Sauce

Horseradish sauce is a kicky and tangy condiment made with horseradish, vinegar, and seasonings. It has a creamy texture and spicy flavor.

It's great on seafood, eggs, and potatoes - really anything that would benefit from a little 'bite'.

11. Ground Mustard

Ground mustard is made from whole mustard seeds that have been ground into a powder. It's usually made from yellow mustard seeds, although you may find some black mustard seeds ground into powder. Black seeds are typically more pungent and spicier.

To use it in place of Dijon mustard, mix 1 teaspoon of ground mustard with two teaspoons of water. This will make 1 tablespoon of paste that can be used in place for an equal amount of Dijon.

12. Worcestershire Sauce

Worcestershire sauce is another great richly flavored liquid that's a surprisingly good substitute.

It's made from vinegar, molasses, anchovies, and garlic, so it has a hint of sweetness and tangy flavor found in Dijon.

It's quite strong, so I recommend using about half the amount of Worcestershire sauce as you would Dijon mustard.

13. Egg Yolk

Egg yolks (or egg yolk powder) can be used in place of Dijon when making an emulsion. Dressings and other sauces like Hollandaise that call for mustard need it for helping the sauce emulsify and cling together. I recommend using a pinch of dried ground mustard as well, to get the full mustard flavor.

14. Wasabi

Wasabi is a spicy Japanese horseradish condiment. It's spicier than mustard, so use half as much wasabi as you would mustard and taste before adding more.

Which type of mustard will you try?