If you’ve ever found yourself reaching for that addictive jar of chili oil from Trader Joe’s, you are going to absolutely fall in love with this Copycat Trader Joe’s Chili Onion Crunch Recipe. It’s that perfect balance of bold heat, smoky depth, and crispy onion crunch that transforms any dish from simple to spectacular. Whether you’re sprinkling it over noodles, mixing it into dips, or dolloping it on scrambled eggs, this homemade version captures every bit of the magic and lets you enjoy it fresh whenever the craving hits.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl holds several piles of spices and powders arranged in a circle: light beige crushed nuts or grains at top and bottom right, bright red powder and chili flakes on the left, and dark red powder near the bottom right. A woman's hand is pouring a golden liquid from a white cup into the bowl on the right side. To the left, a silver spoon holds more chili flakes resting on the white marbled surface. The colors are warm and earthy, and the textures range from coarse grains to fine powders. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Copycat Trader Joe’s Chili Onion Crunch Recipe lies in how simple yet essential the ingredients are. Each one brings its own perfect note — from crispy dried onion and garlic providing that irresistible texture and flavor, to the smoky paprika and chili powders building layers of warmth. Plus, the olive oil ties everything together in a luscious, crunchy oil that’s ready to pour on anything.

Dried Onion: Adds a wonderful crunch and savory bite, forming the crunchy backbone of this condiment.
Dried Garlic: Brings pungent, aromatic flavor without overpowering the dish.
Smoked Paprika: Contributes a smoky earthiness that rounds out the spice perfectly.
Sea Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the heat.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Packs the signature chili heat that wakes up your taste buds.
Chili Powder: Adds depth and complexity beyond just heat.
Olive Oil: Holds it all together, infusing the mixture with rich, fruity notes and making it spoonable.

How to Make Copycat Trader Joe’s Chili Onion Crunch Recipe

Step 1: Combine the Ingredients

Start by placing the dried onion, dried garlic, smoked paprika, sea salt, crushed red pepper flakes, and chili powder in a small mixing bowl. This step ensures you evenly distribute all the spices and crunchy bits before introducing the oil.

Step 2: Add the Olive Oil

Pour in the olive oil and stir everything thoroughly until each onion and garlic piece is coated with the spicy, smoky oil. This step brings the ingredients to life, marrying their textures and flavors beautifully.

Step 3: Transfer and Store

Carefully spoon the mixture into a small mason jar or any airtight container. Seal it tight and store it in your pantry. This Copycat Trader Joe’s Chili Onion Crunch Recipe will stay fresh and flavorful for up to two months, ready to add that crave-worthy kick whenever you want.

How to Serve Copycat Trader Joe’s Chili Onion Crunch Recipe

A white bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with a single layer of deep red chili oil mixed with crushed red pepper flakes. Tiny seeds and bits of pepper float throughout the oil, creating a textured pattern of dark red and golden yellow colors. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl, angled from the top right toward the center, holding a small amount of the chili oil and flakes that show a thick, slightly oily texture. A few scattered red pepper flakes lie on the marbled surface near the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

This chili onion crunch is an instant upgrade for all sorts of dishes. Use it as a garnish by spooning it on top of scrambled eggs, avocado toast, or even creamy soups to add exciting crunch and fiery flavor.

Side Dishes

Don’t limit this spicy crunch to main courses alone! Pair it with side dishes like steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes, or even simple rice bowls to instantly amp up the taste and add inviting texture contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, mix some of the chili onion crunch into mayo or sour cream to create a zesty dip. You can even swirl it into vinaigrettes for salads, or toss it with noodles or grilled meats for an unforgettable flavor boost.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once made, keep your chili onion crunch in an airtight jar stored at room temperature in a cool, dark pantry. Avoid moisture contamination to maintain that wonderful crunch and vibrant flavors.

Freezing

This recipe is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended. The texture of the dried onions and garlic might suffer when thawed, losing their delightful crispness.

Reheating

No reheating needed here! The beauty of this chili onion crunch is in its raw,-crisp texture and the oil that’s ready to drizzle straight from the jar to your favorite foods.

FAQs

Can I use fresh onion instead of dried onion?

For this recipe, dried onion is essential because it provides that perfect crispy texture that fresh onions simply can’t offer. Fresh onion would become soggy and lose the signature crunch.

How spicy is the Copycat Trader Joe’s Chili Onion Crunch Recipe?

The heat level is moderate and balanced with smoky and savory notes. You can adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to make it milder or hotter according to your preference.

Is this chili crunch vegan and gluten-free?

Yes! All the ingredients in this recipe are naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it a safe and flavorful option for most dietary needs.

How long does this chili crunch last?

When stored properly in a sealed jar in the pantry, it stays fresh and tasty for about two months. Always use a clean spoon to avoid contamination.

Can I substitute the olive oil with other oils?

Olive oil adds a nice fruity flavor, but you can use other neutral oils like grapeseed or avocado oil if you prefer a different taste or need a higher smoke point oil.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a longtime fan of the Trader Joe’s original or simply love bold, crunchy spicy condiments, this Copycat Trader Joe’s Chili Onion Crunch Recipe is a total game-changer in your kitchen arsenal. It’s easy to make, endlessly versatile, and guaranteed to brighten up every meal with its perfect blend of heat, texture, and smoky flavor. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and start experimenting with all the amazing ways to enjoy it!