Creamy Vegan Caramelized French Onion Dip Recipe
Today we are making a Creamy Vegan Caramelized French Onion Dip Recipe! If you’re a fan of rich, savory dips, you’re in for a treat with this Creamy Vegan Caramelized French Onion Dip! This recipe takes the classic French onion dip and gives it a delicious vegan twist. Imagine the deep, sweet flavor of caramelized onions melded with a creamy, dairy-free base—it’s comfort food at its finest. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a decadent snack, this dip is sure to impress.
Caramelized onions are the star of this dish, bringing a depth of flavor that’s both sweet and savory. As they cook slowly, their natural sugars caramelize, creating a rich, golden-brown color and an irresistible sweetness. Paired with a blend of creamy vegan ingredients, the onions create a dip that’s not only flavorful but also perfectly smooth and satisfying. It’s a combination that’s hard to beat, especially for those who crave a comforting yet dairy-free option.
What makes this dip stand out is its ability to offer the classic French onion flavor without any animal products. By using plant-based ingredients and a few clever substitutions, we’ve managed to create a dip that’s both indulgent and inclusive. Whether you’re vegan, lactose-intolerant, or simply looking to try something new, this Creamy Vegan Caramelized French Onion Dip is a crowd-pleaser that everyone can enjoy. Perfect for dipping fresh veggies, crackers, or even as a spread on your favorite bread, it’s a versatile addition to any snack table.
Why You’ll Love This Caramelized French Onion Dip Recipe
Gourmet Flavor Without the Dairy: This dip offers the rich, gourmet flavor of traditional French onion dip but without any dairy. The caramelized onions provide a deep, savory sweetness, while the creamy vegan base ensures a smooth, indulgent texture. It’s the perfect solution for those who miss the creamy richness of classic dips but want a plant-based option.
Easy to Make, Versatile for Any Occasion: Not only is this dip incredibly easy to prepare, but it also works for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together, a game night, or just need a comforting snack, this dip fits the bill. Its versatility means you can serve it with an array of dippers like fresh veggies, pita chips, or even spread it on sandwiches for an extra flavor boost.
Substitutions
Onion: For the best caramelization, use yellow onions. They have a natural sweetness that enhances the flavor of the dip. White onions would be the next best option.
Olive Oil: Use avocado oil or grapeseed oil.
Raw Cashews: Substitute these with pine nuts, or try sunflower seeds for a nut-free option. I haven’t tried this myself, but I would still recommend to soak the nuts or seeds as you would the cashews. You may have to adjust some of the other seasonings if swapping the cashews out for sunflower seeds. Alternatively, use 1 cup of vegan store-bought sour cream instead.
Nutritional Yeast: This is also known as nooch. It’s a deactivated yeast, often used in cooking and baking for its cheesy, umami flavor. It comes in the form of yellow flakes or powder and can be sprinkled on dishes like popcorn, pasta, or salads to add a savory depth of flavor. You can find this online, in health food stores or in the natural foods aisle of the grocery store. Bob’s Red Mill brand is my go-to for this.
Plant-Based Milk: Use a non-dairy milk of choice. Choose an unsweetened version (no added sugar in the ingredients, and not vanilla flavor – just plain). To keep it nut-free and soy-free, use oat milk instead of soy, coconut, almond or cashew milk. When choosing the milk, opt for one that has a neutral flavor, versus coconut milk which has a stronger flavor. This comes through in the dip and overpowers the other ingredients. I used almond milk for this recipe.
Caramelized French Onion Dip Recipe Notes
- Patience is key! Caramelizing onions takes time. Plan on cooking them over low heat for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow cooking process is what brings out their natural sugars and creates that rich, deep flavor.
- Feel free to customize the flavor with additional herbs and spices. A touch of garlic powder or smoked paprika can add extra depth. Fresh chives or parsley can be stirred in just before serving for a burst of color and freshness
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If you make this creamy vegan Caramelized French Onion Dip Recipe, then leave a comment and star rating! Don’t forget to tag your photos @peanut_palate on Instagram. Enjoy!
Creamy Vegan Caramelized French Onion Dip Recipe
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Skillet
- High Speed Blender
Ingredients
For the Caramelized Onions
- 2 large yellow onions thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ tsp pink salt
For the Dip Base
- 1 cup raw cashews soaked in hot water for at least 1 hour, then drained
- ½ cup unsweetened non-dairy milk
- 1 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp pink salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
Soaking the Cashews
- Bring a pot of water to a boil. Then turn off the heat, and add the cashews. Set these aside for an hour to soak, while you move onto the next step.
Making the Caramelized Onions
- Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Once hot, add in the onions and salt. Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, for about 25-30 minutes, or until they are deeply golden and caramelized.
- Keep them uncovered during this time, to allow the moisture to evaporate. Reduce the heat if they start to brown too quickly.
- Once caramelized, remove from heat and let them cool for 10 minutes.
Making the Dip Base
- Once the cashews have been soaked for an hour, then in a high-speed blender combine them with all the ingredients for the dip base.
- Blend until completely smooth and creamy. If the mixture is too thick, add a bit more almond milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Putting it All Together
- Turn off the blender. Fold the caramelized onions into the creamy base, mixing well to distribute them evenly throughout the dip.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you want a tangier flavor, add a bit more lemon juice or vinegar.
- Transfer the dip to a serving bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve chilled with chips, crackers, fresh veggies, or use as a spread for sandwiches and wraps!
Notes
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Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
