So I'm not eating this dip and imagining the health fairies sprinkling me with magical kale dust. BUT sometimes on a special occasion, say BBQs, game nights, friend hangs, holidays, or crying into your wine nights (hey, I don't judge), I just want sinful comfort food perfection. Welcome to Vegan Caramelized Onion Dip. Are there magical dip fairies sprinkling me with onion dust? ← How to repel everyone.
Vegan Caramelized Onion Dip tastes just like the traditional recipe, which is my kinda vegan speciality. No sacrificing on flavour, just all the goodness wrapped up into dippy perfection. So incredibly thick and creamy, rich, sweet, and tangy all at the same time.
It's so yummy in my tummy I just can't get enough... Ok, it's time to admit it, 98.34% of the posts I write, I have to restrain myself from typing the overused Austin Powders quote "get in my belly!" but now you know my secret. That's what I secretly feel about my recipes. So I'll say it, just this once, GET IN MY BELLY! ~lets out huge sigh of relief~
To make Vegan Caramelized Onion Dip: Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat, then add the onions and garlic. Cover and cook for about 15 minutes stirring every now and then and adjusting heat as needed to make sure they don't burn.
Remove the lid and stir in the sugar and salt. Cook uncovered, stirring as needed until the onions have caramelized, another 5 - 10 minutes.
*The tiny amount of sugar helps the onions to caramelize perfectly, so don't skip it!
Use an immersion blender, food processor, or blender to combine the silken tofu and vegan mayonnaise. (You can also do this by hand in a bowl with a whisk but I find the silken tofu can be a bit tricky to break down perfectly smoothly by hand).
Set aside a spoonful of the caramelized onions to use as garnish (optional), then add the remaining onions and pulse a few times or stir to incorporate. Chill in the fridge in an air-tight container for several hours or overnight to thicken. Serve with chips, veggies, or crackers for dipping.
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Vegan Caramelized Onion Dip
Servings: (makes about 1 ⅓ cups)
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Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 yellow onions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic,, minced
- ¼ teaspoon white sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup silken or soft tofu
- ½ cup vegan mayonnaise
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat, then add the onions and garlic. Cover and cook for about 15 minutes stirring every now and then and adjusting heat as needed to make sure they don't burn. Remove the lid and stir in the sugar and salt. Cook uncovered, stirring as needed until the onions have caramelized, another 5 - 10 minutes.
- Use an immersion blender, food processor, or blender to combine the silken tofu and vegan mayonnaise. Set aside a spoonful of the caramelized onions to use as garnish (optional), then add the remaining onions and pulse a few times or stir to incorporate. Chill in the fridge in an air-tight container for several hours or overnight to thicken. Serve with chips or veggies for dipping.
Nutrition
Bon Appetegan!
Sam.
Maureen says
Made this for a friend's 80th birthday get together today. My husband is plant-based and I am vegan for many years. The only change I made was to double the quantities and (as per another review) to add a teaspoon of white balsamic vinegar to the onions towards the end of cooking them. For presentation a sprinkled a little paprika over. Everyone loved it and two of the ladies begged for the recipe :).
Jess @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Amazing! We're so happy to hear that everyone loved it!
AB says
I’ve made this dip so many times because it’s such a hit and always gets requested. I highly recommend heating it up in the oven and eating it with naan bread. It’s even better than cold!!!
Tina says
Can I use firm tofu if I don’t have silken on hand?
Sam Turnbull says
It might not be as creamy and you might need to add a touch more liquid but yes it should work ok. Enjoy!
AbbyT says
Amazing! Followed to a T! No one would know it’s vegan, it’s so flavorful. Thank you!
Kayla says
I made this today and served with ruffles and veggies for a movie night snack. I followed the recipe exactly and it could not be more perfect!
Polly Straughen says
Very good though too mild for me. To give it stronger flavors I added a tsp of balsamic vinegar to the onions in the last 2 minutes of sauté. I added some garlic and onion powder and pepper to taste and more salt.
Amber Bergeron says
Beyond satisfying!!! Made this as an appetizer for my family’s St. Patty’s Meal; added chopped fresh spinach & roasted poblano peppers for more green color. Everyone devoured it and was blown away when they found out no dairy was involved. Thank you for this lite and amazing dip
Sam Turnbull says
Wonderful! So happy you loved it!
Stacey says
Thanks so much for this recipe. I’ve just made it for Christmas tomorrow. It’s so tasty and creamy. I shall definitely make it again.
Sam Turnbull says
Yay!! Glad you enjoyed 🙂
D says
This recipe is delicious!
I'm curious - I'm thinking of making it again for Christmas, but I'm wondering how long in advance I could make it?
Thanks for another amazing recipe!
Sam Turnbull says
I would say 3 -4 days in the fridge. Enjoy!
Sue says
For those looking for no oil substitute for the carmelized onions... for whatever reason... I microwave mine in Balsamic Vinegar to desired consistency > 🙂 It's an option 🙂
Sam Turnbull says
Great tip, thanks Sue 🙂
Grace says
I made this yesterday for a lunch party for the ladies. I was sceptic they would try it as it was onions. Surprise, surprise... they loved it and it was a favourite for some. This is definitely a keeper. Thank you
Sam Turnbull says
Awesome! So happy it was enjoyed 🙂
Anne says
This was a favorite dip of mine as a non-vegan child. I def missed it.
This recipe turned out delicious! I added a bit more salt, garlic powder and splash of ACV to suit my taste buds. This weekend brewed a spot to be hit. This did it. Thank you!
Sam Turnbull says
Perfect! So happy you enjoyed it!
Jordan says
So good! I've made this twice now and both times it turned out beautifully. I served it with torn up bread. Delicious!
Sam Turnbull says
Yay! Thrilled you enjoyed it, Jordan 🙂
Maria says
I was really enthusiastic about this recipe until I saw the oil, sugar and salt, a combo that is not good for our veins. However, the thought is so amazing I want to come up with one that leaves out the oil and uses just a minimum of salt and replace the sugar with a couple of dates.
Joanne says
Maria, my husband and I have been following a similar diet for over 20 years. I just make adjustments and otherwise all of Sam's recipes are amazing.
Sam Turnbull says
Haha, I recommend reading the very first sentence of this post, Maria 😉
Joanne says
PERFECT timing. I am preparing food for a college tailgate, and we take our tailgating seriously! In fact, I checking your site for a coleslaw recipe and when I saw this one, I knew I had to add it to the menu. I am also using your idea for an appetizer board (forget exactly what you call it) and so I can't wait to just WOW all my non-vegan friends on Saturday. By the way, have you ever carmelized onions in the crock-pot. EASY PEASY and so good.
Joanne says
OOPS - I see someone else mentioned the crockpot thing. Memo to self, read other comments before posting. To my fellow crockpot user - I LOVE carmelized red onions!!!!!
Sam Turnbull says
Oooooh your tailgate sounds delicious!! I wanna come. Haha. I hope you enjoy!! And no worries at all, tips are always welcome 🙂
Diego Lopes says
Caramelized onion is one of my favorites, and as weird as it may sound I love putting it in my hamburguers (healthy lifestyle much). Can't wait to try this dip!
Sam Turnbull says
Hahaha! Caramelized onions on veggieburgers are awesome!
Nadia says
This sounds amazing!!!! I'm so going to try this! Thanks for the recipe!
Sam Turnbull says
You're most welcome, Nadia. Enjoy!
Eve says
Perfect timing! We have the Australian Football Grand final this weekend and I was looking for some ideas. BTW loved your infomercial. Very cheesy. I'll let you know how I go.
Sam Turnbull says
Oh great! I hope everyone enjoys it! Hahaha, so happy you loved my infomercial! 😉
kerry says
i can’t blv i never saw this infomercial - lolz hilarious
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Haha, thank you!!
Susan Iseman says
Did you ever try cartelizing onions in a slow cooker? You can mix up a huge pot and freeze in individual containers - so convenient!
Sam Turnbull says
That's awesome! I don't have a slow cooker, but that's a great tip for anyone who does!
Arlene Cohen says
Now yer talkin! Oh, man, this sounds great! I'm ashamed to admit (I know you don't judge) this is one of the things is realllllly miss. Esepcially when Jessica and I are together! Its a fav mom/daughter indulgence. Can't wait to try it!
Sam Turnbull says
Yay!!! So happy you don't have to miss it anymore 🙂