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If you're looking for a dairy-free French Onion dip that's creamy, loaded with flavor, and easy to prepare. You've found the perfect vegan French onion dip recipe that's sure to be a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Here are a couple of other dips to give a try: Tomato Salsa and Pineapple Mango Salsa.
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This vegan French onion dip is so good if you make it for your non-vegan friends will eat it all up without noticing they just devoured something vegan.
I created this recipe because, at our weekly game day meet-up, one of the guests at my friend's house was looking at the spread, and the only thing they could eat was the celery and carrots that came with the wings.
I wanted to know why nobody let us know that a vegan was attending the party so we could have something for them to eat?!!
The friend mentioned how much they used to love French onion dip before going vegan but haven't had it in years and always craved it. I promised them that the next game day party, I would have onion dip that would blow their socks off!
For me, it was really easy to make a vegan version because I already have an incredible homemade french onion dip recipe. All I needed to do was to swap out the sour cream and mayonnaise for my favorite vegan sour cream and mayonnaise. I also do not use any vegan cream cheese in this recipe, so it's on the lighter side.
Now, for my dairy eaters. I'll make one promise to you. If you make this version, you may not go back to the traditional version.
One major benefit of eating non-dairy products is they do not cause the negative lactose reaction that usually causes bloating or inflammation in our gut. So, just keep that in mind when you try this recipe.
What is vegan sour cream made of?
The ingredients found in vegan sour cream can vary depending on the brand. My favorite dairy-free sour cream to use is Forager Project. It's a cashew sour cream with coconut cream, sea salt, distilled vinegar, and live active cultures.
Other versions are made with soaked raw cashews, water, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, salt, and mustard. Use the same ingredients at home and blitz them in a high-speed blender to make a homemade vegan sour cream.
Key Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you'll need to prepare the perfect appetizer for your vegan friends.
Yellow Onions
I prefer yellow onions over white or red ones because they offer a combination of delicious and sweet flavors. This is significant since a sweet onion like Vidalia may be overpowering.
Plant-Based Sour Cream
Every vegan sour cream will have a different taste based on the ingredients used, so make sure you use one that's creamy with a neutral flavor.
Vegan Mayonnaise
The mayonnaise for this french onion dip adds a delicious creaminess. My favorite plant-based store-bought mayonnaise is Primal Kitchen and Chosen Foods. I love them both because they're made with avocado oil.
Seasonings
If you're a longtime follower, then you know I love the flavor! My go-to spices for this dip are kosher salt, black pepper, and granulated garlic powder. Occasionally, I like to boost the onion flavor by adding onion powder.
How To Make Vegan Onion Dip Recipe?
I wanted my vegan french onion dip recipe to be incredibly easy and loaded with flavor. My technique for caramelizing onions is similar to the way they do it in Indian cuisine. It's really neat because you caramelize and steam the onions, creating a deep, rich, and sweet onion flavor. If you've never done it before, don't worry; this technique will make you a pro!
Step 1: In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat a medium pot over medium heat; add oil and butter. Once butter melts, add onions and half of the seasoning blend, cook for 2 minutes, add water, cover, reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 2: The onions are done when their golden brown, season with the remaining seasoning blend. Allow onions to cool for 10 minutes.
Step 3: In a medium bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, and caramelized onions until smooth. Garnish with chopped chives and serve immediately with potato chips, bagel chips, pita chips, tortilla chips, or fresh veggies.
Pro Recipe Tips & Tricks
Here are a few notes to keep in mind when you whip up this tasty homemade vegan french onion dip.
- When chopping onions, make them small enough so that each bite contains a little onion nugget.
- Keep onions in the fridge to keep from crying when you chop fresh onions.
- The more uniformly chopped onions you can chop, the quicker and more evenly they'll cook.
- Add your onions to the food processor and chop until they are fine.
- It's important not to skip adding water. It helps the onions not overheat while cooking.
- Looking for a healthier dip? Substitute cashew Greek yogurt for cashew sour cream.
- The dip will taste better if you wait at least an hour for it to chill in the fridge.
- Don't have fresh chives? Use fresh parsley or green onions.
- If you want more flavor, add an additional teaspoon of onion powder.
- Add a teaspoon of vegan worcestershire sauce to boost the onion flavor.
- You can omit the vegan butter and use 2 additional tablespoons of oil.
- For the best flavor, make the dip a day ahead.
FAQs
Here are the top questions readers have about easy vegan french onion dip.
Yes, traditionally, French onion dip is made from sour cream. It can also be made with yogurt or mayonnaise for a really creamy treat.
Vegans cannot have traditional sour cream because it's made with milk. However, some plant-based options are readily available at local grocery stores.
There are many vegan substitutes for sour cream. Before vegan sour cream became widely available, vegan yogurt was the most popular.
The best way to make caramelized onions without frying them is to cook them low and slow, covered over medium heat, while stirring occasionally. This will help the onions release their juices and keep them from burning.
The best things to serve with your vegan dip are sliced vegetables, celery sticks, whole grain crackers, or potato chips.
Vegan French onion dip is best the same day it's made but store leftovers in an airtight container for 7 days or until someone eats it all.
You can make the caramelized onions one day in advance if you like.
More Easy Vegan Recipes
Here are some more incredibly flavorful vegan recipes that I know you'll love!
- Black-Eyed Pea Fritters
- Vegan File Gumbo
- Stuffed Bell Peppers
- Corn and Mushroom Bisque
- Ancho Sweet Potato Chili
Before You Begin
Before getting started, here are the steps I use to get organized.
Step 1: Get all ingredients for the vegan onion dip on the counter.
Step 2: Measure everything out. Put everything measured into individual bowls.
Step 3: Follow the recipe and get ready to dig into the best vegan dip ever!
If you need an easy vegan French onion dip recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds, this is the perfect one for you! Give it a try and leave a comment and star rating below. I would love to hear how it turns out for you.
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📖 Recipe
Easy Vegan French Onion Dip
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter
- 3 medium yellow onions chopped medium
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 cup vegan sour cream
- ½ cup vegan mayonnaise
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat a medium pot over medium heat; add oil and butter; once the butter melts, add onions and half of the seasoning blend and cook for 2 minutes; add water, cover, reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. The onions are done when their golden brown, season with the remaining seasoning blend. Allow onions to cool for 10 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, and caramelized onions until smooth. Garnish with chopped chives and serve immediately with potato chips, bagel chips, pita chips, tortilla chips, or fresh veggies. Taste and adjust seasonings. Cover and store in the fridge for 7 days.
Notes
- When chopping onions, make them small enough so that each bite contains a little onion nugget.
- Keep onions in the fridge to keep from crying when you chop fresh onions.
- The more uniformly chopped onions you can chop, the quicker and more evenly they'll cook.
- Add your onions to the food processor and chop until they are fine.
- It's important not to skip adding water. It helps the onions not overheat while cooking.
- Looking for a healthier dip? Substitute cashew Greek yogurt for cashew sour cream.
- The dip will taste better if you wait at least an hour for it to chill in the fridge.
- Don't have fresh chives? Use fresh parsley or green onions.
- If you want more flavor, add an additional teaspoon of onion powder.
- Add a teaspoon of vegan worcestershire sauce to boost the onion flavor.
- You can omit the vegan butter and use 2 additional tablespoons of oil.
- For the best flavor, make the dip a day ahead.
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