July 2, 2024

Caramelized Onion Dip (Vegan)

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This is THE BEST vegan caramelized onion dip! Creamy and bursting with flavor, this dip will reign supreme at all your get-togethers and backyard BBQs! Serve with chips, pretzels, or crisp veggies for the perfect summer snack!

Vegan caramelized onion dip in a bowl, garnished with caramelized onions and minced chives, ready to serve.

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why you’ll love this dip jump to recipe video step-by-step instructions tips and faqs

The Best Vegan Caramelized Onion Dip Recipe

Looking for a crowd-pleasing, vegan-friendly dip that’s perfect for all your gatherings and BBQs? This vegan caramelized onion dip is creamy, bursting with flavor, and sure to be a hit! Serve it with chips, pretzels, or crisp veggies for the ultimate summer snack. Let’s dive into the recipe!

Vegan caramelized onion dip served with chips and fresh vegetables on a platter.

Why You’ll Love This Caramelized Onion Dip

This dip is not only vegan and delicious but also incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for:

  • BBQs and Potlucks: A great addition to any gathering, sure to impress both vegan and non-vegan guests.
  • Healthy Snacking: Serve with fresh veggies for a healthy and satisfying snack.
  • Meal Prep: Make ahead and store in the fridge for up to a week for quick and easy snacking.

How to Make Caramelized Onion Dip

Caramelize the Onions:

  • Heat the vegan butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted, add the diced onions and season with 1 teaspoon of salt and pepper, stirring to combine. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 30 minutes, stirring every so often.
  • If the onions start to dry out or stick to the pan, add a tablespoon of water to deglaze the pan and stir. You may need to do this a few times during the cooking process.
  • Remove the lid, increase the heat to medium-high, and cook the onions without the lid for another 10 to 20 minutes, stirring often.
  • Once the onions are a deep, golden brown and have a jam-like consistency, and reduced drastically in volume, they are done. Remove from the heat and set aside.

Prepare the Cashew Base:

  • Place the soaked and drained cashews in a high-powered blender with 1 cup water, apple cider vinegar, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and the onion powder. Blend until smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings, if necessary. Transfer the dip to a bowl.

Combine and Chill:

  • Reserve ¼ cup of the caramelized onions and add the rest to the bowl of dip with ¼ cup minced chives and granulated onion until thoroughly incorporated. Place in the refrigerator to cool for at least an hour.

Serve:

  • When ready to serve, garnish the onion dip with the reserved caramelized onions and minced chives. Serve chilled with chips or fresh veggies, and enjoy!
Close-up shot of creamy vegan caramelized onion dip with a chip being dipped.

Tips and FAQs

  • Soak the Cashews: Ensure you soak the cashews in boiling water for at least 30 minutes for a smooth and creamy dip.
  • Caramelize the Onions Slowly: Patience is key! Slow cooking the onions ensures they become deeply caramelized and flavorful.
  • Deglaze the Pan: If the onions start to stick to the pan, add a tablespoon of water to deglaze. This helps to release the flavorful bits stuck to the bottom.
  • Chill the Dip: Let the dip chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This helps the flavors to meld together and enhances the overall taste.

Can I Make This Caramelized Onion Dip Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! This dip can be made up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

What Can I Use Instead of Cashews?

If you have a nut allergy or prefer not to use cashews, you can substitute soaked blanched almonds or sunflower seeds. Please keep in mind taste and texture may vary.

What Can I Serve With This Dip?

This dip pairs well with chips, pretzels, fresh vegetables, or even as a spread on sandwiches and wraps.

How Do I Know the Onions Are Properly Caramelized?

The onions should be a deep, golden brown and have a jam-like consistency. They will also have reduced significantly in volume.

egan caramelized onion dip in a bowl, garnished with caramelized onions and minced chives, ready to serve.

The Best Dip!

Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a delicious snack, this vegan caramelized onion dip is a must-try. Its rich, savory flavor and creamy texture will have everyone coming back for more. Give it a try at your next gathering and watch it disappear! If you give this recipe a try, I wanna know! Snap a photo, take a video, or make a story and post it to Instagram or TikTok, and tag me at @eat_figs_not_pigs and #EatFigsNotPigs. I love seeing your recreations of my recipes!

Vegan caramelized onion dip served on a platter with chips and fresh vegetables, perfect for dipping.
egan caramelized onion dip in a bowl, garnished with caramelized onions and minced chives, ready to serve.

Vegan Caramelized Onion Dip

Ashley
This is THE BEST vegan caramelized onion dip! Creamy and bursting with flavor, this dip will reign supreme at all your get-togethers and backyard BBQs! Serve with chips, pretzels, or crisp veggies for the perfect summer snack!
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Chilling Time 1 hour
Course Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons vegan butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 medium yellow or white onions, diced
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
  • 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
  • 1 ½ cups raw cashews, soaked in boiling hot water for at least 30 minutes, and drained
  • 1 cup filtered water
  • ½ cup vegan mayo
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ cup fresh minced chive or green onion, plus more for garnish
  • 2 tablespoons granulated onion, optional
  • Potato chips, fresh veggies, or pretzels, for serving

Instructions
 

  • To caramelize the onions, heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted, add the diced onions and season with 1 teaspoon of salt and pepper, stirring to combine. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 30 minutes, stirring ever¥ so often.
  • If the onions start to dry out or stick to the pan, add a tablespoon of water to deglaze the pan and stir. You may need to do this a few times during the cooking process.
  • Remove the lid, increase the heat to medium-high, and cook the onions without the lid for another 10 to 20 minutes, stirring often.
  • Once the onions are a deep, golden brown and have a jam-like consistency, and reduced drastically in volume, they are done. Remove from the heat and set aside.
  • Meanwhile, place the soaked and drained cashews in a high-powered blender with 1 cup water, mayo, apple cider vinegar, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and the onion powder. Blend until smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings, if necessary. Transfer the dip to a bowl.
  • Reserve ¼ cup of the caramelized onions and add the rest to the bowl of dip with ¼ cup minced chives and granulated onion until thoroughly incorporated. Place in the refrigerator to cool for at least an hour.
  • When ready to serve, garnish the onion dip with the reserved caramelized onions and minced chives. Serve chilled with chips or fresh veggies, and enjoy!
Keyword best vegan dip recipe, easy vegan appetizer, healthy vegan dip, homemade vegan dip, onion dip recipe, spring and summer recipes, vegan caramelized onion dip, vegan party food
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