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    Home » Recipes » Recipes

    September 24, 2017 36 Comments

    Vegan Caramelized Onion dip

    13.6K shares
    Jump to Recipe

    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! Just like the traditional recipe but made dairy-free. Perfect appetizer for a special occasion, BBQs, game nights, friend hangs, or holidays. #itdoesnttastelikechicken
    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.

    Vegan Caramelized Onion Dip! Just like the traditional recipe but made dairy-free. Perfect appetizer for a special occasion, BBQs, game nights, friend hangs, or holidays. #itdoesnttastelikechicken

    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~

    Vegan Caramelized Onion Dip! Just like the traditional recipe but made dairy-free. Perfect appetizer for a special occasion, BBQs, game nights, friend hangs, or holidays. #itdoesnttastelikechicken

    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.

    Vegan Caramelized Onion Dip! Just like the traditional recipe but made dairy-free. Perfect appetizer for a special occasion, BBQs, game nights, friend hangs, or holidays. #itdoesnttastelikechicken

    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!

    Vegan Caramelized Onion Dip! Just like the traditional recipe but made dairy-free. Perfect appetizer for a special occasion, BBQs, game nights, friend hangs, or holidays. #itdoesnttastelikechicken

    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.

    Vegan Caramelized Onion Dip! Just like the traditional recipe but made dairy-free. Perfect appetizer for a special occasion, BBQs, game nights, friend hangs, or holidays. #itdoesnttastelikechicken

     

    Print Recipe
    4.91 from 21 votes

    Vegan Caramelized Onion Dip

    Just like the traditional recipe but made dairy-free. Perfect appetizer for a special occasion, BBQs, game nights, friend hangs, or holidays.
    Prep Time10 mins
    Cook Time25 mins
    Total Time35 mins
    Course: Appetizer
    Cuisine: American, Canadian, French
    ingredient tag: tofu
    Servings: 8 (makes about 1 ⅓ cups)
    Calories: 121kcal
    Author: Sam Turnbull • It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken

    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
    US Customary - Metric
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    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

    Serving: 1(for ⅛th of the dip) | Calories: 121kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 154mg | Potassium: 50mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin C: 2.3mg | Calcium: 9mg | Iron: 0.1mg
    Did You Make This Recipe?Tag @itdoesnttastelikechicken on Instagram and Hashtag #itdoesnttastelikechicken

    Bon Appetegan!

    Sam.



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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. AB says

      October 20, 2022 at 12:24 pm

      5 stars
      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!!!

      Reply
    2. Tina says

      September 22, 2022 at 9:48 am

      Can I use firm tofu if I don’t have silken on hand?

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        October 06, 2022 at 11:52 am

        It might not be as creamy and you might need to add a touch more liquid but yes it should work ok. Enjoy!

        Reply
    3. AbbyT says

      February 25, 2022 at 8:32 pm

      5 stars
      Amazing! Followed to a T! No one would know it’s vegan, it’s so flavorful. Thank you!

      Reply
    4. Kayla says

      May 15, 2021 at 10:32 pm

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
    5. Polly Straughen says

      February 02, 2021 at 12:05 pm

      4 stars
      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.

      Reply
    6. Amber Bergeron says

      March 17, 2020 at 5:19 pm

      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

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        March 18, 2020 at 10:11 am

        Wonderful! So happy you loved it!

        Reply
    7. Stacey says

      December 24, 2019 at 3:20 am

      5 stars
      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.

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        December 31, 2019 at 11:35 am

        Yay!! Glad you enjoyed 🙂

        Reply
    8. D says

      December 14, 2019 at 10:45 am

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        December 17, 2019 at 3:58 pm

        I would say 3 -4 days in the fridge. Enjoy!

        Reply
    9. Sue says

      August 21, 2019 at 5:00 pm

      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 🙂

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        August 26, 2019 at 2:45 pm

        Great tip, thanks Sue 🙂

        Reply
    10. Grace says

      June 05, 2019 at 9:38 am

      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

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        June 10, 2019 at 12:40 pm

        Awesome! So happy it was enjoyed 🙂

        Reply
    11. Anne says

      August 20, 2018 at 3:37 pm

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        August 22, 2018 at 9:03 am

        Perfect! So happy you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    12. Jordan says

      January 07, 2018 at 11:30 pm

      5 stars
      So good! I've made this twice now and both times it turned out beautifully. I served it with torn up bread. Delicious!

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        January 09, 2018 at 2:57 pm

        Yay! Thrilled you enjoyed it, Jordan 🙂

        Reply
    13. Maria says

      September 28, 2017 at 4:19 pm

      4 stars
      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.

      Reply
      • Joanne says

        September 28, 2017 at 4:39 pm

        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.

        Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        September 28, 2017 at 5:17 pm

        Haha, I recommend reading the very first sentence of this post, Maria 😉

        Reply
    14. Joanne says

      September 28, 2017 at 10:14 am

      5 stars
      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.

      Reply
      • Joanne says

        September 28, 2017 at 4:40 pm

        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!!!!!

        Reply
        • Sam Turnbull says

          September 28, 2017 at 5:18 pm

          Oooooh your tailgate sounds delicious!! I wanna come. Haha. I hope you enjoy!! And no worries at all, tips are always welcome 🙂

    15. Diego Lopes says

      September 27, 2017 at 3:09 pm

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        September 28, 2017 at 9:10 am

        Hahaha! Caramelized onions on veggieburgers are awesome!

        Reply
    16. Nadia says

      September 24, 2017 at 8:04 pm

      This sounds amazing!!!! I'm so going to try this! Thanks for the recipe!

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        September 25, 2017 at 9:57 am

        You're most welcome, Nadia. Enjoy!

        Reply
    17. Eve says

      September 24, 2017 at 12:33 pm

      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.

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        September 24, 2017 at 4:15 pm

        Oh great! I hope everyone enjoys it! Hahaha, so happy you loved my infomercial! 😉

        Reply
    18. Susan Iseman says

      September 24, 2017 at 11:38 am

      Did you ever try cartelizing onions in a slow cooker? You can mix up a huge pot and freeze in individual containers - so convenient!

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        September 24, 2017 at 4:14 pm

        That's awesome! I don't have a slow cooker, but that's a great tip for anyone who does!

        Reply
    19. Arlene Cohen says

      September 24, 2017 at 11:17 am

      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!

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        September 24, 2017 at 4:13 pm

        Yay!!! So happy you don't have to miss it anymore 🙂

        Reply

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