Vegan French Onion Dip

Vegan French Onion Dip is so creamy and savory that you won't believe it's vegan. This vegan French onion dip recipe is a family favorite, perfect for homemade oil-free chips, vegetables, or a spread for your favorite burger—a nut-free option provided.

It's always a challenge when my husband asks me to try to 'veganize' a recipe. Today, however, I welcomed the challenge. We love any type of dip, and French onion dip is something I assumed was part of my past. But today, I made a vegan French onion dip; I even shocked myself. But this vegan French onion dip recipe is so good that he asked me to make it again next weekend. 

Jump to:

• How to Caramelize Onions Without Oil or Sugar
• Vegan French Onion Dip Ingredients
• Vegan French Onion Dip Ingredient Substitutions
• How to Make the Onion Dip
• Recipe FAQs
• Tips
• Other Great Party Recipes 
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• 💬 Reviews

I often make vegan snacks for the boys when they watch their favorite college football games on the weekends or while floating in the summer pool. So, when the troops requested some onion dip, I gave it a shot. 

However, my first challenge was caramelizing fresh onions for my dip instead of using some dried onion soup mix the way I used to make it. Then, of course, I needed a creamy base. Once I figured out those two obstacles, it all came together. 

How to Caramelize Onions Without Oil or Sugar

Typically, caramelizing onions requires oil as well as sugar or balsamic vinegar. So, instead, I chose to use some vegetable broth, liquid smoke, balsamic vinegar, and vegan Worcestershire sauce (I like Annie's).

• First, I used my favorite non-stick pan to saute the onions on medium heat, using a little vegetable broth when they started to stick. 
• As the onions turn translucent, I add the other ingredients until they turn brown.
• Once the liquid dissipates and the onions stick again, I add a bit of vegetable broth until the onions are a beautiful brown. 

Vegan French Onion Dip Ingredients

Next, it is time to make the creamy base for the vegan french onion dip recipe. Recently, I fell in love with oat milk. Not only is oat milk creamy, but it also blends well with other ingredients, creating a creamy texture. But any plant milk works well with this recipe. 

• Raw Cashews: Raw cashews provide the creamy base for this vegan french onion dip recipe.
• Plant Milk: I like oat milk, but any plant milk works well. However, make sure its unsweetened, unflavored plant milk.
• Lemon Juice: I prefer fresh lemon juice over bottled.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar combined with the plant milk forms a vegan buttermilk.
• Vegetable Bouillon: I like Better Than Boullion (oil-free) Organic Vegetable Base.
• Onion Powder: Onion powder is basically dried onion that's been ground. Although dried onion is just the onion flesh, onion powder can also include dehydrated onion skins and roots. Onion powder is three times more potent than dried onion.
• Garlic Powder: Let's start with what garlic powder actually is—it's a ground and dried-out version of the fresh garlic bulb. You might also hear it referred to as “granulated garlic”—that's the same thing, only ground a tad bit coarser.
• Salt: Salt enhances the flavors in the dip.
• Pepper: Fresh ground pepper has a better flavor than other peppers.

Vegan French Onion Dip Ingredient Substitutions

• Choose soaked sunflower seeds for a nut-free option. Or, try silken tofu or drained white beans for another nut-free option. However, reduce the plant milk by ½.
• Use any plant milk, but make sure it's unsweetened and unflavored.
• One cup of fresh onion; you would substitute only 1 tablespoon of onion powder.
• Use 1 medium garlic clove to substitute for ¼ teaspoon garlic powder.
• Substitute white vinegar for apple cider vinegar.
• Try yellow onions instead of white onions. Or, for a sweeter vegan french onion dip, choose red onions.
• Or, substitute vegan plain yogurt for the base in the recipe.

How to Make the Onion Dip

• To get the perfect creamy base for the vegan French onion dip, I combined the oat milk, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and cashews and allowed it to sit for about 10-15 minutes.
• Then, using a high-speed blender, blend the ingredients until smooth.
• If your blender is inefficient, soaking the cashews overnight will help soften them for a creamier texture. 
• For a shortcut to soaking the cashews overnight, boil them in water on the stove for 10 minutes, drain, and then add them to the blender.
• For a nut-free option, replace the raw cashews with silken tofu or drained white beans, and reduce the plant milk by ½. 

• Once the base and onions caramelize, add the seasonings and stir.
• As a result, the vegan French onion dip turns a beautiful caramel brown and thickens in the refrigerator.

Even though I chose to make air-fried potato chips using my sweet potato chips recipe, this vegan French dip recipe tastes lovely with vegetables, crackers, and, as my husband pointed out, a great sandwich spread. 

Recipe FAQs

Tips

• Allow the plant milk and apple cider vinegar to sit for 10-15 minutes to make vegan buttermilk. Do this while caramelizing the onions.
• Use a vegetable chopper so the onions are all cut the same small size. I suggest using the smallest setting.
• Cook the onions slowly for the best caramelization.
• Instead of vegan butter and coconut sugar to caramelize the onions, use vegetable broth which is a healthier option.
• Add different herbs for various flavored dips.
• Allow the vegan French onion to chill, and the flavors develop over time.
• Serve with sweet potato chips, vegetables, or a topping for a lentil burger.

Because we are a dip family, vegan French onion dip is my new favorite dip recipe. So, if you love to dip, try this skinny dip! 

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