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    Home / Recipes / Sauces, Dips & Dressings

    Vegan French Onion Dip

    Published: Oct 27, 2024 · Modified: Oct 27, 2024 by Kathy Carmichael · This post may contain affiliate links.

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    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.

    Vegan French onion dip in a bowl with oil-free chips on a plate.

    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 
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 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

    Diced onions in a skillet on the stove top.

    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. 
    Caramelizing onions in a skillet on the stove with a wooden spoon in the pan

    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. 
    Combine the caramelized onions with the cream-based art of the dip in a bowl on the counter.
    • 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. 

    Vegan French Onion Dip Recipe in a bowl surrounded by chips. I am dipping a chip into the dip.

    Recipe FAQs

    Is onion dip the same as French onion dip?

    French onion dip is typically made with French onion soup mix, a mixture of dried onions and bouillon. Onion dip is made with only onions.

    Is French onion dip made with sour cream?

    Traditionally, French onion dip is a party favorite dip recipe made from sour cream, mayonnaise, caramelized onions, garlic, chives, and parsley.

    What can I use instead of sour cream?

    Whether baking or making a dip or sauce, vegan yogurt is a 1:1 sub. If your recipe calls for 1 cup of sour cream, you can replace it with 1 cup of yogurt.

    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! 

    Other Great Party Recipes 

    • superfood salad recipe
      Superfood Salad
    • vegan nacho cheese sauce
      The Best Vegan Nacho Cheese
    • vegan sour cream recipe
      Vegan Sour Cream
    • Greek Layered Dip Recipe
      Vegan Layered Dip

    If you love this vegan French onion dip recipe, give us a 5-star review and comment below. We would love to hear from you!

    📖 Recipe

    Vegan French Onion Dip

    Vegan French Onion Dip

    Kathy Carmichael
    Vegan French Onion Dip is so creamy and savory that you won't believe it's vegan. Vegan french onion dip is a family favorite, perfect for homemade oil-free chips, vegetables, or a spread for your favorite burger recipe. Nut-free option provided.
    4.92 from 12 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 20 minutes mins
    Total Time 30 minutes mins
    Course Sauces, Dips & Dressings
    Cuisine American
    Servings 12 servings
    Calories 73 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    Caramelized Onions

    • 1 large white onion diced (about 1-½ cups)
    • ½ cup vegetable broth
    • 2 teaspoons vegan Worcestershire sauce
    • 1 teaspoon liquid smoke I used hickory flavor
    • 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar

    Vegan French Onion Dip Base

    • 1 cup raw cashews soaked in water overnight and drained if you do not have a high-speed blender; otherwise, soaking is not necessary (or substitute white beans or silken tofu for a nut-free option see notes below)
    • ½ cup + 2 Tablespoons oat milk or plant milk of choice
    • 2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
    • 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

    Other seasonings

    • 1 teaspoon Better than Bouillon
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • Parsley for garnish optional

    Nut-Free version

    • Substitute 1 cup silken tofu or white beans for the cashews
    • Reduce plant milk to ¼ cup plus 1 Tablespoon

    Air-Fried Oil Free Potato Chips

    • [Substitute regular potatoes for sweet potatoes in this recipe they can also be baked instead of air-fried ]

    Instructions
     

    Caramelized Onions

    • Using a non-stick pan, saute the diced onions on medium-low heat until translucent.
    • Add a few tablespoons of vegetable broth to prevent onions from sticking.
    • Add the balsamic, vegan Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke once the onions brown and the initial vegetable broth dissipates.
    • Stir and turn the temperature to medium once the onions begin to brown, and the liquid dissipates.
    • Add a little more vegetable broth, stirring the onions until the vegetable broth dissipates; continue until all the vegetable broth is gone.
    • Remove from heat and allow the onions to cool.

    Dip Base

    • Soak the raw cashews in water if you don't have a high-speed blender. If you have a high-speed blender, you can skip this step. Or, for a nut-free version, substitute white beans or silken tofu for the nuts.
    • Add the oat milk (or plant-based milk of your choice), lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar. Let sit for 10-15 minutes.
    • Blend on high until smooth.
    • Pour contents into a bowl, scraping the sides of the blender.
    • Add the caramelized onions and seasonings.
    • Stir and cover.
    • Place in the refrigerator for an hour or until cold.
    • The mixture will thicken in the refrigerator.
    • Serve with chips, vegetables, and crackers, or use them as a sandwich spread.

    Notes

    • 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.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 73kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 2gFat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 62mgPotassium: 106mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 42IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 23mgIron: 1mg
    Tried our recipe?Let us know how it was!
    Kathy Carmichael

    Hi! My name is Kathy, I am a retired high school English teacher & vegan enthusiast and blogger. My entire blog is fully plant-based vegan. I truly believe what we eat & how we live determines our health & the preservation of our planet! 🙂

    www.kathysvegankitchen.com/about-me/

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      4.92 from 12 votes (10 ratings without comment)

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Cheryl Garcia

      March 16, 2024 at 9:51 am

      I made it and it is soooo good! Can hardly wait for the crispy air-fried potato wedges to get done, yum! I did the version with silken tofu, very good.

      Reply
      • Kathy Carmichael

        March 17, 2024 at 7:17 am

        Hi Cheryl, I'm so glad you liked the dip. Your potato wedges sound like a delicious dipping option. Thanks for the feedback. I appreciate it.

        Reply
    2. Diane

      November 26, 2023 at 11:45 am

      5 stars
      Yum! This dip has a sweet, smoky flavor, and although quite different than a store bought onion dip, the depth of flavor and texture make this recipe a keeper! I served with pretzels.

      Reply
      • Kathy Carmichael

        November 26, 2023 at 3:55 pm

        Hi Diane, I'm so glad you enjoyed the dip. Thank you for your feedback. I appreciate you taking the time to comment and rate the recipe.

        Reply
    3. Jill

      November 30, 2022 at 8:16 pm

      5 stars
      I made this with silken tofu instead of cashews and it is DELICIOUS!!! I will definitely be making this again! I might add a bit of arrowroot powder to firm it up a touch more. Thanks for the recipe and the substitutions 🙂

      Reply
      • Kathy Carmichael

        December 01, 2022 at 7:15 am

        Hi Jill, I'm so glad you liked the onion dip. I appreciate the feedback. Let me know if you try any other recipes. I'd love to hear from you.

        Reply
    4. Gail

      September 19, 2021 at 3:55 pm

      What can I use in place of the better with bouillon? I’m in Australia & it’s not readily available here. This dip is exactly what my husband has been wanting so can’t wait to make it!

      Reply
      • Kathy Carmichael

        September 19, 2021 at 3:58 pm

        Hi Gail, you can use vegetable broth or substitute poultry seasoning. My husband loves this dip, so watch out if you want him to share with you 🙂

        Reply
    5. Virginia McQueen

      October 27, 2020 at 7:06 am

      Do you think macadamia nuts could be used instead of cashews? My sister is allergic to cashews but can eat nuts.

      Reply
      • Kathy Carmichael

        October 27, 2020 at 8:25 am

        Hi Virginia! Yes, I think they would work because they are creamy like cashews, but I have never tried it. Please let me know if it works, so I can provide that option. Have a great day, and I hope you enjoy the recipe.

        Reply
        • Anita Darnell

          March 18, 2024 at 10:46 am

          Hi Kathy,Can you tell me how long this super sounding dip lasts in the fridge please?

          Reply
          • Kathy Carmichael

            March 18, 2024 at 6:28 pm

            Hi Anita, it should last 5-7 days refrigerated.

            Reply

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