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    Home > Vegan Dips

    Vegan French Onion Dip

    By Nandor Barta on 04/01/2025 - May contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure.

    Jump to Recipe Print Pin

    This vegan French onion dip is the perfect party appetizer. It is vegan sour cream-which makes it so creamy and delicious that no one will believe it’s vegan. It is amazingly easy to make, and the flavor is out of this world.

    White bowl with white thick creamy sauce in it sprinkled with fresh green herbs. A spoon is places in the middle.

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    I love a good dip because it is such an easy appetizer to put together. This vegan French onion dip is no exception. It is ready in under 30 minutes, can be made in advance, and is delicious both warm and cold.

    There are so many ways to enjoy a good dip, and this vegan French onion dip is no exception. I love serving it with some other delicious vegan dips like this Roasted Eggplant Bell Pepper Dip, Vegan Queso Dip, or this Vegan Buffalo Chicken Dip. 

    Jump to:
    • ❤️ Why you’ll love it
    • 🧾 Key ingredients
    • 🥘 Equipment
    • 👩‍🍳 Instructions
    • 💡 Expert tip
    • 🔄 Variations
    • 🥣 Serving ideas
    • ❄️ Storing tips
    • 🤔 FAQs
    • More vegan dip and spread recipes
    • Vegan French Onion Dip
    Table of Contents hide
    1. ❤️ Why you’ll love it
    2. 🧾 Key ingredients
    3. 🥘 Equipment
    4. 👩‍🍳 Instructions
    5. 💡 Expert tip
    6. 🔄 Variations
    7. 🥣 Serving ideas
    8. ❄️ Storing tips
    9. 🤔 FAQs
    10. More vegan dip and spread recipes
    11. Vegan French Onion Dip

    ❤️ Why you’ll love it

    I absolutely adore this vegan French onion dip recipe for its simplicity and the depth of flavor it offers. The combination of sweet, caramelized onions with the tangy vegan sour cream is just irresistible. It is a quick and easy recipe that is perfect for any gathering or even just a cozy night at home.

    The secret to this recipe is the way the onions are cooked. By using small amounts of veggie broth while cooking the onions, you ensure that they become soft and tender without losing any of their flavor.

    The addition of soy sauce and smoked paprika may seem unusual in a traditional onion dip, but they add a rich umami flavor that takes this dip to the next level.

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    🧾 Key ingredients

    This vegan French onion dip is a delicious and healthy alternative to the traditional version. The best part is that the ingredients are simple and easy to find at your local grocery store.

    Onion is the star of this recipe. When sauté, it brings a rich, sweet flavor that is characteristic of French onion dip. I like using a large sweet onion for this recipe, as it really brings out the natural sweetness of the dish.

    Vegan sour cream and vegan mayonnaise are the base of this dip. They provide a rich, creamy texture that perfectly balances the sweetness of the onions.

    Veggie broth, soy sauce, and a mix of garlic and onion powder are the key to infusing the dip with a savory, umami flavor that is so characteristic of traditional French onion dip.

    🥘 Equipment

    For this vegan French onion dip, a good quality non-stick frying pan or stockpot is essential. It is what you will use to caramelize the onions and infuse the dip with that rich, sweet flavor.

    👩‍🍳 Instructions

    Preparing the ingredients

    STEP 1
    Begin by peeling and chopping your onion into small pieces.

    STEP 2
    Next, heat a frying pan or stockpot to medium heat. Add olive oil and the chopped onion to the pan. Sauté the onion for about two minutes, just until it is about to caramelize.

    STEP 3
    Now, it’s time to add the vegetable broth. Start with about one to three tablespoons. Allow the onion to cook until the broth is absorbed or steamed away.

    STEP 4
    If the liquid is gone but the onion pieces are not yet soft, add more vegetable broth in small increments and continue cooking the onion. Repeat this step as needed until the onion is soft and tender, with little to no liquid in the pan.

    Making the vegan French onion dip

    STEP 1
    In a mixing bowl, combine the vegan sour cream and the seasonings – onion powder, garlic powder, sweet smoked paprika powder, soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option), freshly chopped parsley, salt, and pepper.

    STEP 2
    Once the seasonings are well combined, add the cooked chopped onion to the bowl. Mix everything together until the onion is evenly distributed throughout the dip.

    STEP 3
    Your vegan French onion dip is now ready to serve. I personally love the bits and pieces of onion in this dip, but if you prefer a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender to blend the dip until the onion is completely incorporated.

    4 photo collage of how to caramelize onions and then add it to the sour cream and seasoning mix.

    💡 Expert tip

    The key to this recipe is to cook the onions slowly and patiently. Adding the veggie broth in small increments and only when necessary, allows the onions to soften and caramelize gently, bringing out their natural sweetness. This process may take a little longer, but it is worth it for the deep, rich flavor it adds to the dip.

    🔄 Variations

    Try adding a twist with roasted garlic. This will give the dip a rich, nutty flavor and a creamy texture. Simply roast a few cloves of garlic until they are soft and mash them before adding them to the dip. It’s a delicious variation that adds a unique flavor.

    If you are a fan of heat, consider adding some chopped jalapenos. This will give your vegan French onion dip a spicy kick that pairs well with the sweet, caramelized onions.

    For some extra tang, consider adding a tablespoon of Dijon mustard. This will give the dip a tangy flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the onions. Just remember to adjust the seasoning as the mustard will also add some salt to the dip.

    White bowl with white thick creamy sauce in it sprinkled with fresh green herbs. A hand digs a potato chips in the middle.

    🥣 Serving ideas

    This vegan French onion dip is a versatile and delicious addition to your favorite dishes. It can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.

    For a quick snack, serve this dip with pita chips, crackers, or even tortilla chips. You can also enjoy it with flatbread or pita wedges for a satisfying and savory treat.

    If you prefer a healthier option, cut up some fresh raw veggies into sticks, such as carrots, cucumbers, celery, or bell peppers, and scoop up some of this delicious dip. It is a great way to add more veggies to your diet while enjoying a tasty snack.

    In addition, this dip is a great addition to any party platters or appetizer boards. Serve it alongside classic hummus, vegan cream cheese, or your favorite dips for a spread that is sure to impress your guests.

    For a main course, consider using this dip as a spiced-up sour cream. Drizzle it on top of vegan nachos, bean chili, veggie bowls, fajita veggies, or your favorite Mexican-inspired dishes for a tangy and flavorful twist.

    White bowl with white thick creamy sauce in it sprinkled with fresh green herbs. A hand is holding a spoon and taking a bit from the middle.

    ❄️ Storing tips

    This vegan French onion dip is one of those rare dishes that actually gets better with time, as the flavors continue to meld together. So, storing the leftovers is definitely a great idea.

    To store, allow it to cool completely after preparing. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh and delicious for about four to five days.

    I do not recommend freezing this dip. The creamy texture of the sour cream can be altered by the freezing and thawing process, which can result in a less-than-desirable consistency. So, it is best to enjoy this dip fresh or store it in the refrigerator for later.

    🤔 FAQs

    Can I use a different type of onion?

    Yes, you can use any type of onion for this recipe. Each type of onion will give a slightly different flavor to the dip, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite.

    Do I have to use an immersion blender?

    No, you do not have to use an immersion blender for this recipe. I like to use it to make the dip extra smooth, but it is not necessary. The dip will still be delicious if you leave the bits and pieces of onion as they are.

    Can I make this dip in advance?

    Yes, you can make this dip in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. This allows the flavors to meld together and develop, making the dip even more delicious.

    More vegan dip and spread recipes

    You can browse through our Vegan Sides or Vegan Appetizers or Vegan Condiments galleries or check out

    • Deep orange brownish cream in a small white bowl topped with green dried herbs and tiny white sees
      Smoky Roasted Eggplant Red Pepper Dip with Walnuts
    • Vegan Nacho Cheese Sauce
    • Yellow sauce in a black bowl topped with red veggie chunks, sliced green pepper and green leaves of herbs. A tortilla chips is dipped in it. Other tortilla chips are scattered around.
      No Nuts! Vegan Queso Dip
    • Creamy Oil-free Hummus

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    White bowl with white thick creamy sauce in it sprinkled with fresh green herbs. A hand digs a potato chips in the middle.

    Vegan French Onion Dip

    Nandor Barta
    This homemade vegan French onion dip is a perfect party appetizer or savory snack to munch on in between meals. It is sour cream based, easy to make, with less than 10 ingredients and delicious.
    4.5 from 4 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 10 minutes mins
    Total Time 20 minutes mins
    Course Appetizer, Snack
    Servings 8 servings
    Calories 129kcal

    Equipment

    • Non-stick frying pan (10.5 inch / 26 cm)
    • Glass mixing bowl
    • Ceramic sectional serving plate

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 1 Tbsp Olive oil
    • 1 Onion (medium) 7 oz large!
    • ⅓ cup Veggie broth it is up to ⅓ cup depending on much the onion needs
    • 1 + ¼ cup Vegan sour cream
    • 1 tsp Onion powder
    • 1 tsp Garlic powder
    • ⅛ tsp Sweet smoked paprika powder optional
    • 1 tsp Soy sauce or any of the 5 gluten-free soy sauce substitutes
    • 1 Tbsp Parsley (fresh) or dill
    • Salt and Pepper to taste
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    Instructions
     

    • First, peel and chop onion into small pieces.
    • Take a frying pan or stockpot and heat it to medium. Add olive oil and chopped onion and cook them until for approx. 2 minutes. Stop right before they begin the caramelize.
    • Now, add 1-3 Tbsp of veggie broth and cook the onion until the broth is absorbed or steamed away.
    • Repeat this step if the liquid is gone but the onion pieces are not cooked and soft. It is a bit of like cooking risotto. You add only more veggie broth if the previous amount evaporates but the onion hasn’t cooked yet. And one add in small increments. At the end, you should have soft and tender chopped onion and little to no liquid. We usually use up to ⅓ cup.
    • Now, take a mixing bowl and add the sour cream and the seasoning (onion powder, garlic powder, sweet smoked paprika powder, soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free), freshly chopped parsley, salt and pepper), finally add the cooked chopped onion. Mix and serve. Delicious and easy! Homemade and healthy!
    • We totally love the bits and pieces in this dip, but you can blend it with an immersion blender if you want the onion to completely disappear.
    Tried this recipe? Can we see it?Please share a picture with us by uploading an image to Pinterest below ours.

    Notes

    How long can you store it?
    It keeps well in the fridge for 4-5 days for sure. No don’t recommend freezing as whether it is freezable or not highly depends on what kind of dairy-free sour cream are you using.
    What can I use instead of sour cream?
    You can use any store-bought or homemade cream cheese. We have a delicious Tofu Cream Cheese recipe which you can make in 5 minutes. We don’t recommend using mayo alone only in combination with cream cheese or sour cream as otherwise it will be too heavy.
    Serving suggestions above the recipe card. 

    Video

    Nutrition

    Nutrition Facts
    Vegan French Onion Dip
    Amount Per Serving (1 serving)
    Calories 129 Calories from Fat 72
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 8g12%
    Saturated Fat 3g19%
    Sodium 259mg11%
    Potassium 41mg1%
    Carbohydrates 14g5%
    Fiber 1g4%
    Sugar 4g4%
    Protein 2g4%
    Vitamin A 36IU1%
    Vitamin C 2mg2%
    Calcium 6mg1%
    Iron 1mg6%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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