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.
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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.
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❤️ 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.
💡 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.
🥣 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.
❄️ 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
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Vegan French Onion Dip
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
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.
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