Go Back Email Link
–+ servings
Caramelized Onion Dip on a platter with crackers and bread for dipping.
My Quiet Kitchen
Print Recipe

Vegan Caramelized Onion Dip

This rich and creamy vegan onion dip is perfect for parties and holidays. With sweet caramelized onion (or shallot), garlic, chives, and vegan sour cream. For best flavor make it a day or two in advance!
Pro tip! Also great as a replacement for sour cream and mayo on potatoes, burgers, and sandwiches.
Yield: makes about 2 ½ cups.
Adapted from Bon Appetit's Caramelized Shallot Dip.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Chill time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 10 servings
Calories 94kcal
Author Lori Rasmussen, My Quiet Kitchen

Equipment

Ingredients

For the Dip:

  • 2 medium yellow onions, chopped or thinly sliced Or 4 large shallots.
  • 1 ½ cups vegetable broth
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon white balsamic or apple cider vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh chives, divided
  • 2 cups cashew sour cream (recipe below) OR store-bought vegan sour cream OR see Notes for a tofu-based option

Optional Garnish:

  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, optional
  • 1 tablespoon Everything But the Bagel seasoning, lightly toasted See notes for making your own.

Homemade Cashew Sour Cream:

  • 1 ⅓ cups raw cashews If using a high speed blender, no need to soak. Otherwise, soak cashews in hot water for 1 hour, then drain.
  • ¾ cup water
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon white distilled vinegar
  • ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Make the sour cream (skip this step if using store-bought):

  • See Notes for Tofu Sour Cream recipe.
    In a high speed blender combine the cashews, water, lemon juice, vinegar, garlic powder and salt. Blend on high until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Caramelize the onion and assemble the dip:

  • Preheat a saute pan over medium-low heat. Add the shallots and ¼ cup broth and stir to coat. When the broth has evaporated, let the shallots cook undisturbed for about 20 seconds, then add 3 or 4 tablespoons of broth, stir, and repeat the process until the shallots are tender and golden brown and most of the broth has been used. Reduce heat if necessary so the shallots don't brown too quickly. The entire caramelization process should take approximately 30 minutes.
  • Once the onions are tender and pale golden brown, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Add the tablespoon of vinegar, and stir to deglaze the pan. Transfer the mixture to a plate to cool.
  • Stir the cooled onion mixture and 2 tablespoons of chopped chives into 2 cups of sour cream. Garnish with toasted Everything Bagel seasoning, chives, and parsley, if using.

Notes

The dip can be made a day or two in advance and tastes best that way! Garnish just before serving.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Tofu Sour Cream Recipe
  1. 1 pound silken tofu
  2. 2 Tbsp lemon juice
  3. 1 Tbsp white distilled or apple cider vinegar
  4. ¾ tsp fine sea salt
  5. ⅛ tsp garlic powder
Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Homemade Everything Bagel Seasoning
  1. 1 tsp white sesame seeds
  2. 1 tsp poppy seeds
  3. 1 tsp dried chopped onion
  4. 1 tsp dried minced garlic
  5. pinch of coarse sea salt

Nutrition

Calories: 94kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 150mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 50IU | Vitamin C: 6.6mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 1.3mg