Classic French onion dip isn’t as worldly as it sounds. It’s simply a throw together of sour cream and Lipton instant onion soup mix that was created in the 1950s in Los Angeles. This dairy-free French onion dip recipe is still quite easy, but it uses far fresher ingredients, rich caramelized onions, and is free of processed preservatives and additives. The result is a superior taste that’s worthy of its elegant name.
Dairy-Free French Onion Dip with Caramelized Onions
My friend Hannah shared this vegan French onion dip recipe with us about fifteen years ago! She’s since written numerous cookbooks, and continues to blog unique recipes and vegan finds at Bittersweet. I’ve recently updated her recipe with a few more details, and have also added the FAQs below.
What Should I Serve with Dairy-Free French Onion Dip?
Like most savory dip recipes, it’s great with ordinary potato chips, tortilla chips, light-tasting crackers, crostini, or fresh bread. I like it with both fresh veggies, like carrots and celery, and lightly blanched or steamed heartier vegetables, like cauliflower and broccoli. But it’s also delicious with heartier appetizers, like wedge potatoes or sweet potato fries.
What Type of Oil Should I Use?
Hannah uses non-GMO canola oil, but your favorite neutral-tasting oil should work great. I typically use grapeseed oil or extra-light olive oil for cooking. If you opt to use coconut oil, melt it with the butter alternative. I would also choose a refined coconut oil to avoid hints of coconut in the flavor.
What Type of Onion Should I Use?
Ordinary yellow onions are perfect. But any type of white onions should work great. I would avoid purple onions, as they don’t soften as nicely.
Is this Dip Spicy?
No, it is mild. The cayenne adds just a faint kick that heightens the flavors. If you want to ensure no heat, you can substitute paprika or smoked paprika. Or simply omit the cayenne pepper and add black pepper, to taste.
What is Extra-Firm Silken Tofu?
Silken tofu is a softer tofu that’s made with more water than regular tofu for a creamier finish. It purees quite well. You can find shelf-stable versions in the Asian section of supermarkets or you can order it online. If you use a fresh, refrigerated silken tofu, make sure it is thoroughly drained. Extra-firm refers to the consistency of the tofu. Silken tofu with no firmness indicated is typically “firm.” For this recipe, one labelled extra-firm specifically is recommended for a good dip consistency.
Can I Use Regular Tofu?
In a pinch, regular firm (not extra-firm if it isn’t silken) tofu will work okay, but the dip won’t be as smooth and creamy.
What Can I Substitute for the Nutritional Yeast?
The nutritional yeast lends a mild cheesy flavor that complements both the tofu and the caramelized onions. I recommend using it if you have it. It’s sold at natural food stores and online. If you don’t have any, it is possible to omit it, but the flavor won’t be as well rounded. I don’t have a 1:1 substitute suggestion. But I would taste and add a little miso (1 or 2 teaspoons) if you feel it needs more umami flavor, soy sauce if you want a little more depth and saltiness, or little lemon juice or apple cider vinegar if you think it needs a hint of tang.
Can I Use a Different Type of Mustard?
A stone ground mustard, champagne mustard, or brown mustard should also work fine. I hesitate to recommend a regular yellow mustard, as the flavor is a little sharper.
Do You Have a Soy-Free Option?
I think Homemade Cashew Sour Cream made with raw cashews would be a delicious substitute for the tofu. It would still provide that creamy texture and would meld well with the other flavors. You’d need about 1 ¼ cups to replace the tofu. Or, you can make Hannah’s other Vegan Caramelized Onion Dip Recipe instead. It’s top allergen-free and includes two different versions, both of which are soy-free and nut-free and made with plant-based ingredients.
Special Diet Notes: Dairy-Free French Onion Dip
By ingredients, this recipe is dairy-free / non-dairy, egg-free, gluten-free, nut-free, peanut-free, added sugar-free, vegan, plant-based, and vegetarian.
Dairy-Free French Onion Dip
Ingredients
Method
- Melt the butter alternative in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the oil followed by all of the onion. Stir to coat the onions. Turn the heat down to medium-low, and continue to cook the onions gently for 40 to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the salt, cayenne, and pepper, and cook the onions for an additional 10 minutes, or until amber brown and nicely caramelized.
- Slide the onions out onto a plate and let cool.
- In your food processor or blender, puree the tofu until smooth. Stop and scrape the sides of the blender or bowl as needed, to ensure all lumps are pureed.
- Add the nutritional yeast, mustard, and garlic powder to the tofu and puree until smooth.
- Add the caramelized onions to the tofu mixture, and pulse a few times to combine. Don’t overdo it! You want some nice chunks of onion to remain.
- Store the dip in an air-tight container, and refrigerate it overnight if time permits. This allows the flavors time to meld together and intensify.
- Transfer the French onion dip to a bowl, and garnish it with fresh herbs, if desired. Leftover dip can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Nutrition
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Also try our Dairy-Free Dill Pickle Dip Recipe!
