These Vegan Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes are creamy, fluffy, and packed with flavor! The sweet caramelized onions give a special twist to this comforting side dish.
Honestly, who doesn’t love a pile of buttery mashed potatoes? But wait, this recipe is dairy-free! I love whipping these up for dinner because they always impress my guests.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: I recommend using russet or Yukon gold potatoes for their creamy texture. If you want a lower-carb option, try cauliflower instead. Just steam it well and blend until smooth!
Onions: Yellow onions are perfect for caramelizing as they sweeten when cooked. If you’re in a pinch, sweet onions like Vidalia will also work well.
Olive Oil: While olive oil gives a nice flavor, feel free to substitute it with avocado oil or even coconut oil for a different taste.
Plant-Based Milk: Unsweetened almond, soy, or oat milk are great choices. If you have a nut allergy, oat milk is a good alternative. Coconut milk gives a richer flavor, too!
Vegan Butter: You can substitute with any neutral oil, but I love the taste of vegan butter to keep the creamy texture.
How Do You Caramelize Onions Perfectly?
Caramelizing onions is all about patience and practice. This process brings out their natural sweetness for a rich flavor in dishes. Here’s how to do it well:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Patience is key here!
- Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt to help them soften.
- Stir occasionally for about 25-30 minutes until they are golden brown and caramelized.
- If you add garlic, do it last in the cooking process to prevent burning.
Once caramelized, these onions will be a delightful addition to your mashed potatoes! Enjoy this comforting dish at any gathering!
Vegan Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 pounds russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1/2 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (such as almond, soy, or oat)
- 3 tablespoons vegan butter or margarine
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh thyme or parsley sprigs, for garnish (optional)
For the Caramelized Onions:
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious side dish takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 45-60 minutes of cooking time. So, in total, you’re looking at roughly 1 hour to have these creamy, flavorful mashed potatoes ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Potatoes:
Start by placing the peeled and chopped potatoes in a large pot. Cover the potatoes with cold water and add a pinch of salt. Turn the heat to high and bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the potatoes simmer until they are very tender, which should take about 15-20 minutes.
2. Caramelizing the Onions:
While the potatoes are cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions along with a pinch of salt. Cook them slowly, stirring occasionally, until they turn deeply golden brown and caramelized. This process can take around 25-30 minutes. If you’re using garlic, stir it in for the last 2 minutes of cooking. Once done, remove them from heat and set aside.
3. Preparing the Mashed Potatoes:
When the potatoes are tender, drain them thoroughly and return them to the pot. Allow them to dry out over low heat for a minute or so by shaking the pot gently. In a separate small saucepan, warm the plant-based milk and vegan butter together until melted and well combined.
4. Mixing it All Together:
Using a potato masher or hand mixer, mash the potatoes until they are smooth. Gradually add in the warm milk and butter mixture until you achieve a creamy, fluffy consistency. Don’t forget to season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste!
5. Adding the Caramelized Onions:
Carefully fold most of the caramelized onions into the mashed potatoes, making sure they are evenly distributed. Remember to save some onions for garnishing later!
6. Serving Your Dish:
Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving bowl and top them with the reserved caramelized onions. If you like, add a sprig of fresh thyme or parsley for a lovely touch. Serve these warm, and watch them disappear at your meal!
These Vegan Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes are rich and creamy, bringing a delightful twist to the traditional mashed potatoes—perfect for any cozy gathering or holiday feast!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While russet and Yukon gold potatoes are the best for creamy texture, you can also use red potatoes or even a combination for a different flavor and color. Just note that some varieties may result in a slightly different texture.
What Can I Use Instead of Vegan Butter?
If you don’t have vegan butter on hand, feel free to substitute it with additional olive oil or another non-dairy spread. Just make sure it’s a neutral flavor to keep the dish delicious!
How to Store Leftover Mashed Potatoes?
Leftover mashed potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of plant-based milk to help restore creaminess and warm them gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
Can This Recipe Be Made Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the caramelized onions and boil the potatoes a few hours ahead. Just keep them separate until you’re ready to mash. When ready to serve, combine and mix with the warm milk and vegan butter for a fresh taste!
