Vegan Caramelized Onion Dip is a creamy, savory dip made with lightly caramelized sweet onions, sour cream, mayonnaise, and cream cheese. Serve chilled with potato chips, crackers, or sliced vegetables.
A Dip That Gets Better Overnight
I like this recipe because it tastes significantly better than anything from a packet. The base is simple — sour cream, mayonnaise, cream cheese, and spices — but the caramelized onions are what make it worth making from scratch.
One thing I’ve learned: make it the day before if you can. I first made this dip on the afternoon of the Super Bowl and served it that night. It was good. Then the next day, what was left was noticeably better — the flavors had time to meld and settle overnight. Now I always plan to make it a day ahead. If that’s not possible, refrigerate it for at least two hours before serving.
This recipe differs from the French Onion Dip on this site, which uses a longer caramelization time and steak sauce for a deeper, more savory flavor. This one is lighter, a little sweeter, and comes together faster.
Check out my Roasted Red Onion Dip as another great option. It’s a delicious twist on the classic, with a rich, smoky flavor from roasted onions!
Ingredients for Vegan Caramelized Onion Dip
Here’s what you’ll need. Exact amounts are in the recipe card below.
- Sweet Yellow Onion – The sweetness of yellow onion is what you want here. It softens and caramelizes beautifully without turning bitter. Vidalia onions are an excellent choice when in season.
- Olive Oil – For caramelizing the onions.
- Vegan Sour Cream and Mayonnaise – The creamy base of the dip.
- Vegan Cream Cheese – Gives the dip its thick, creamy texture. Soften it before mixing so it blends smoothly.
- Garlic Powder – Background seasoning that deepens the savory flavor without competing with the onion.
- Ground Black Pepper and Cayenne – Small amounts of each to round out the flavor without overpowering it.
- Scallions – For freshness and a pop of color before serving.
How to Make Vegan Caramelized Onion Dip
STEP ONE: Caramelize the Onions. Into a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the thinly sliced onions and salt. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 20 minutes, until the onions are light golden brown and softened. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
STEP TWO: Make the Base. In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, cream cheese, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne. Stir until smooth.
STEP THREE: Combine. Fold the cooled onions into the sour cream mixture.
STEP FOUR: Chill. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight. Garnish with scallions and serve chilled.
Storage
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Stir before serving if it has been sitting. This dip does not freeze well.
More Vegan Dip Recipes
- Cilantro Lime Guacamole
- Vegan Stuffed Mushroom Dip
- Vegan Green Chile Artichoke Dip
- Vegan Pub Style Beer Cheese Dip
- Vegan 7-Layer Party Dip
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Vegan Caramelized Onion Dip
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion diced
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup vegan sour cream
- 3/4 cup vegan mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup vegan cream cheese softened
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup scallions optional
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions and kosher salt, and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are light golden brown. Remove from heat and let them cool.
- While the onions are cooling, combine the vegan sour cream, mayonnaise, vegan cream cheese, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne in a medium bowl. Stir until smooth and fully combined.
- Once the onions have cooled, fold them into the creamy mixture. Stir until the onions are evenly distributed.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
- Garnish with sliced scallions and serve cold or room temperature.
Nutrition
This post was updated May 8, 2026.
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