These Vegan Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes are creamy and packed with flavor! The sweet, golden onions mix perfectly with fluffy potatoes for a delightful side dish.
What’s better than mashed potatoes? Mashed potatoes with caramelized onions, of course! I love serving these at dinner—they always disappear fast! 🥔💖
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yukon Gold Potatoes: They have a buttery texture, perfect for mashing. If you can’t find them, try Russet potatoes, which also mash well but may be a bit fluffier.
Yellow Onions: They turn sweet when caramelized. If you’re in a pinch, red onions can work too, offering a different flavor profile. Just keep an eye on them, as they caramelize faster.
Olive Oil: This is great for cooking the onions. You could substitute it with any neutral oil like canola or avocado oil, but I think olive oil adds a lovely flavor.
Almond Milk: A great dairy-free option! If you have nut allergies, oat milk or soy milk would be excellent alternatives.
Vegan Butter: This adds richness. If you’re avoiding processed vegan butter, coconut oil can work too, but it will give a slight coconut flavor.
How Do You Get Perfectly Caramelized Onions?
Caramelizing onions requires time and patience, but the result is so worth it! Start on medium-low heat and give them a stir every so often to prevent burning.
- In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and add sliced onions with a pinch of salt.
- Cook slowly for 30-40 minutes, allowing them to become beautifully golden. The key here is low heat and slow cooking.
- Add minced garlic toward the end (5 minutes) for extra flavor without burning.
Remember, the longer and slower, the better! Keep stirring and enjoy the delightful smell as they caramelize. You won’t regret the wait! 🍽️
Vegan Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
- 1/4 cup vegan butter
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (plus extra for garnish)
For the Caramelized Onions:
- 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep and around 40 minutes to cook. You’ll need about 30-40 minutes to caramelize the onions and 15-20 minutes to boil and mash the potatoes. So all in all, you’re looking at about an hour for a delicious side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Caramelize the Onions:
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-low heat. Add in the thinly sliced onions along with a pinch of salt. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally. You want these to become golden brown and sweetly caramelized—this should take around 30-40 minutes. For the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the minced garlic for extra flavor, then set aside.
2. Cook the Potatoes:
While the onions are caramelizing, place the peeled and quartered Yukon Gold potatoes in a large pot. Cover them with cold water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let them simmer until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes well once they’re cooked.
3. Mash the Potatoes:
Return the drained potatoes to the pot or put them in a large mixing bowl. Pour in the almond milk, add the vegan butter, the last tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Mash everything together with a potato masher or an electric mixer until you reach your desired creaminess!
4. Combine:
Gently fold the caramelized onions and fresh thyme into the mashed potatoes. If you’d like, save a few onions and thyme leaves for garnishing your dish later.
5. Serve:
Transfer your delicious mashed potatoes to a serving bowl and top with the reserved caramelized onions, extra thyme leaves, and if desired, a sprig of rosemary for a beautiful finish!
6. Enjoy:
Your Vegan Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes are now ready to serve warm! They make a perfect side dish for all types of meals, from cozy weeknight dinners to special holiday gatherings.
Enjoy the delightful flavors and creamy texture of these mashed potatoes—I’m sure they’ll be a hit!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
Yes, while Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for their creamy texture, you can use Russet potatoes as a substitute. Keep in mind that Russets may produce fluffier mashed potatoes, but they’ll still taste great!
How Can I Make These Mashed Potatoes Creamier?
If you want to enhance the creaminess, simply add more plant-based milk or vegan butter while mashing. Start with a little, then add more until you reach your preferred consistency. You can also use cashew cream for an extra rich texture!
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Absolutely! You can make the caramelized onions and mash the potatoes in advance. Store them separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the mashed potatoes and fold in the onions right before serving for best results.
How Do I Store Leftover Mashed Potatoes?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of plant-based milk to restore creaminess!
