These Vegan Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes are creamy and rich, with sweet caramelized onions adding a special touch. They are a perfect side dish for any meal!
Let’s face it, who can resist a classic side like mashed potatoes, especially when they’re vegan? I love serving them with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for an extra pop of flavor!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes are my go-to for their creamy texture, but Russet potatoes also work. If you’re after something different, try using sweet potatoes for a unique flavor twist!
Onions: Yellow onions are perfect for caramelizing due to their natural sweetness. If you want a milder flavor, you could use shallots instead. Red onions can work too, just note they’ll add a bit more color!
Olive Oil: I use olive oil for caramelizing the onions, but feel free to substitute with coconut oil or vegan butter for added richness. The flavor can change subtly, but it’s still delicious.
Plant-Based Milk: Almond milk is my first choice for its light flavor, but oat or soy milk work well too! Make sure to choose unsweetened varieties for this dish.
Nutritional Yeast: This adds a cheesy flavor, but if you don’t have it, no worries! You can skip it or replace it with a little grated vegan cheese for extra creaminess.
How Do I Get My Onions Perfectly Caramelized?
Caramelized onions can elevate your dish significantly, but they’re all about patience. The key is to cook them slowly to develop that deep, sweet flavor.
- Start on medium-low heat with oil or vegan butter. This allows the onions to soften and release their sugars without burning.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If they start to brown too quickly, lower the heat.
- Cook for about 25-30 minutes until they’re golden brown and soft. If you’re in a hurry, you can sprinkle a little sugar to speed up caramelization!
Getting them just right makes a big difference in flavor, so take your time and enjoy the process! Mixing these flavorful onions into your mashed potatoes will add a depth you won’t forget. Enjoy making this dish!
Vegan Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potatoes:
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (such as almond, oat, or soy)
For the Caramelized Onions:
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegan butter)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Extras:
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional, plus extra for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (optional, for cheesy flavor)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep and around 30-40 minutes of cooking time, making it a perfect side dish to whip up in about an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Potatoes:
Place the peeled and chopped potatoes in a large pot. Cover with cold water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork, about 15-20 minutes.
2. Caramelize the Onions:
While the potatoes are cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions along with a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally and allow the onions to cook slowly for about 25-30 minutes, until they are deeply golden brown and deliciously caramelized. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, stir in the minced garlic, letting it become fragrant.
3. Drain Potatoes:
Once the potatoes are tender, drain them well and return them to the pot, or transfer them to a mixing bowl for mashing.
4. Mash Potatoes:
Using a potato masher or an electric mixer, mash the potatoes until they are smooth and creamy.
5. Add Milk and Seasonings:
Gradually add the plant-based milk to the mashed potatoes while continuing to mash or whip until reaching a creamy consistency. Mix in the nutritional yeast (if using), fresh thyme leaves, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
6. Fold in Caramelized Onions:
Stir most of the caramelized onions into the mashed potatoes, saving a few for garnishing at the end.
7. Serve:
Spoon the creamy mashed potatoes into a serving bowl. Swirl the reserved caramelized onions on top and sprinkle with extra fresh thyme leaves for an elegant touch.
8. Enjoy:
Serve warm and enjoy these delicious Vegan Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes as a fantastic side dish that everyone will love!
This recipe is easily adaptable, so feel free to add your favorite herbs or switch up the cooking fats. The caramelized onions bring such sweet depth that you’ll want to make these mashed potatoes over and over again!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are ideal for their creamy texture, you can also experiment with red potatoes or sweet potatoes for a different flavor and color.
How Can I Make These Mashed Potatoes Creamier?
If you want even creamier mashed potatoes, consider adding a bit of vegan butter or increasing the amount of plant-based milk. You can also try using a splash of vegetable broth for added flavor!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove with a splash of plant-based milk to keep them creamy, or use the microwave, stirring occasionally.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the mashed potatoes a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring in a little plant-based milk to restore creaminess if needed.
