Get ready for some creamy, dreamy mashed potatoes! These Vegan Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes are smooth and rich, with sweet onions cooked to golden perfection.
The best part? They’re totally plant-based, so everyone can enjoy them. I can’t resist sneaking extra spoonfuls—trust me, you’ll want to do the same! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yukon Gold Potatoes: These potatoes are creamy and buttery, making them perfect for mashing. If unavailable, you can use Russet potatoes, which also mash well but may need a bit more liquid to ensure creaminess.
Yellow Onions: They are fantastic for caramelizing due to their sweetness. If you’re looking for a different flavor, try using sweet onions like Vidalia, or even red onions for a slightly sharper taste.
Plant-Based Milk: I recommend almond or oat milk for their creamy texture. If you need a nut-free alternative, soy milk or coconut milk (just a bit) can work great too! Choose unsweetened varieties to keep the flavor balanced.
Vegan Butter: This adds richness to the mashed potatoes. If you want to keep things lighter, you can substitute it with a little extra olive oil or even tahini for a nutty flavor.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Caramelized Onions?
Caramelizing onions takes patience, but it’s worth it for the amazing flavor! Here are my tips:
- Heat the skillet over medium-low heat. Low and slow is the name of the game!
- Use enough oil to coat the onions; too little will cause them to stick.
- Stir occasionally, letting them cook until they turn golden brown—this can take up to 40 minutes, but don’t rush it!
- Adding garlic halfway through prevents it from burning and gives it a nice flavor boost.
Vegan Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Mashed Potatoes:
- 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (such as almond or oat milk), warmed
- 3 tablespoons vegan butter
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For The Caramelized Onions:
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional), plus more for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30-40 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend about 15-20 minutes cooking the potatoes and an additional 30-40 minutes caramelizing the onions. Overall, it’s a deliciously worth-it time investment!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Potatoes:
Place the peeled and cut potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, which should take about 15-20 minutes. When they’re ready, drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
2. Caramelize 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 while stirring occasionally until the onions are a beautiful deep golden brown and caramelized, which will take about 30-40 minutes. Halfway through, add the minced garlic and thyme leaves to kick up the flavor!
3. Mash the Potatoes:
Using a potato masher or ricer, mash the potatoes until they reach your desired smoothness. You want them fluffy and creamy!
4. Add Creaminess:
Stir in the vegan butter, warmed plant-based milk, and the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Mix well until everything is creamy and smooth.
5. Incorporate Caramelized Onions:
Set aside a few tablespoons of caramelized onions for topping later. Stir the rest into the mashed potatoes, mixing well. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
6. Serve:
Spoon the prepared mashed potatoes into a serving bowl. Top with the reserved caramelized onions and sprinkle more fresh thyme leaves over the top for added flavor and a beautiful finish.
7. Enjoy:
Serve these delicious Vegan Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes warm as a comforting side dish. They’re perfect for any meal and will impress everyone—even non-vegans!
These mashed potatoes are a creamy, decadent side dish that you’ll want to make again and again. Enjoy!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
Yes! While Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for their creamy texture, you can use Russet potatoes as an alternative. Just keep in mind that they might require a bit more plant-based milk for the perfect consistency.
Can I Store Leftover Mashed Potatoes?
Absolutely! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of plant-based milk to restore some creaminess!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the mashed potatoes and caramelized onions separately a day in advance. Reheat them together, adding a little extra milk if needed to maintain creaminess.
What Other Add-Ins Can I Use?
If you want to jazz up the flavors, consider adding sautéed mushrooms, nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, or roasted garlic for a deeper taste. Feel free to experiment!
