These vegan caramelized onion mashed potatoes are creamy and full of flavor! The sweet, golden onions give a tasty twist to classic mashed potatoes, making them a hit at any meal!
I love how simple they are to whip up—just mash, mix, and you’re done! Pair them with your favorite veggies or main dish, and watch everyone come back for more! 🥔✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yukon Gold Potatoes: These potatoes are perfect for mashing due to their creamy texture. You can also use Russet potatoes if that’s what you have. They’ll give you a fluffier mash!
Yellow Onions: Sweet and caramelize beautifully, making them ideal for this recipe. If you prefer milder onions, you could use sweet onions, like Vidalia, for a similar flavor.
Olive Oil: Used for caramelizing the onions, olive oil adds flavor. You can swap it for coconut oil, but note that it will add a slight sweetness to the dish.
Almond Milk: This simple non-dairy milk works great for a creamy texture. If you don’t have almond milk, soy milk or oat milk are excellent alternatives!
Vegan Butter: Adds richness to the mashed potatoes. If you prefer, you can use olive oil or even a bit of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
How Do I Caramelize Onions Perfectly?
Caramelizing onions takes time, but it’s worth the effort! Follow these steps for sweet, rich onions every time:
- Heat the oil in a skillet over low heat. This allows the onions to cook slowly without burning.
- Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. The salt draws moisture out, helping them soften.
- Cook gently, stirring occasionally, for about 25-30 minutes. Be patient—this slow cooking develops their natural sweetness!
- In the last few minutes, add garlic and thyme for extra flavor.
Trust me, this step elevates your mashed potatoes to a whole new level!
Vegan Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or other plant-based milk)
- 3 tbsp vegan butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, plus extra for garnish
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
For the Caramelized Onions:
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare (cutting, chopping, and measuring), with an additional 25-30 minutes to cook the onions to golden perfection. The total time is around 45-50 minutes, giving you creamy mashed potatoes filled with rich, caramelized onion goodness!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Potatoes:
Start by placing the peeled and chopped Yukon Gold potatoes in a large pot. Cover the potatoes with cold water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, cook the potatoes until they are tender when pierced with a fork, which will take about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes well and set them aside.
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 thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt to the skillet, stirring to coat them. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn deeply golden brown and caramelized, which should take about 25-30 minutes. Make sure to stir often to prevent burning. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the minced garlic and fresh thyme leaves for extra flavor. Once done, remove the skillet from heat and set the onions aside.
3. Mashing the Potatoes:
Now, return the drained potatoes to the pot or place them in a large mixing bowl. Add the vegan butter and start mashing the potatoes with a potato masher or fork until they are mostly smooth. If you like them chunkier, feel free to stop mashing when you reach your desired texture.
4. Adding Creaminess:
Warm the almond milk slightly in the microwave or on the stovetop. Gradually add the warm milk to the mashed potatoes, continuing to mash and stir until you achieve a creamy consistency that you like.
5. Mixing in the Onions:
Fold in half of the caramelized onions into the mashed potatoes. Reserve the other half for topping. Give the mixture a taste and season generously with salt and black pepper to suit your preference.
6. Serving:
Transfer the creamy mashed potatoes to a serving bowl. Swirl the remaining caramelized onions on top and garnish with extra thyme leaves for a lovely presentation. Serve warm and delight in your flavorful vegan caramelized onion mashed potatoes!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes for This Recipe?
Yes! While Yukon Gold potatoes provide a creamy texture, you can use Russet potatoes for a fluffier mash. Just note that they may need a little extra milk to achieve your desired consistency.
Is There a Way to Make This Dish Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses only potatoes and plant-based ingredients. Just check that your vegan butter and plant-based milk are gluten-free to ensure the whole dish remains so!
How Long Can I Store Leftover Mashed Potatoes?
Leftover mashed potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of plant-based milk and warm them gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the mashed potatoes and caramelized onions ahead of time! Just keep them separate and assemble when ready to serve. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a bit of extra milk if needed to restore creaminess.
