These Vegan Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes are creamy and full of flavor! Soft potatoes come together with sweet, caramelized onions for a delightful twist on a classic dish.
Making these potatoes is a breeze! I love how the onions add a touch of sweetness, making every bite extra tasty. Perfect for cozy dinners or any meal that needs a little love! 🥔❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yukon Gold Potatoes: These are my favorite choice! They have a creamy texture that makes for smooth mashed potatoes. If you can’t find them, Russet potatoes work well too, but they can be a bit starchier.
Onions: Yellow onions are best for caramelizing due to their sweetness. If you want a bit of a kick, try using red onions instead—they’ll add a beautiful color too!
Olive Oil or Vegan Butter: Both give your potatoes rich flavor. For a nutty taste, you could use coconut oil, but it might change the overall flavor slightly.
Plant-Based Milk: Unsweetened almond milk is great for a mild flavor. Soy milk or oat milk are also good alternatives to keep the creaminess without added sweetness.
Apple Cider Vinegar or Lemon Juice: This is optional but adds a nice zesty touch to balance the sweetness of the onions. If you don’t have these, a splash of white wine vinegar works too.
How Do I Get Perfectly Caramelized Onions?
Caramelizing onions is key for this recipe! It brings out their natural sweetness and adds layers of flavor. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with a clean, dry skillet and a drizzle of olive oil or vegan butter over medium-low heat.
- Add your sliced onions and stir to coat them in fat.
- Cook the onions slowly. Patience is key! Stir occasionally and keep the heat low to avoid burning, cooking them for about 25-30 minutes until they’re deeply golden.
- If you’re adding garlic, toss it in during the last few minutes so it just softens without burning.
- Once done, you should have sweet and thick caramelized onions that will elevate your mashed potatoes!
Remember, the longer you cook the onions, the more caramelized they’ll become, so don’t rush it!
Vegan Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or other plant-based milk), warmed
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For The Caramelized Onions:
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or vegan butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
For Flavor:
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (optional, for brightening)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare the potatoes, plus another 25-30 minutes for caramelizing the onions. In total, you’re looking at around 50 minutes from start to finish. It’s well worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potatoes:
Start by placing the peeled and chopped Yukon Gold potatoes into a large pot. Cover them with cold water and sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of salt. Bring the pot to a boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook the potatoes until they’re fork-tender, which should take about 15 to 20 minutes.
2. Caramelize the Onions:
While the potatoes are cooking, take a large skillet and heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil or vegan butter over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions to the skillet and give them a good stir. Cook them slowly, stirring frequently, for about 25 to 30 minutes. This patiently caramelizes the onions until they turn golden brown and sweet. If you choose to use garlic, add it in the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
3. Mash the Potatoes:
Once the potatoes are tender, drain them well and transfer them back to the pot. Using a potato masher or a hand mixer on low speed, start mashing the potatoes until they’re creamy and smooth. Gradually pour in the warmed almond milk while mashing until you reach your desired consistency.
4. Combine All Flavors:
Now it’s time to fold in those delicious caramelized onions (save a few for garnishing!), fresh thyme leaves, black pepper, and if you’re using it, the apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. Mix everything together until well combined, and taste to adjust the salt as needed.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer your creamy vegan mashed potatoes to a serving bowl. Drizzle the reserved caramelized onions on top and garnish with a few fresh thyme sprigs. Serve warm and enjoy this comforting and flavorful dish at your next meal!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While Yukon Gold potatoes are perfect for their creaminess, you can also use Russet potatoes for a fluffier texture. Just keep in mind that they might require a bit more mashing to achieve the same creaminess.
What If I Don’t Have Almond Milk?
No problem! You can substitute almond milk with any other unsweetened plant-based milk such as soy, oat, or coconut milk. Just be sure to choose one that fits your taste preferences!
How Do I Store Leftover Mashed Potatoes?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently on the stove with a splash of milk to help restore their creamy texture, or use the microwave, stirring occasionally.
Can I Make These Mashed Potatoes Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the mashed potatoes and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. For the best results, reheat them on the stove with a little added plant-based milk and stir until heated through.
