These Vegan Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes are creamy, dreamy, and packed with flavor! With sweet, golden onions mixed right in, they bring a delightful twist to your meal.
Honestly, who can resist a mountain of mashed potatoes? Adding caramelized onions makes them extra special—perfect for cozy dinners or when you want to impress guests!
I love making these on weekends. They’re easy to whip up and make leftovers taste even better when heated up. Plus, they pair perfectly with veggies or your favorite vegan dish!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yukon Gold Potatoes: These potatoes are perfect for mashing due to their creamy texture. If you can’t find them, Russet potatoes work well too, but they may require a bit more milk for creaminess.
Yellow Onions: They’re ideal for caramelizing since they become sweet and soft. If you’re out of yellow onions, red onions can also add a nice touch, though they’ll bring a different flavor.
Olive Oil: I use olive oil for cooking the onions, but you can substitute it with avocado oil or vegan butter for a richer flavor. Pick what you have on hand!
Plant-Based Milk: Any unsweetened plant milk works. Almond, soy, or oat are great choices. If you need a nut-free option, soy or oat milk are your best bets.
Vegan Butter: This adds richness to the mashed potatoes. If you prefer a healthier option, you can skip it or use a little more olive oil instead.
How Can I Get My Onions Perfectly Caramelized?
Caramelizing onions takes patience but is worth it! Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with a skillet over medium-low heat. This allows the onions to cook slowly without burning.
- Add olive oil and sliced onions, plus a pinch of salt. Stir them gently every few minutes.
- Cook for about 30-40 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown. If they stick, add a little water to deglaze the pan!
- In the last 5 minutes, toss in the garlic and thyme for added flavor.
Keep an eye on them and enjoy the aroma as they caramelize. Patience here pays off big time!
Vegan Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potatoes:
- 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
For the Caramelized Onions:
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (plus extra for garnish)
For the Creaminess:
- 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (such as almond, soy, or oat)
- 3 tablespoons vegan butter or margarine
Seasoning:
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare the potatoes, along with an additional 30-40 minutes to caramelize the onions for a total of around 50-60 minutes. It’s a bit of a labor of love, but totally worth it for those creamy, flavorful mashed potatoes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Potatoes:
Start by placing the peeled and cut potatoes into a large pot, then cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt to the water for flavor. Bring the pot to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, lower the heat to medium and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender—test them with a fork! This should take about 15-20 minutes. Once done, drain them well.
2. Caramelize the Onions:
While your potatoes are cooking, grab a large skillet and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions along with a pinch of salt. Let them cook slowly, stirring occasionally. You want them to turn a deep golden brown, which will take about 30-40 minutes. When they’re nearly done, add the minced garlic and thyme leaves in the last 5 minutes, then take them off the heat.
3. Combine Milk and Butter:
In a small saucepan or a microwave-safe bowl, gently warm the plant-based milk with the vegan butter until it’s melted and warm but not boiling. This will make it easier to mix into the potatoes.
4. Mash the Potatoes:
Return the drained potatoes back to the pot or put them in a large mixing bowl. Use a potato masher or ricer to mash until smooth. Start pouring in your warm milk and vegan butter mixture slowly, stirring as you go until you reach your desired level of creaminess.
5. Mix in the Onions:
Gently fold in most of the caramelized onions into the mashed potatoes, saving some for the top. Taste your dish and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. This is where you can really make it perfect for your tastes!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer your delicious mashed potatoes to a serving bowl. Top with the reserved caramelized onions and add some fresh thyme sprigs for a lovely garnish. Enjoy warm and delight in the rich, sweet, savory flavor!
These Vegan Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes are perfect not just as a side dish but as a star in any meal!
Can I Use Different Potatoes for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for their creamy texture, Russet potatoes can also work. Just be mindful that Russets may require a bit more plant-based milk to achieve the desired creaminess.
How Do I Store Leftover Mashed Potatoes?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm gently in a saucepan with a splash of plant-based milk or water, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Can I Prep the Onions in Advance?
Yes! You can caramelize the onions a day ahead and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Just reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat before mixing them into the mashed potatoes!
What Can I Serve with These Mashed Potatoes?
These mashed potatoes pair wonderfully with a variety of dishes! Consider serving them alongside roasted vegetables, vegan gravy, or your favorite plant-based protein like lentil loaf or grilled tofu for a complete meal.
