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Home » Vegan » Warm Caramelized Onion Bacon Dip

Warm Caramelized Onion Bacon Dip

Last Updated July 11, 2019. Originally Posted December 17, 2018 By Kristina Sloggett 16 Comments

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this vegan Warm Caramelized Onion Bacon Dip has been our go to appetizer for years! everyone loves it and it will quickly become your favorite, too.

 

Warm Caramelized Onion Bacon Dip @spabettie #vegan #glutenfree #appetizers #comfortfood #gameday

Vegan Caramelized Onion Bacon Dip

Just in time for holiday parties, game day, and this coming Tuesday, I am bringing you my favorite dip!

I wish I was actually bringing it to you, that is how much I know you’ll love this dip. This has been a go to appetizer for years, based on a cheese and mayonnaise based classic from way back in the day.

This one is packed with veggies and cashews and my signature ingredient for bringing that cheesy tangy goodness. 

Then it is topped with onions.

Oh yum.

Warm Caramelized Onion Bacon Dip @spabettie #vegan #glutenfree #appetizers #comfortfood #gameday

Bacon Substitutes

Did you know that those old school salad topper Bacon Bits are vegan?! 

I found that out quite a while ago now, but I remember just being amazed. This was years before homemade vegan bacon methods came about.

Still. 

I use those old school bacon bits in this dip. They are crunchy. They are salty bacony GOOD.

If for whatever reason you’d rather not, I get it. Use tempeh bacon bits. Even Shiitake Bacon, because that’s good too. I do not recommend that rice paper bacon for this dip, though – it gets weird.

Yep. I’ve tried it. Trust my experience on this one.

How To Caramelize Onions. photo of golden brown onion slices in a skillet

How To Caramelize Onions

To achieve the glorious deliciousness that is a caramelized onion, you mostly need patience. That’s about it. Get yourself a skillet, one large yellow onion, butter, salt, and patience.

Try to find a large skillet so the onions have space to sizzle in a single layer. 

Slice the onion in half, then in half moon slices.

I use tongs to pick up and flip the onions as they cook, so they caramelize evenly.

…and then just watch the onions cook. and wait.

I am often doing other prep work or cooking while caramelizing onions. Something else that doesn’t require constant work – like chopping or mixing. Something that I can stop while I take a minute to stir the onions as they cook.

As an example – you can prep the ingredients for this dip while the onions caramelize!

I cannot wait for you to make this dip.

See the recipe below for full details about how to caramelize onions.

Warm Caramelized Onion Bacon Dip @spabettie #vegan #glutenfree #appetizers #comfortfood #gameday

 

More Dip Recipes:

Vegan Buffalo Chicken Dip

Spicy Chipotle Kabocha Dip

Tasty High Protein Enchilada Dip

Cool Dill Pickle Dip In A Bread Bowl

Spinach Dip

Rich Thai Dip

Green Goodness Dressing & Dip

Whipped Lentil Chipotle Dip

Bright Lemon Pickled Beet Hummus

Roasted Red Pepper Goat Cheese Dip

 

Warm Caramelized Onion Bacon Dip @spabettie #vegan #glutenfree #appetizers #comfortfood #gameday

 

Warm Caramelized Onion Bacon Dip @spabettie #vegan #glutenfree #appetizers #comfortfood #gameday

once you make this, you’ll get it.

 

 

 

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Yield: 3 cups / 9 servings

Warm Caramelized Onion Bacon Dip

Warm Caramelized Onion Bacon Dip @spabettie #vegan #glutenfree #appetizers #comfortfood #gameday

this Warm Caramelized Onion Bacon Dip has been our go to appetizer for years! everyone loves it and it will quickly become your favorite, too.

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 head cauliflower, peeled, stemmed and chopped
  • 1 cube vegetable boullion (gluten free)
  • 12 ounces sauerkraut brine (1 1/2 cups)
  • 3/4 cup sauerkraut
  • 1/3 cup raw cashews, soaked
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 1/3 cup nutritional yeast
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 recipe (1 cup) Caramelized Onions
  • 2-3 tablespoons Vegan Bacon Bits or Shiitake Bacon, plus more for garnish
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

  1. Caramelize onions ahead of this recipe. (Prep ingredients and begin this dip recipe as you watch over the caramelization of the onions.)
  2. Place chopped cauliflower in large stock pot with the vegetable bouillon. Add enough water to completely cover cauliflower and then some – an inch or two over. Bring to boil, reduce to simmer. Continue at a simmer for 6-8 minutes, or until cauliflower is tender. Drain immediately and set aside to cool.
  3. In a blender, combine sauerkraut brine, sauerkraut, cashews, garlic, nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, and sea salt. Blend at highest speed until completely smooth.
  4. (At this point, the consistency will be thin. It thickens when you add the cauliflower, and if you like a thinner queso, you may want to reserve the cauliflower water to add in, a tablespoon at a time, to reach desired consistency.)
  5. Add cooled cauliflower and blend until completely smooth. Add additional water to thin as needed. (I sometimes add dry vermouth instead of water to this recipe.)
  6. Transfer dip to saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally as dip warms through - a few minutes. Add most of the caramelized onions (3/4 cup or so) and bacon bits.
  7. Transfer to serving bowl. Garnish with more caramelized onion, bacon bits. Serve warm with fresh veggies, bread, crackers.
  8. Store leftovers in refrigerator in covered container. Best used within 3-4 days.

Notes

dairy, egg, and gluten free, vegan

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

  • Better Than Bouillon Organic Vegetable Base 16 Oz, Reduced Sodium
    Better Than Bouillon Organic Vegetable Base 16 Oz, Reduced Sodium
  • Organic Raw Whole Cashews, 32 oz
    Organic Raw Whole Cashews, 32 oz
  • Nutritional Yeast Flakes, 10-Ounce
    Nutritional Yeast Flakes, 10-Ounce
  • Smoked Paprika
    Smoked Paprika
  • McCormick Imitation Bacon Bits, 4.4 oz
    McCormick Imitation Bacon Bits, 4.4 oz

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

9

Serving Size:

1/3 cup

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 118Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 6mgSodium: 561mgCarbohydrates: 12gFiber: 5gSugar: 4gProtein: 7g

nutrition calculations results vary by calculator, are for informational purposes only, and are not intended to replace medical advice or treatment.

© Kristina Sloggett
Cuisine: American / Category: Appetizers
Yield: 1 cup

How To Caramelize Onions

How To Caramelize Onions @spabettie #howto #tutorial

To achieve the glorious deliciousness that is a caramelized onion, you mostly need patience. That's about it. Get yourself a skillet, one large yellow onion, butter, salt, and patience.

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons dairy free butter or olive oil
  • 2 large yellow onions
  • 1 tablespoon sea salt

Instructions

  1. Peel onions. Slice each onion in half from the top, then slice each half onion into half rounds.
  2. In large skillet over medium heat, melt butter.
  3. Add sliced onions to melted butter, keeping heat at medium to medium low.
  4. Sprinkle with sea salt. Stir to coat the onions with melted butter. Arrange onion slices in an even layer, covering the entire surface of the skillet. Stir occasionally as the onions cook, 15 to 20 minutes.
  5. Add water by the tablespoon as needed.
  6. (Depending on the onion, sometimes they dry out faster than other times - I do not always need to add water if the onions are not drying.)
  7. Continue to stir occasionally and cook over medium to medium low heat, until onions reach a deep caramel color. This process generally takes 25 to 30 minutes - you can caramelize onions as you are prepping another dish (like the ingredients for this dip).
  8. Use this recipe for this Warm Caramelized Onion Bacon Dip, or cool completely and store covered in refrigerator. Add to sandwiches and all sorts of recipes, use within 3 days.


Notes

dairy, egg, soy and gluten free, vegan

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

8

Serving Size:

2 tablespoons

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 67Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 238mgCarbohydrates: 3gFiber: 0gSugar: 2gProtein: 0g

nutrition calculations results vary by calculator, are for informational purposes only, and are not intended to replace medical advice or treatment.

© Kristina Sloggett
Cuisine: American / Category: Appetizers
 

 

about Kristina:

spabettieKristina is spabettie! She found cooking at an early age, and created spabettie in 2010 to share vegan recipes. Kristina turned her culinary training into sharing vibrant vegan food!  Read more…

 

 

 

 

 

 

spabettie / Kristina Sloggett is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

 

 

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Filed Under: Appetizers, Game Day, Gluten Free, Happy Hour at Home, holiday, Meatless Monday, recipes, Vegan, Vegan MoFo

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Comments

  1. Kortney says

    December 28, 2018 at 4:11 am

    Oh man this sounds so good. I could so see this going down as a hit with my family.

    Reply
  2. Susan says

    December 19, 2018 at 7:37 pm

    Wow. Wow wow wow. This looks amazing!

    Reply
  3. Erin @ Platings and Pairings says

    December 19, 2018 at 9:06 am

    This looks like the most delicious of holiday appetizers! I love a warm dip!

    Reply
  4. Melissa says

    December 18, 2018 at 2:33 pm

    you had me at bacon! and caramelized onions are a huge hit with my family. I’m so looking forward to trying this warm appie this winter. Thanks for your creativeness!

    Reply
  5. Marlynn | Urban Bliss Life says

    December 18, 2018 at 1:19 pm

    Wait: old school bacon bits are vegan? Say what?! I had no idea! This looks so rich and creamy, without all the usual junk that is found in onion dip. I’m always looking for more dairy-free dip options, and can’t wait to try this one!

    Reply
  6. Amanda says

    December 18, 2018 at 1:02 pm

    This looks so tasty! I love a good dip for parties and festivities this time of year

    Reply
  7. Catherine @ To & Fro Fam says

    December 18, 2018 at 12:05 pm

    WHAT how is this even vegan?! I’m not vegan nowadays but love vegan recipes particularly for recipes like this that are usually filled with such crap. Great recipe!

    Reply

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welcome! I’m Kristina

I am a voracious reader and chickpea eater. also known as spabettie.

using my extensive culinary training and work in the industry, I have been creating vegan recipes for more than a decade.

at spabettie, you will find easy and appealing plant based recipes - vegan, gluten free, and full of vibrant flavor.
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