This Caramelized Onion Dip is a party favorite that never disappoints. The rich, golden caramelized onions add a deep, sweet flavor that takes this dip to the next level. It’s creamy, savory, and perfect for serving with chips, crackers, or even fresh veggies.
Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a casual game night, this dip is sure to be a crowd-pleaser because, honestly, who doesn’t love caramelized onions?
📖 Recipe
Caramelized Onion Dip
A rich and indulgent dip featuring sweet, caramelized onions combined with creamy spreads. Perfect for parties or a cozy night in, this dip is a crowd-pleaser. The caramelized onions add a depth of flavor, while the creamy base provides a smooth and satisfying texture. Serve with your favorite chips or crackers for a delicious appetizer.
Ingredients
- 2 yellow onions
- 4 oz cream cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon chives, sliced
- ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
Notes
- Begin by peeling and thinly slicing the onions.
- Melt the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and stir occasionally. Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue cooking until the onions are soft, golden brown, and caramelized. This process may take 20-25 minutes.
- In a food processor, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper. Process until smooth.
- Once the caramelized onions have cooled for 5 minutes, add them to the food processor and pulse to combine.
- Serve the dip immediately with your favorite chips.
Ingredients
- Yellow onions: The star of the recipe, adding sweetness and depth when caramelized.
- Cream cheese: Gives the dip a creamy, velvety base.
- Sour cream: Adds tanginess to balance the rich onions.
- Mayonnaise: Adds a silky texture and a slight sweetness.
- Unsalted butter: Essential for caramelizing the onions to perfection.
- Chives: A fresh, mild onion flavor for garnish.
- Salt and black pepper: Enhances all the flavors—adjust to your taste.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Caramelized Onion Dip
Begin by peeling and thinly slicing the onions.
Melt the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and stir occasionally. Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue cooking until the onions are soft, golden brown, and caramelized. This process may take 20-25 minutes.
In a food processor, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper. Process until smooth.
Once the caramelized onions have cooled for 5 minutes, add them to the food processor and pulse to combine.
Serve the dip immediately with your favorite chips.
Hint: for the best caramelized onions, don’t rush the process. Keep the heat low and stir occasionally to let the natural sugars develop that golden-brown color and sweet flavor.
Substitutions & Variations
- Add cheese: Stir in shredded Gruyère or Parmesan for an extra savory kick.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
- Lighten it up: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a healthier version.
💭Crucial Success Tips
Let the onions cool slightly before adding them to the food processor—this helps keep the dip smooth and prevents it from becoming too runny.
FAQ
Absolutely! It can be made a day in advance. Store it in the fridge and let it come to room temperature before serving.
It’s fantastic with chips, but also try it with toasted baguette slices, crackers, or fresh vegetables like carrots and celery.
Yes, but the flavor will be slightly different—red onions are less sweet and have a bit more bite.
How to Store Caramelized Onion Dip
Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir it well before serving to refresh the texture.
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