This homemade caramelized onion dip is a creamy, sweet, and savory party classic that's made by combining golden and jammy onions into a mixture of sour cream, cream cheese, and garlic powder. Serve it with chips, crackers, or veggies for an easy appetizer. You can make it ahead of time, and it tastes even better the next day.
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As we approach the holiday season, it's all about party appetizers and cookies in my book. This dip with imitation crab is a fan favorite, as is this dip with roasted eggplant.
But this caramelized french onion dip is a new favorite that I will be bringing to every holiday gathering this year. Enjoy!
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⭐️ Why This Homemade French Onion Dip is the Best
- Sweet, savory, and creamy appetizer or snack that can be paired with crackers, chips, or veggies
- Homemade party classic that's easy to make with just 5 minutes of prep time and 7 pantry-friendly ingredients
- Customizable onion chip dip that can be made dairy-free/vegan
- Make-ahead instructions provided
💬 How to Caramelize Onions?
Caramelizing onions requires patience. Plan to give yourself around 60 minutes to get beautifully golden and jammy caramelized onions.
The key is to go low and slow. We're not frying the onions, but instead slowly softening them, browning their natural sugars, and making them super tender.
If you love caramelized onions, be sure to try my grilled cheese with caramelized onions!
🧅 Onion Dip Recipe Ingredients
- Yellow onions: You can also use white onions, red onions, or shallots for a similar flavor. Slice them as thinly as possible, or use a mandoline.
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt: Adds creaminess and tangy flavor.
- Cream cheese: Be sure to soften your cream cheese for easier mixing.
- Garlic powder: Adds deeper flavor and complements the sweet onions.
- White wine vinegar: Adds a bit of zippy flavor, and cuts through the richness.
📝 Dip Substitutions
- Dairy-free dip/vegan dip: Substitute with vegan sour cream/yogurt and vegan mayonnaise for a dairy-free version.
🔪 How to Make Onion Dip
* See recipe card below for printable instructions.
Peel and thinly slice the onions.
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, sprinkle with salt and sugar, and cook for 15 minutes, stirring frequently. Pour in wine or vinegar, drop the heat down to low, and continue cooking for another 30-45 minutes, until onions are golden brown and softened.
While the onions are cooking, whisk together sour cream and cream cheese in a medium bowl until well combined. Set aside.
Transfer onions to a large cutting board and coarsely chop (this will make for easier scooping and eating).
Add onions to cream cheese mixture, and stir to combine. Give it a taste, and if you want deeper flavor, add a few drops of soy sauce. Season to taste with salt and pepper. You can serve dip while it's still warm, or chill it in the fridge. It actually tastes better the longer it sits!
👩🏼🍳 Expert Tips
- Storage: Cover dip and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Make ahead: You can caramelize the onions ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge (covered) for up to 48 hours.
- Go low and slow. They key to getting sweet, tender, and golden caramelized onions is to cook them slowly over low heat for around 45-60 minutes.
🍽️ How to Serve Onion Dip with Caramelized Onions
- Serve your dip with potato chips, pretzels, or crackers
- For a healthier appetizer or snack, pair your dip with sliced veggies
- Spread a little dip onto a focaccia sandwich for added richness
🥣 More Dip Recipes
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Caramelized Onion Dip Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 medium yellow onions
- 2 Tablespoons salted butter
- 1 teaspoon each of salt and sugar
- 2 Tablespoons white wine or white wine vinegar
- 1 cup sour cream
- 6 ounces (¾ cup) cream cheese, softened
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- dash of soy sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Peel and thinly slice the onions.
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, sprinkle with salt and sugar, and cook for 15 minutes, stirring frequently. Pour in wine or vinegar, drop the heat down to low, and continue cooking for another 30-45 minutes, until onions are golden brown and softened.
- While the onions are cooking, whisk together sour cream and cream cheese in a medium bowl until well combined. Set aside.
- Transfer onions to a large cutting board and coarsely chop (this will make for easier scooping and eating).
- Add onions to cream cheese mixture, and stir to combine. Give it a taste, and if you want deeper flavor, add a few drops of soy sauce. Season to taste with salt and pepper. You can serve dip while it's still warm, or chill it in the fridge.
Notes
-
- Storage: Cover dip and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
-
- Make ahead: You can caramelize the onions ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge (covered) for up to 48 hours.
-
- Go low and slow. They key to getting sweet, tender, and golden caramelized onions is to cook them slowly over low heat for around 45-60 minutes.
Barb says
Great dip to try for the upcoming holidays!
MaryAnne says
Yes, it's perfect for holiday parties!