Treat yourself to this decadent Caramelized Onion Dip! This crowd-pleasing appetizer is easy to make and so delicious. Pair this homemade Sour Cream and Onion Dip with chips, veggies, and a festive drink, and you have a party!
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Ginnie's Take
I love foods that brings back happy memories, and one of my favorites is French Onion Dip. You know, the kind that's made with a packet! That simple dip was a family staple and showed up at every party. While I still like it, I prefer to skip mixes these days. So when I had a craving recently, I decided to my own version of Caramelized Onion Dip from scratch. And this tasty recipe is the result ... if you're anything like me, you'll find this creamy, dreamy dip impossible to resist!
Why You'll Love this Recipe
- Crave-Worthy Flavor - This homemade Caramelized Onion Dip has all the mouthwatering flavors you couldn't resist in that old favorite, but it's made using simple, straightforward ingredients! The star of this creamy dip is the sweet onions, which are so delicious and tender that they practically melt in your mouth.
- Easy to Make - Caramelized onions are much easier to make than you'd think ... you just need a little patience! And once you mix them with a little cream cheese and sour cream (plus a few other ingredients), and you have the most decadent and irresistible dip imaginable.
- Perfect for Parties + Snacks - Pair this easy recipe with your favorite chips and veggies for dipping, and you have a delicious party appetizer that no one can resist!
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Ingredients
This yummy recipe uses simple, easy to find ingredients! Here's what you'll need:
- Onions - Of course, the onions are the star of the show here, and you'll need two large onions. I typically use yellow or white, but red will work, too. You'll also mix two minced green onions into the finished dip, which adds a fresh flavor.
- Shallots - This recipe also calls for fresh shallots, which are sweeter and milder tasting than onions, with a hint of garlic. They add another layer of flavor.
- Garlic - For even more flavor, you'll add some garlic to the onions just as they finish cooking. Make sure to use fresh garlic for the best results.
- Olive Oil - You'll cook the onions, shallots, and garlic in extra virgin olive oil.
- Cream Cheese - Rich cream cheese forms the base of the dip, along with the sour cream. Use full fat for best results.
- Sour Cream - The sour cream pairs wonderfully with the cream cheese, and it gives the finished dip a little tang.
- Hot Sauce - A dash of hot sauce is an optional, but delicious, addition. It gives the finished dip a little pop of flavor without making it spicy.
- Salt + Pepper - You'll use salt (I recommend using kosher salt) and pepper to season the recipe.
You'll Also Need
You'll need a large frying pan to cook the onions (this nonstick skillet is my favorite), as well as a sharp knife and cutting board to prep the ingredients, and a medium bowl to mix everything together.
How to Make Caramelized Onion Dip
Let's talk about how to make this homemade Sour Cream and Onion Dip recipe! You'll find a detailed recipe card below, but here's an overview of the steps:
- Prep the onions + shallots. Start by slicing your onions thin, about ¼-inch or less. Caramelized onions need to cook slowly ... you can't rush them. The thinner you slice the onions, the sooner they'll be ready. You'll also slice the shallots, which cook faster than onions, about twice as thick.
- Caramelize the onions. Cook the onions and shallots in olive oil over medium heat, seasoning them lightly with a little salt and pepper (the salt helps draws out the onion's juices, which speed up the process a bit). Once the onions soften and start to brown, turn down the heat a notch and add an occasional splash of water, which will keep them nice and juicy. The onions are ready once they turn a deep, rich brown and have a soft, jammy texture. At this point, you'll add a couple garlic cloves for even more flavor. Tip: Caramelized onions are simple to make, but they do take time. Plan on spending about 45 to 60 minutes cooking the onions. You can really rush the process.
- Mix dip ingredients together. Let your onions cool a bit, then combine them with the cream cheese, sour cream, green onions, and a dash of hot sauce. Give everything a good stir, season to taste, and enjoy!
Wasn't that simple? This Caramelized Onion Dip is sure to impress your guests at any party. It's one of those recipes where you simply can't stop at just one bite!
Serving Suggestions
This homemade French Onion Dip goes so well with crunchy potato chips ... the combination of creamy, sweet, and salty flavors can't be beat! Look for thicker kettle-cooked chips that will stand up to the thick dip.
The dip would be tasty paired with these yummy Herb Parmesan Crackers, crispy Crostini, or Baked Pita Chips, too. And of course, you can serve this dip with your fave fresh veggies, such as grape tomatoes, sliced bell pepper, cucumbers, pea pods, carrots.
Storage
If you have any leftover homemade French Onion Dip, store it in an airtight container in your refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for three to four days. And feel free to make the dip a day in advance if you're having a party!
Related Recipes
If you enjoyed this yummy dip, here are some other appetizer recipes to try next:
- This homemade Dill Dip is another classic recipe you won't be able to resist.
- Need to use up a bunch of fresh herbs? Then you have to try this amazing Green Goddess Dip!
- This Beau Monde Seasoning Dip is a total crowd pleaser that couldn't be easier to make.
- Craving something hot and cheesy? You'll love this flavorful Baked Black Bean Dip!
- Make this tasty Ricotta Blue Cheese Spread in minutes for an easy, but mouthwatering snack.
- Throw this Black Bean and Corn Salsa in a snap, then watch it disappear just as quickly!
- This Lemon Artichoke Spread has a wonderful creamy texture and tasty flavor you'll love.
- Learn how to make the BEST Hummus! This is my go-to recipe, and it includes tons of tips and variations!
- This Mexican Baked Spinach Dip is a fun and flavor-packed twist on a party favorite.
- Your guests will love this elegant Whipped Goat Cheese Dip, and it so simple to make!
Caramelized Onion Dip
Ingredients
- 2 large onions (yellow, white, or red)
- 2 large shallots
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 large cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (8-ounce / 227 grams) package cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 large green onions, minced (green parts only)
- dash hot sauce, optional
- kosher salt
- pepper
Equipment
Instructions
- Slice onions in half lengthwise, then slice in half vertically again (keeping root end in tact). Thinly slice about ¼-inch thick. Halve shallots lengthwise, then slice twice as thick as onions (about ½-inch thick).
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add onions and shallots to pan. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Cook onions and shallots, stirring every 5 to 10 minutes, until carmelized (they should be deep brown, soft, and have a jammy texture when done). If onions become dry, start to cook too fast, or start to stick, reduce the heat and / or add a splash of water (about 1 tablespoon). It should take about 45 to 60 minutes total.
- Stir in garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Remove onions from heat, then season to taste with salt and pepper. Set aside and let cool slightly.
- Mix together cream cheese and sour cream until smooth (by hand or with a mixer). Stir in caramelized onions, green onions, and hot sauce. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Serve dip immediately with chips and veggies, or chill until ready to eat. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
