Skip the mix and make this decadent Caramelized Onion Dip instead! This scrumptious appetizer is super easy to make and so delicious. Pair it with chips, veggies, and a festive drink, and you have a party!
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Do you have a favorite food that brings back happy memories? One of mine is French Onion Dip! I come from a family that loves getting together with friends, and it wasn't a party unless this easy appetizer was on the menu. It was so delicious with chips, and definitely never lasted long.
As much as I love that dip, it was always made from a mix. You know the one! These days, I prefer to skip mixes, so I decided to make my fave dip from scratch.
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.
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 (and a few other ingredients), and you have the most decadent and irresistible dip imagineable.
Pair this easy recipe with your favorite chips and veggies for dipping (and perhaps a fun, sparkling drink), and you have the perfect party appetizer.
Ready to dig in? You'll find all the details below, just keep scrolling!
Ingredients
This classic dip 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 yellow or white onions. You'll also mix two minced green onions into the finished dip.
- 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 to this recipe
- Garlic - For even more flavor, you'll add some garlic to the onion 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 few dashes of hot sauce is optional, but it adds a little pop of flavor to the finished recipe.
- Salt + Pepper - You'll use salt (I recommend using kosher salt) and pepper to season the onions as they cook, as well as the finished dip.
You'll Also Need
To make this recipe, you'll need a large frying pan to cook the onions (this nonstick skillet is my favorite), as well as a medium bowl to mix everything together.
How to Make Caramelized Onion Dip
Let's talk about how to make this homemade 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, which will help draw out their juices and speed up the process a bit. Once the onions soften and start to brown, turn down the heat a notch and add a splash of water if needed, which will keep them nice and juicy. The onions are ready once they're 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.
- Mix dip ingredients together. Let your onions cool a bit, then combine them with cream cheese, sour cream, and a dash of hot sauce. You'll also add a couple minced green onions, which will brighten the flavors of your homemade onion dip. Give everything a good stir and enjoy!
Wasn't that simple? And this Caramelized Onion Dip is sure to impress your guests at any party!
Serving Suggestions
This Cream Cheese 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 hearty dip.
The dip would be tasty paired with my Herb Parmesan Crackers, Crostini, or Baked Pita Chips, too. And of course, you can serve this dip with your fave fresh veggies. I enjoyed it with grape tomatoes and sliced bell pepper, but cucumbers, pea pods, carrots, and other vegetables would be delish, too.
Storage
If you have any leftover homemade French Onion Dip, store it in an airtight container in your refrigerator. It will stay fresh for three to four days.
Related Recipes
If you enjoyed this yummy dip, here are some other appetizer recipes to try next:
- Dill Dip
- Beau Monde Seasoning Dip
- Cheesy Baked Black Bean Dip
- Ricotta Blue Cheese Spread
- Black Bean and Corn Salsa
- Creamy Lemon Artichoke Spread
- How to Make Hummus - my fave basic recipe + tons of tips and variations!
- Mexican Baked Spinach Dip
- Whipped Goat Cheese Dip
Caramelized Onion Dip
Ingredients
- 2 large onions (yellow or white)
- 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
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 or start to cook too fast, 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
What is your favorite throwback recipe?