Caramelized Onion Dip Recipe
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Make snack time more exciting with this caramelized onion dip! It’s smooth, creamy, and packed with deep, savory flavor. Instead of grabbing a store-bought version, this easy recipe lets you create a rich and delicious dip using caramelized onions, cream cheese, sour cream, and a hint of mayo, then finished off with fresh chives for extra flavor.
There’s nothing like unwinding at home with a favorite snack. For me, that usually means chips and dip with an iced tea or iced americano in hand, depending on my mood. Around the holidays, I might switch it up with my favorite winter cocktails.
I used to rely on store-bought onion dip, but when my husband suggested making it from scratch, I knew I had to try. The homemade version turned out creamier, more flavorful, and surprisingly budget-friendly. Now, I wouldn’t have it any other way! Although I love my 3-ingredient onion dip, I make French onion dip when I have extra time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Make-ahead friendly: The flavors deepen as it chills. Making it ahead ensures a richer, more delicious dip whenever you’re ready to serve.
- Perfect for any setting: Whether you’re enjoying a quiet night in or setting up a party spread, this dip is a versatile favorite that fits every occasion.
- No mystery ingredients: Skip the store-bought dips loaded with preservatives. This version is made with real ingredients for a fresher, better taste.
- Ready in minutes: Just 5 minutes of prep is all it takes to whip up this rich, creamy dip. It’s a go-to for quick snacks or unexpected guests.
- Pantry-friendly: No fancy shopping required. This dip comes together with simple, affordable staples you likely already have at home.
How to Make Caramelized Onion Dip
This caramelized onion dip is a guaranteed hit every time. Made with simple ingredients, it’s packed with a rich, savory flavor that feels homemade and special. In just 30 minutes or less, you’ll have a dip that’s perfect for any occasion. You won’t want the packaged version again!
Want to make it yourself? Check out the printable recipe card below for a full list of ingredients, exact measurements, and easy step-by-step instructions!
Ingredients You Need
- Yellow onions: The key ingredient that gives this dip its deep, rich flavor. Caramelizing them brings out their natural sweetness for the perfect balance.
- Cream cheese: Creates a thick, creamy texture that makes this dip extra scoopable. Philadelphia is my go-to, but any brand works just fine. Always have cream cheese in stock? Try making pumpkin and cream cheese muffins that are perfect for breakfast!
- Sour cream: The base of the dip, adding tangy creaminess that balances the richness. Full-fat sour cream gives the best taste and texture.
- Mayonnaise: Enhances the creamy consistency and helps blend all the ingredients together for a smooth dip.
- Butter: Essential for caramelizing the onions to bring out their sweet, savory goodness.
- Chives: A fresh garnish that adds color and a hint of mild onion flavor.
- Salt and ground black pepper
Step-By-Step Instructions
You won’t believe how easy it is to make this caramelized onion dip! Cook the onions until golden and sweet, mix them into a creamy blend of ingredients, and in no time, you’ll have a rich, flavorful dip ready to enjoy.
Step 1: Cook the onions
Peel and slice the onions thinly. Melt butter in a pan over medium-high heat, then add the onions, stirring occasionally. After 5 to10 minutes, when they start to brown, reduce the heat to medium-low and let them cook for another 15 minutes until soft and golden.
Step 2: Blend
As the onions cook, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise in a food processor. Sprinkle in salt and pepper, then blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Fold in the onions
After the onions have caramelized, remove them from the heat and allow them to cool for about 5 minutes. Add them to the food processor and pulse just a few times to mix them in while keeping their texture intact.
Serve right away or cover and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before enjoying!
Substitutions
You don’t need anything fancy to make this caramelized onion dip, but if you’re missing an ingredient, here are some easy substitutes to try!
- Cream cheese: If you’re out of cream cheese, mascarpone makes a great substitute with a slightly milder taste but the same creamy texture.
- Sour cream and mayonnaise: Plain Greek yogurt works well as a replacement, keeping the dip creamy with a bit of tang.
- Butter: Swap in olive oil or coconut oil for a different but equally rich flavor.
- Chives: Green onions add a similar mild onion flavor, while parsley brings a fresh, herbaceous twist.
Expert Tips
- Choose quality ingredients: Using fresh sour cream, cream cheese, and mayo makes a noticeable difference in flavor and texture.
- Let it mix smoothly: Take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before mixing so it blends easily and evenly.
- Add extra depth: A dash of Worcestershire sauce or a sprinkle of garlic powder can enhance the flavor. For a bolder twist, top with caramelized onions.
- Taste and tweak: A little extra salt or pepper can bring out the flavors, so give it a quick taste before serving.
- Let it rest for better flavor: While this dip is great fresh, chilling it for an hour or overnight allows the flavors to deepen. Serve it in a chilled bowl to keep it fresh longer.
How to Store This Recipe
Store caramelized onion dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, though it’s best enjoyed within 3 to 5 days for peak flavor. Avoid leaving it out for more than 2 hours to keep it fresh.
Freezing isn’t recommended, as dairy-based dips don’t hold up well after thawing. When you’re ready to dig in, scoop out what you need and give it a quick stir to bring back its smooth, creamy texture.
What to Serve with Caramelized Onion Dip
Caramelized onion dip is a classic match for potato chips, but there are so many other ways to enjoy it. Try it with crunchy veggies, breadsticks, crackers, or even crispy French fries and onion rings. We especially enjoy it with air fryer sweet potato fries and air fryer zucchini fries, or on top of crispy potato skins!
It also makes a great dipping sauce for chicken tenders, wings, fried chicken, or cutlets. Serve it as part of a charcuterie table or spread. For a fun twist, use it as a spread on sandwiches and wraps to add a rich, savory kick!
More Easy Dips To Try
The Easiest Caramelized Onion Dip Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 medium yellow onions
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon chives sliced
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Peel and slice the onions thinly. Melt butter in a pan over medium-high heat, then add the onions, stirring occasionally. After 5–10 minutes, when they start to brown, reduce the heat to medium-low and let them cook for another 15 minutes until soft and golden.
- As the onions cook, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise in a food processor. Sprinkle in salt and pepper, then blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- After the onions have caramelized, remove them from the heat and allow them to cool for about 5 minutes. Add them to the food processor and pulse just a few times to mix them in while keeping their texture intact.
- Serve right away or cover and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before enjoying!
Notes
- Using fresh sour cream, cream cheese, and mayo makes a noticeable difference in flavor and texture.
- Take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before mixing so it blends easily and evenly.
- A dash of Worcestershire sauce or a sprinkle of garlic powder can enhance the flavor. For a bolder twist, top with caramelized onions.
- A little extra salt or pepper can bring out the flavors, so give it a quick taste before serving.
- While this dip is great fresh, chilling it for an hour or overnight allows the flavors to deepen. Serve it in a chilled bowl to keep it fresh longer.
