Caramelized Onion Dip

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This Caramelized Onion Dip recipe truly takes your dip game to the next level. It’s one of those recipes you will make over and over again. Because everyone will be begging for more. Perfect for parties, get-togethers, and movie nights!

A bowl of caramelized Onion dip topped with more onions.

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This Caramelized Onion Dip is not old fashion onion dip you may be used to.  There are no envelopes of seasoning involved.  Just lots of onions reduced down and caramelized into golden-brown deliciousness.  The flavor of this dip is off-the-chart good!

They’re also one of the easiest things to make.  It’s just onions and butter with a little salt and a little sugar to bring out the onion’s natural sweetness.  Cook the ingredients over low heat until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and are super soft. Created in the 1950’s this dip never disappoints, find out its origins.

If you’re looking for more recipes, try these Philly Cheesesteak Dip, Crock Pot Cream Cheese Corn Dip, and Sour Cream Ranch Dip.

A close up view on the dip.

Why We Love This Homemade Caramelized Onion Dip Recipe

This Baked Onion Dip is one of those delicious recipes that you need to take a little time for, however, the payoff is totally worth it because the amazing flavor is totally worth it.

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  • 30 Minutes: This dip is one that you can make in advance and allow the flavors to meld together.
  • Easy Ingredients: All found in the pantry or the fridge.
  • Family Friendly: Perfect for game day, holiday parties, or whenever you have guests.
  • Adaptable: Can make it low-calorie, dairy free, etc…
  • Makes Great Leftovers: Perfect to serve with chips but consider using as a sandwich spread, dipping appetizers, or even on top of your favorite burger.

Ingredient Notes to Make Caramelized Onion Dip

Caramelized Onion ingredients.
  • Onions: Walla Walla and Vidalia are great varieties to make the dip They have natural sugars that make perfect caramelizing onions.
  • Butter: The taste it imparts to the onions is perfection.
  • Sugar: That extra layer of sweetness really helps the onions to caramelize.
  • Cream Cheese and Sour Cream give the dip it’s creamy texture.

See my recipe card below for a complete list of the ingredients with measurements.

Variations and Substitutions for this Make Ahead Appetizer Dip

As with all my recipes, you can adjust the basic recipe to fit the needs and tastes of your family. Here are some options to consider.

  • Ingredient variation: Greek Yogurt is a good swap for sour cream and cream cheese.
  • Ingredient substitution: Try using different herbs such as tarragon to enhance the flavor of the dip.
  • Garlic: Onions and garlic just seem to go so well together so use some roasted garlic or garlic powder in this dip.
  • Season: Onion powder, salt, and pepper or try some of my All Purpose Seasoning.

How to Make Caramelized Onion Dip Recipe

Caramelized onions are yellow onions that have been cooked slowly over low heat to bring out the sugars in the onions and allow them to brown and become sweeter.

These are the basic steps for making this dip with onion. Refer to the full, printable recipe card below for detailed instructions.

Cooking the vegetables until done and then cool.

Step 1: Slice the Onions

First, slice onions in half and then into thin slices. Then in a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat then add the onions, salt, and sugar. Sauté for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions are caramel-like and jammy. They will be a deep golden brown.

Step 2: Add Water

Next, slowly add water, scraping any bits from the bottom of the pan; allow the water to evaporate. Cook for 15 minutes longer or until the onions turn a golden brown color and are soft. Remove onions from the skillet, reserving 1/4 cup.

Step 3: In a Food Processor

Then place cream cheese, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, and onions in a food processor. Pulse several times until everything is combined. Finally, Spoon dip into a serving bowl and top with reserved caramelized onions and chopped chives.

Adding the cream cheese and the rest of the ingredients to the food processor.

Recipe FAQs about Game Day French Onion Dip Recipe

Typically, french onion dip is made with beef stock and dry onion soup mix. While this dip features only the flavor of the onions.

Yes, it will make change the consistency of the dip but it can be a swap.

You can definitely double this recipe if you are making it for a gathering. It is a real crowd pleaser, Be careful to not crowd the pan too much when your are caramelizing your onions.

This is a great recipe to make ahead. The flavors with just meld together and become even better. Store the dip in an air tight container for up to 5 days. Stir to combine an separation before serving.

An airtight container in the refrigerator.

The best way is to smell, if it looks or taste off, discard the balance. and look at the consistency. Make sure to refrigerate when not in use.

Some of the finished appetizer on a cracker.

Expert Tips for Making The Best Caramelized Onion Dip

  • Don’t rush the onions: If you try to rush the caramelization process for the onions you may end up with burned onions.  It’s best to go low and slow.
  • Make it ahead of time: This gets even better the longer it sits.  I recommend making it a day in advance.
  • Avoid the smell: If the smell of onions cooking is too intense, you can always cook them outside on the grill.  Just remember to keep the heat low and keep an eye on them.

What to Serve with Caramelized Onion Dip

A bowl of caramelized Onion dip topped with more onions.
5 from 24 votes

Caramelized Onion Dip

Yield: 12 people
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 30 minutes
Total: 40 minutes
This Caramelized Onion Dip is one of the BEST dip recipes I have ever tried.  It’s one of those recipes you will be asked for over and over again.
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⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️Did you try this recipe? Please leave a star rating and review below!

Ingredients

  • 3 medium yellow onions
  • 1 tablespoons butter
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • ¼ cup water
  • 1 ½ cups sour cream
  • 8 ounces cream cheese
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Fresh chives, chopped for garnish

Instructions

  • Slice onions in half and then into thin slices.
  • In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat then add the onions, salt and sugar.
  • Saute for 15 minutes.
  • Slowly add water, scraping any bits from the bottom of the pan; allow the water to evaporate.
  • Cook for 15 minutes longer or until onions turn a golden brown color and are soft.
  • Remove onions from the skillet, reserving 1/4 cup.
  • Place cream cheese, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce and onions in a food processor.
  • Pulse several times until everything is combined.
  • Spoon dip into serving bowl and top with reserved caramelized onions and chopped chives.

Expert Tips

  • Don’t rush the onions: If you try to rush the caramelization process for the onions you may end up with burned onions.  It’s best to go low and slow.
  • Make it ahead of time: This onion dip gets even better the longer it sits.  I recommend making it a day in advance.
  • Avoid the smell: If the smell of onions cooking is too intense, you can always cook them outside on the grill.  Just remember to keep the heat low and keep an eye on them.
 

Estimated Nutritional Information

Calories: 143kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 38mg | Sodium: 494mg | Potassium: 118mg | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 460IU | Vitamin C: 2.5mg | Calcium: 58mg | Iron: 0.3mg
The nutritional information provided are estimates. To learn more about how I calculate this information go to www.itisakeeper.com/about-its-a-keeper/privacy-disclosure-policies/
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Course: Appetizers and Dips
Cuisine: American

6 thoughts on “Caramelized Onion Dip”

  1. 5 stars
    Onion dip is always a crowd pleaser and I love trying new versions of this tasty appetizer! This one is going to be great!

    Reply
  2. 5 stars
    • I made your recipe for a gathering the other day and everyone kept asking for the recipe. It was totally a hit!

    Reply

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