Caramelized Onion Dip will take your dip game to the next level. It’s super easy to make and takes less than 10 ingredients. If you love onion anything, you will want to make this savory, deeply golden dip for all parties, get-togethers and movie nights.
Dips make a party. Here are two of my most popular, my queso blanco and my ranch dip.
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Why this Caramelized Onion Dip Recipe is a Keeper
I love this recipe because it’s delish and super easy to make! You will definitely want to make this dip and add it to your stash of easy dip recipes.
- 30 Minutes: This dip is one that you can make in advance and allow the flavors to meld together.
- Easy Ingredients: All of the ingredients can be found in the pantry or the fridge.
- Family Friendly: Go with this dip for game day, holiday parties or whenever you have guests. It will be a hit at the party. My family can’t wait to try and my friends cannot wait to make this dip.
- Makes Great Leftovers: Make onion dip to serve with chips but consider using it as a soft and golden sandwich spread, dipping appetizers, or even on top of your favorite burger.
What is the Difference Between Caramelized Onion Dip and French Onion Dip?
Typically, a French onion dip recipe is made with beef stock and dry onion soup mix. However, this dip features only the flavor of deeply caramelized onions.
Ingredient Notes for Delish Caramelized French Onion Dip
You will need just a few super simple ingredients to make this recipe. They’re all easy to find at the store, but you may even have some of the ingredients in your kitchen already.
- Onions: Walla Walla and Vidalia are great varieties to make the dip. Sweet onions have natural sugars that make perfect caramelizing onions.
- Butter: The taste it imparts to the onions is perfection.
- Cream Cheese: Cream cheese and sour cream give the dip it’s creamy texture to the caramely yellow onions.
See the recipe card below for a complete list of the ingredients with measurements.
Make Ahead Suggestions for this Appetizer
Prepping ahead of time can really help to save you time and kitchen space if you’re hosting a party!
- Onions: Caramelize the onions a day or two ahead of time so that they’re ready when you are.
- Make Ahead: Make the dip in advance and give the flavors time to meld.
Special Equipment Needed to Make Onion Dip
A specific piece of equipment can sometimes make all the difference in a recipe. For this one, you will need a food processor.
- Food Processor: A food processor or blender will quickly and efficiently mix together all the dip ingredients.
Common Mistake when Making Perfect Caramelized Onion Dip
A common mistake in making caramelized onion dip is not allowing the onions to caramelize enough.
Many people try to rush the process, resulting in onions that are simply softened and not deeply browned and sweet.
How to Make Caramelized Onion Dip in Skillet
This homemade French onion dip recipe comes together in just 3 easy to follow steps. The golden caramelized onions are so easy and delicious, you’ll come back to this dip again and again.
These are the basic steps for making Caramelized Onion Dip. Refer to the full, printable recipe card below for detailed instructions.
1. Slice Onions
Slice onions in half and then into thin slices to easily saute.
2. Caramelize the Onions
Stir in the onions with a big knob of butter in a large skillet over medium heat, with salt and sugar; Sauté for 15 minutes. Be sure to stir the onions every few minutes.
Slowly add water, scraping the bottom of the pan. Stir to combine. Let the water evaporate. Give them another 15 minutes to cook, or until onions turn a deep golden brown color and are soft.
3. Blend Dip Ingredients
Remove onions, saving ¼ cup. Place cream cheese, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce and onions in a food processor. Pulse several times until everything is combined. Let cool.
Spoon dip into a medium bowl and top with reserved caramelized onions and chopped chives.
How to Store, Reheat and Use Leftovers
- Storing: Store dip in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Reheating: If you would like to reheat this recipe, you can reheat in the microwave or on the stove in a cast iron skillet.
- Using Leftovers: Serve with potato chips, or any chip of choice, crackers or crusty breads like focaccia. You can also serve in a cast iron pan.
Variations and Substitutions for the Best Caramelized Dip
This delicious dip recipe is super easy to customize to make it your own! Try taking it to the next level by substituting for different ingredients and trying other flavors.
- Greek Yogurt: Use Greek-style yogurt as a substitute for both sour cream and cream cheese.
- Garlic: Onions and garlic just seem to go so well together so use some roasted garlic or garlic powder in this dip.
- Herbs and Spices: A sprinkle of thyme, rosemary, or a pinch of red pepper flakes can add complexity to the flavor.
- Balsamic Glaze: A drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a touch of sweetness and tanginess. Add the balsamic to the top of the dip.
Caramelizing Onions Recipe FAQs
Eat this homemade onion dip with Baked Healthy Tortilla Chips, Air Fryer Pretzel Bites or Air Fryer Cheez-Its.
Sweet, tangy onions are best for this classic onion dip.
The easiest way to caramelize onions is slow on medium-low to medium heat with a little oil. Slow cook, stirring occasionally will give you bubbly and golden onions that looks so good.
Expert Tips for Making This Game Day Recipe
- Thinly Sliced: The thinner the onion slices, the faster they’ll caramelize and the more evenly they’ll cook. It’s worth it to make sure they’re thin when you add the onions.
- Don’t Rush: Resist the urge to increase the heat.High heat will burn the onions before they can properly caramelize.
- Chill Before Serving: Chill the dip for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the dip to thicken slightly.
- Seasonings: To add a bit more flavor, add some onion powder, salt and pepper.
- Mayonnaise: You can use mayo as a substitute for cream cheese, Greek yogurt and sour cream. It will change the consistency of the dip but it can be a good swap.
Caramelized Onion Dip
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Ingredients
- 3 medium Yellow onions
- 1 tablespoon Butter
- 2 teaspoons Salt
- 2 teaspoons Sugar
- ¼ cup Water
- 1 ½ cups Sour cream
- 8 ounces Cream cheese, 1 block
- 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.
- Sauté for 15 minutes.
- Slowly add water, scraping any bits off 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 ¼ cup.
- Place cream cheese, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce and onions in a food processor.
- Pulse several times until everything is combined.
- Spoon dip into a serving bowl and top with reserved caramelized onions and chopped chives.
Christina’s Notes
- Thinly Sliced: The thinner the onion slices, the faster they’ll caramelize and the more evenly they’ll cook. It’s worth it to make sure they’re thin when you add the onions.
- Don’t Rush: Resist the urge to increase the heat.High heat will burn the onions before they can properly caramelize.
- Chill Before Serving: Chill the dip for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the dip to thicken slightly.
- Seasonings: To add a bit more flavor, add some onion powder, salt and pepper.
- Mayonnaise: You can use mayo as a substitute for cream cheese, Greek yogurt and sour cream. It will change the consistency of the dip but it can be a swap.
- Scale the recipe: Simply adjust the serving size in the recipe card and the ingredients will update automatically.
- Make your own All Purpose Seasoning: When a recipe calls for All Purpose Seasoning, you can use my homemade All Purpose Seasoning recipe or substitute salt and pepper to taste.
- Meat doneness: I always use a meat thermometer to test for doneness when cooking meat.
- Use unsalted butter: I use unsalted butter so I can control the salt level in the recipe.
- Preheat the oven: Unless otherwise noted, always preheat your oven before baking.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, check out the blog post.
This stuff is absolutely addictive! So good!
I’m so glad you like it 🙂
Onion dip is always a crowd pleaser and I love trying new versions of this tasty appetizer! This one is going to be great!
Glad I could help 🙂
• I made your recipe for a gathering the other day and everyone kept asking for the recipe. It was totally a hit!
Once you make this onion dip you’ll never go store bought or soup packets again!