Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Creamy: A luscious base of cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise.
- Sweet, Deep Flavor: Slowly caramelized onions bring a natural sweetness and complexity.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples and minimal prep.
- Versatile: Perfect as a party appetizer or casual snack.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 yellow onions, sliced
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent, about 7 minutes.
- Continue cooking over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until onions turn a rich brown but remain soft and semi-translucent, about 10-15 minutes. Avoid crispy or burnt spots.
- In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise on medium-high speed until smooth. Stir in Worcestershire sauce and salt.
- Fold in the caramelized onions until evenly distributed.
- Serve immediately or chill before serving.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 8 to 10
Active Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Spices: Add paprika or cayenne pepper for warmth or heat.
- Nuts: Fold in toasted almonds or walnuts for crunch.
- Cheese: Mix in grated sharp Cheddar, Gruyère, or Parmesan for extra depth.
- Herbs: Fresh parsley, chives, or thyme add color and freshness.
- Roasted Garlic: Combine roasted garlic with onions for an aromatic twist.
- Lightened Up: Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt.
- Acidity: Add a splash of balsamic vinegar to onions for richer flavor.
- Other Additions: Stir in cooked spinach or sun-dried tomatoes.
Storage and Serving Tips
- Make ahead and store in an airtight container for up to 2 days; flavors deepen with time.
- Bring to room temperature before serving; adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve with potato chips, tortilla chips, pretzels, crackers, or fresh veggies.
FAQs
Can I use other onions?
Yellow onions are preferred for sweetness, but white or red onions work too.
How do I caramelize onions without burning?
Cook slowly over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until evenly brown.
Can I prepare this dip in advance?
Yes, prepare up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate.
Can I freeze leftover dip?
Not recommended as texture may change.
Is this dip gluten-free?
Yes, naturally gluten-free if served with gluten-free dippers.
Can I add fresh herbs?
Absolutely, herbs add brightness and a fresh note.
How do I make it spicy?
Add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or chopped jalapeños.
Can I substitute mayonnaise?
Yes, sour cream or Greek yogurt alone can work for a tangier dip.
What else pairs well with this dip?
Try crostini, pita chips, or sliced cucumbers.
Can I use caramelized onions from the store?
Store-bought caramelized onions can be used for convenience but fresh caramelized onions yield best flavor.
Conclusion
Caramelized Onion Dip is a delicious, creamy, and flavorful appetizer perfect for any occasion. The rich sweetness of slow-cooked onions combined with the creamy base creates an irresistible dip that pairs well with a variety of snacks and is sure to be a favorite at your next gathering.
Caramelized Onion Dip
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 to 10 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Caramelized Onion Dip is a creamy, savory appetizer featuring slowly cooked sweet onions blended into a luscious mix of cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise, perfect for parties or casual snacking.
Ingredients
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 yellow onions, sliced
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, room temperature
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent, about 7 minutes.
- Continue cooking over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until onions turn a rich brown but remain soft and semi-translucent, about 10-15 minutes. Avoid crispy or burnt spots.
- In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise on medium-high speed until smooth.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce and salt.
- Fold in the caramelized onions until evenly distributed.
- Serve immediately or chill before serving.
Notes
Add paprika or cayenne pepper for warmth or heat.
Fold in toasted almonds or walnuts for crunch.
Mix in grated sharp Cheddar, Gruyère, or Parmesan for extra depth.
Use fresh parsley, chives, or thyme for color and freshness.
Combine roasted garlic with onions for aromatic twist.
Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt to lighten up.
Add a splash of balsamic vinegar for richer flavor.
Stir in cooked spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for variation.
Make ahead and refrigerate up to 2 days; flavors deepen over time.
Bring to room temperature before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve with potato chips, tortilla chips, pretzels, crackers, or fresh veggies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 cup
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
