Best Caramelized Onion Dip Recipe
Rich, creamy, and packed with sweet, caramelized goodness, this Caramelized Onion Dip is the ultimate snack table showstopper! It’s easy to make and the perfect pairing for chips, crackers, or veggies.
Get ready to level up your snacking game with this irresistibly delicious Caramelized Onion Dip! Slowly cooked onions bring a sweet and savory depth of flavor, while cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise create the perfect creamy base. Whether you’re hosting a party, a game day gathering, or just treating yourself, this dip is guaranteed to steal the spotlight. It’s easy, indulgent, and so good you’ll want to eat it straight from the bowl (no judgment here).
If you need some other party dips, be sure to try this easy smoked salmon dip that comes together in minutes or my favorite cream cheese corn dip! You also won’t be able to turn down my infamous spinach artichoke dip that you can make in the slower cooker, on the stove top, or baked in the oven. We also have an out of this world whipped feta dip that is ready in only 5 minutes!
Ingredients Needed
Yellow Onions: The star ingredient that caramelizes into a sweet, golden flavor bomb.
Cream Cheese: Provides a rich and velvety texture for the dip.
Sour Cream: Adds a tangy touch to balance the sweetness of the onions.
Mayonnaise: Brings creaminess and ties all the flavors together.
Unsalted Butter: The key to perfectly caramelizing the onions with a luscious, buttery flavor.
Chives: Fresh and mildly oniony, they add color and a burst of freshness.
Salt and Black Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the savory flavors—adjust to your taste.
How to Make Homemade Caramelized Onion Dip
Peel and thinly slice the onions into even pieces to ensure they cook evenly and faster.
Melt the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add the sliced onions. Stir occasionally as they soften.
Reduce the heat to medium-low when the onions start to brown, cooking for 20–25 minutes until caramelized and golden. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Let the caramelized onions cool for about 5 minutes. In a food processor, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Add the cooled onions to the food processor and pulse a few times to incorporate them without losing their texture.
Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and garnish with sliced chives.
Serve with chips, crackers, or fresh veggies.
How to Store
Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving, as some separation may occur.
Substitutions and Variations
- Use Greek Yogurt: Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Add Cheese: Mix in some shredded Gruyère or Parmesan for an extra cheesy flavor.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
- Herb It Up: Include fresh thyme or rosemary when caramelizing the onions for added depth.
Tips for Making
- Slice the onions thinly and evenly for consistent caramelization.
- Be patient while cooking the onions—low and slow is the secret to achieving that perfect golden color and sweet flavor.
- For a richer flavor, use a mix of yellow and sweet onions.
Common FAQs
Absolutely! Prepare the dip a day in advance, store it in the fridge, and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
You can mix the base ingredients by hand or with a mixer, and then finely chop the onions before stirring them in.
Yes, pre-caramelized onions will work in a pinch, but freshly caramelized onions will give you the best flavor.
What to Use for Dipping
This dip pairs beautifully with a variety of options:
Bread: Serve with toasted baguette slices or pita bread for a heartier dip experience.
Chips: Classic potato chips are a perfect match for the creamy, savory dip.
Crackers: Adds a sturdy crunch and complements the creaminess.
Vegetables: Carrot sticks, celery, and bell pepper strips make for a fresh and crisp option.
From Scratch Caramelized Onion Dip
Ingredients
- 2 yellow onions
- 4 oz cream cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp chives sliced or use dried chives
- ¼ tsp salt or to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper or to taste
Instructions
- Peel and thinly slice the onions.
- Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat and add the sliced onions. Stir occasionally as they cook, lowering the heat to medium-low once they start to brown. Cook for 20–25 minutes until golden and caramelized, stirring to prevent burning.
- Let the caramelized onions cool for 5 minutes.
- In a food processor, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
- Add the cooled onions to the food processor and pulse a few times to mix them in while keeping some texture.
- Transfer the dip to a bowl, garnish with chives, and serve with chips or veggies.
