If you’re after a dip that steals the show every single time, you need to try this Caramelized Onion Dip. Imagine sweet, golden onions nestled in a luscious, tangy base—perfect for scooping with chips, veggies, or spreading on crackers. It’s rich, slightly sweet, savory, and always the first bowl to empty at any gathering. Make this for your next party and watch friends and family rave (and come back for seconds…and thirds)!
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s something magical about simple ingredients coming together to create a truly crave-worthy dip. Each one in this Caramelized Onion Dip pulls its weight—building that irresistible balance of flavors and textures you’ll love.
- 2 large yellow onions: Sweet, mellow, and perfect for slow caramelizing; they’re the heart of this dip’s flavor.
- 2 tbsp butter: Makes the onions rich and adds a velvety, classic touch.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Helps prevent burning and adds a subtle fruity note.
- 1 cup sour cream: Brings cool creaminess and a gentle tang to the base.
- ½ cup mayonnaise: Adds body and just the right hint of richness.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Rounds out the dip with gentle garlic warmth.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for enhancing all the savory flavors.
How to Make Caramelized Onion Dip
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
Start by heating the butter with the olive oil over medium-low heat in a large skillet. Add those thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt, then set aside some patience—the key is to go low and slow. Stir every few minutes as the onions soften, deepen in color, and turn golden brown. This takes about 30 to 40 minutes, but the aroma and the sweet, savory flavor payoff are worth every second.
Step 2: Cool the Onions
Once your onions are deeply golden and jammy, transfer them to a plate and let them cool completely. This won’t take too long, and it keeps the creamy base from thinning out. Trust me, mixing hot onions into your dip is a shortcut best avoided if you want perfect texture.
Step 3: Mix the Dip Base
Grab a mixing bowl and combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until it’s smooth and uniform. This is the backbone of your Caramelized Onion Dip—a tangy, creamy blend that lets those sweet slow-cooked onions shine through.
Step 4: Fold in the Caramelized Onions
Chop the cooled onions (if they’re in long strings) and fold them gently into the creamy mixture. Mix until the onions are evenly distributed and the whole thing smells irresistibly savory. Taste and adjust your seasoning—nobody ever complained about a little extra black pepper here!
Step 5: Chill the Dip
Scoop the finished dip into a serving bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least one hour. Allowing Caramelized Onion Dip to chill lets the flavors meld into utter perfection. If you can make it the day ahead, even better—the taste just keeps getting deeper and better.
How to Serve Caramelized Onion Dip
Garnishes
Right before serving, sprinkle your Caramelized Onion Dip with a flurry of fresh chives, sliced green onions, or a pinch more cracked black pepper. These finishing touches add freshness, a pop of color, and a little extra zip that makes the whole bowl look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This dip is absolutely fantastic alongside crunchy potato chips, pita chips, or crisp baguette slices. For a lighter spread, pile it high next to carrot sticks, celery, sweet bell peppers, and cucumber rounds. It’s a versatile star, equally at home at game day and soiree.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, serve your Caramelized Onion Dip in a hollowed-out bread bowl, surrounded with assorted dippers. Try mini jars for individual servings, or elevate your crudités platter by featuring it as the centerpiece. There’s no wrong way to present such a knockout party dip!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Caramelized Onion Dip stores beautifully! Simply cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap (or transfer to an airtight container) and keep it in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors actually intensify as it sits, so it’s even better for snacking the next day.
Freezing
It’s best to enjoy this dip fresh, as the creamy base doesn’t freeze well due to the sour cream and mayonnaise. Freezing can make it separate and turn watery when thawed. If you want to save time, you can freeze the caramelized onions alone and mix them into your dip base just before serving for top-notch results.
Reheating
Caramelized Onion Dip is typically served chilled, so there’s no need to reheat. If you prefer a warm dip, portion out what you want and gently warm it in the microwave in short intervals, stirring between each, to prevent any curdling or separating. Just watch closely to keep the creamy texture intact.
FAQs
Can I make Caramelized Onion Dip ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dip tastes even better after a day in the fridge, so feel free to prepare it a day or two before your event for maximum flavor and convenience.
Can I use red onions instead of yellow?
You can—the dip will have a slightly different sweetness and a beautiful pinkish hue. Red onions are milder when cooked, so be sure to taste and adjust your seasoning to balance the flavor.
What should I do if my onions are browning too fast?
If the onions are browning quicker than expected, lower the heat and add a splash of water to slow the caramelization. Stir often and keep an eye out—they should turn golden, not burnt.
Is there a lighter version of Caramelized Onion Dip?
Yes! Swap in nonfat Greek yogurt for part or all of the sour cream for a protein boost and fewer calories. The dip stays creamy and delicious with that unmistakable sweet onion flavor.
Can I make this dip vegan?
You can! Use vegan butter or oil for caramelizing, and substitute the sour cream and mayo with plant-based alternatives. The technique stays the same, and the result is every bit as addictive.
Final Thoughts
Once you taste this Caramelized Onion Dip, you’ll understand why it’s an absolute must-make for every gathering. Friendly, familiar, and undeniably delicious, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is to love. Give it a try and watch it become your signature party dish!
Print
Caramelized Onion Dip Recipe
- Total Time: 50 min
- Yield: 1.5 cups
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Rich and savory with a touch of sweetness, this Caramelized Onion Dip is a creamy, crowd-pleasing favorite.
Ingredients
Yellow Onions:
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
Butter and Oil Mixture:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Dip Base:
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Caramelize Onions: Heat butter and oil in a skillet. Add onions and cook on low for 30–40 minutes, stirring until golden brown.
- Cool Onions: Let onions cool.
- Mix Dip: Mix sour cream, mayo, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and onions.
- Chill: Chill at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- Best made a day ahead—flavor deepens over time.
- For a lighter dip, use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 40 min
- Category: Dip / Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
