This Caramelized Onion Dip is a warm, cheesy treat that makes every gathering special. With sweet, tender onions and creamy cheese, it’s a crowd-pleaser!
I love serving it with crunchy chips or veggie sticks. Trust me, once you start, you won’t want to stop! Perfect for sharing—if you dare! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Onions: Use yellow onions for a sweeter taste when caramelized. If you like a bit of zing, try red onions instead. They’re a great alternative and add color too!
Olive Oil: While olive oil is perfect for sautéing, you can swap it with butter for a richer taste. You can also try avocado oil if you’re looking for a lighter option.
Sour Cream: Greek yogurt makes a healthier alternative while keeping the creaminess. Plain yogurt is another option that works well if you prefer a lower-fat choice.
Cream Cheese: If you’re dairy-free, cashew cream or a plant-based cream cheese can bring a similar texture. Just check for taste; it might be milder.
Mayonnaise: Substitute vegan mayo for a dairy-free version. If you’re out of mayo, plain yogurt could work, too, adding creaminess without overwhelming flavors.
How Do You Caramelize Onions Perfectly?
Caramelizing onions can seem tricky but it’s totally worth it for the flavor. Here’s how to get them just right:
- Start by heating your skillet over medium heat, then add olive oil and the thinly sliced onions.
- Sprinkle with salt. This helps draw out moisture, making them cook down well.
- Stir them often, about every 5 minutes. Don’t rush; low and slow is your friend.
- If they start to stick, add a touch of water, stirring to deglaze. This adds depth to the flavor.
- After 25-30 minutes, the onions will be beautifully golden brown and sweet!
Let them cool a bit before mixing with the other ingredients. Enjoy the sweet, rich taste in your dip!
How to Make Caramelized Onion Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dip:
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
For Serving:
- Potato chips
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 35-40 minutes in total – around 30 minutes to caramelize the onions and about 10 minutes to mix everything together. It’s a great appetizer that’s perfect for parties or movie nights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Caramelizing the Onions:
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s warmed up, add the olive oil and sliced onions to the skillet. Sprinkle in the salt to help draw out moisture. Cook the onions while stirring frequently for about 25-30 minutes. You want them to turn a beautiful golden brown and develop a sweet, rich flavor.
2. Cooling the Onions:
After the onions are nicely caramelized, remove the skillet from the heat. Allow the onions to cool for a few minutes while you prepare the cream mixture. This will prevent the dip from getting too warm.
3. Mixing the Base Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Use a spatula or a hand mixer to mix everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. This mixture is the base of your dip!
4. Adding the Caramelized Onions:
Once the onions have cooled a bit, gently fold them into the creamy mixture. Make sure the caramelized onions are evenly distributed throughout the dip for a fantastic flavor in every bite.
5. Serving the Dip:
Transfer the delicious dip to a serving bowl and sprinkle the chopped green onions on top for a fresh garnish. It not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the flavor!
6. Enjoy with Potato Chips:
Grab your favorite potato chips and dive into this creamy, flavorful dip. It’s perfect for sharing, so gather your friends and enjoy every cheesy bite!
Can I Use Yellow Onions Instead of Sweet Onions?
Absolutely! Yellow onions are a great substitution. They may have a sharper flavor than sweet onions, but after caramelizing, they will still give you a delicious and rich taste in the dip.
How Can I Make This Dip Lighter?
If you’re looking to lighten things up, try using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and mayonnaise. You can also reduce the amount of cream cheese to half, or use a reduced-fat version. The dip will still be creamy and tasty!
Can I Make the Dip Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the dip up to a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before serving, allowing it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes for the best flavor and texture.
What Should I Serve Instead of Potato Chips?
If you’re looking for alternatives to potato chips, try serving the dip with fresh vegetable sticks like carrots, celery, or bell peppers for a healthier option. You could also use pita chips or crackers for a nice crunch!
