Caramelized Onion Dip

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Golden, jammy onions folded into a cool, creamy base—this Caramelized Onion Dip is the kind of snack that makes everyone hover around the bowl. It’s rich but not heavy, savory with a hint of sweetness, and perfect for everything from game days to holiday parties.

If you’ve only had store‑bought French onion dip, you’re in for a serious upgrade. Slowly cooking the onions on the stovetop brings out their natural sugars, and when they mingle with tangy sour cream, soft cream cheese, and a little mayo, the flavor becomes deep, cozy, and absolutely addictive.

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Why You’ll Love This Caramelized Onion Dip

This dip tastes like something you’d order at a restaurant, but it’s surprisingly simple to pull together in your own kitchen. The longest part is caramelizing the onions, and even that is mostly hands‑off time on the stove.

It’s also a super flexible appetizer. Serve it with chips, veggies, crostini, or pretzels, or spread it on burgers and sandwiches. You can make it a day ahead (it actually tastes better as it sits), which makes entertaining way less stressful.

What Kind of Onions Work Best for Caramelized Onion Dip?

Yellow onions are the star here—they caramelize beautifully and have enough natural sweetness to balance the richness of the dairy. Sweet onions (like Vidalia) also work if you want an even milder, sweeter dip.

You can mix in a small red onion for color or a shallot for extra depth, but try to keep at least half of the onions yellow so the flavor stays balanced and familiar.

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Ingredients for the Caramelized Onion Dip

Before you start cooking, it helps to know what each ingredient is doing in the bowl. Every piece of this list has a job, from building flavor to creating that ultra‑creamy texture.

• Yellow onions – The base of the dip, cooked low and slow until they’re sweet, golden, and packed with flavor.
• Butter – Adds richness and helps the onions soften and brown evenly.
• Olive oil – Keeps the butter from burning and adds a subtle fruity flavor while the onions cook.
• Kosher salt – Draws moisture out of the onions so they soften and concentrates all the savory notes.
• Granulated sugar – Just a pinch speeds up caramelization and enhances the onions’ natural sweetness.
• Fresh garlic – Brings a gentle, savory bite that keeps the dip from tasting too sweet.
• Cream cheese – Gives the dip structure and a luxuriously smooth, spreadable texture.
• Sour cream – Adds tangy brightness and thins the dip to perfect chip‑scooping consistency.
• Mayonnaise – Rounds out the flavor and adds a silky finish without being eggy or heavy.
• Worcestershire sauce – Adds a hit of umami and depth; choose a vegetarian version if you need the dip to be fully meat‑free.
• Onion powder – Boosts the onion flavor so the dip tastes rich even after chilling.
• Freshly ground black pepper – Balances the sweetness and adds gentle warmth.
• Fresh chives – Stirred in at the end for color, freshness, and a mild oniony pop on top.

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How To Make the Caramelized Onion Dip

This dip is all about patience with the onions and then a quick stir‑together of the creamy base. Once everything chills, the flavors meld into something you’ll want to put on just about everything.

Step 1: Slowly caramelize the onions

Thinly slice the onions. In a large skillet over medium‑low heat, warm the butter and olive oil until melted. Add the onions, salt, and sugar, then cook, stirring every few minutes, until the onions are deep golden and jammy, 30–40 minutes. If they start to stick, splash in a tablespoon of water and keep going.

Step 2: Add garlic and cool

Stir in the minced garlic during the last 1–2 minutes of cooking so it softens and smells fragrant without burning. Transfer the onions to a plate or shallow bowl and let them cool to room temperature so they don’t melt the dairy.

Step 3: Make the creamy base

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the sour cream, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix until everything is completely blended and silky.

Step 4: Fold in the onions and chives

Once the onions are cool, chop them into smaller pieces if you like a more scoopable texture. Fold the onions and most of the chives into the creamy base, saving a small handful of chives for garnish.

Step 5: Chill for best flavor

Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dip for at least 1 hour (and up to 24 hours). This resting time lets the flavors deepen and the texture thicken.

Step 6: Garnish and serve

Give the dip a quick stir, then transfer it to a serving bowl. Top with the remaining chives and a little extra black pepper. Serve cold or slightly cool with your favorite dippers.

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How to Serve and Store Caramelized Onion Dip

Caramelized Onion Dip is ideal for sharing—it easily feeds about 8–10 people as a snack or starter, especially if you set it out with plenty of dippers like chips, veggies, and bread.

For serving, keep the dip chilled right up until guests arrive, then let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes so it softens slightly. This makes it easier to scoop and brings out more of the caramelized flavor.

Leftovers keep beautifully. Cover the bowl tightly or transfer the dip to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Give it a stir before serving again. If it thickens too much in the fridge, you can loosen it with an extra spoonful of sour cream.

This dip doesn’t freeze well—the creamy base can separate once thawed—so try to make just what you’ll eat within a few days or plan on enjoying the leftovers as a spread on sandwiches and burgers.

What to Serve With Caramelized Onion Dip?

Kettle‑cooked potato chips

The extra crunch and ridges are perfect for scooping up chunky dip without breaking.

Toasted baguette slices

Lightly toasted slices of French bread turn this dip into a more substantial appetizer or side for soups and salads.

Fresh veggie sticks

Carrot sticks, celery, cucumbers, bell peppers, and snap peas add a fresh, crisp contrast to the rich, creamy dip.

Pretzels or pretzel crisps

That salty, toasty flavor pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the caramelized onions.

Pita chips

Thick pita chips hold up well and make the dip feel a little more like a spreadable appetizer.

Waffle fries or potato wedges

For a fun game‑day twist, serve the dip as a topping or side for hot, crispy potatoes.

Sliders or burgers

Use the dip as a spread on beef, turkey, or veggie burgers for instant gourmet flavor.

Grilled chicken or steak bites

Spoon a little on top of grilled or air‑fried meats for an easy, crowd‑pleasing sauce.

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Want More Dip & Appetizer Ideas?

If this Caramelized Onion Dip disappears fast, you’ll probably love these other party favorites from Nora Nosh:

• Creamy Irresistible Crack Dip for a ranch‑style, bacon‑studded dip everyone goes back to for seconds.
• Spicy Sailors Dip when you want something bold, zesty, and perfect with crunchy chips.
• Jalapeno Popper Dip for that cheesy, spicy jalapeño popper vibe in an easy, shareable bowl.
• Jalapeno Popper Cheese Ball if you like your dips shaped into a fun centerpiece for the snack table.
• The Ultimate Cowboy Caviar for a fresh, colorful scoopable salad that pairs beautifully with chips and grilled meats.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this Caramelized Onion Dip to your favorite appetizer or game‑day board on Pinterest so you can find it whenever a snack craving hits.

Let me know in the comments how your dip turns out. Did you cook your onions extra dark for a deeper flavor, or keep them lighter and sweeter? Did you swap in Greek yogurt or use it exactly as written?

I love hearing how you make these recipes your own. Questions are always welcome too—we’re all here to help each other cook smarter and have more fun in the kitchen.

For even more easy dips, drinks, and party snacks, explore the recipes I share every day on Nora Nosh Pinterest.

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