Caramelized Onion Dip Recipe
Introduction
This caramelized onion dip is a rich and flavorful twist on a classic favorite. With deeply golden, sweet onions blended into creamy sour cream and cream cheese, it’s perfect for parties or a cozy snack at home. Easy to make and oh-so-delicious!
Ingredients
- 3 medium yellow onions
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 12 ounces sour cream
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 clove fresh garlic, grated (optional)
- Fresh flat-leaf parsley, minced, to taste
- A few dashes Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Peel the onions and slice them very thinly. A mandoline slicer works well for even slices.
- Step 2: Heat the butter in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the onions, then sprinkle with salt and sugar. Sauté for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 3: Pour a small amount of white wine into the pan and let it sizzle and evaporate. Repeat adding wine and letting it sizzle several times. Continue cooking for about 30 minutes total, until the onions are deeply golden and fragrant.
- Step 4: Transfer the caramelized onions to a cutting board and chop coarsely into small pieces. Alternatively, you can snip them directly in the pan using kitchen scissors.
- Step 5: In a separate bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth using a hand mixer or spoon.
- Step 6: Stir in the chopped onions and a handful of minced parsley. Taste the dip, then season with a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce and add grated garlic if desired.
- Step 7: Serve the dip warm or chilled. It pairs wonderfully with chips, crackers, or fresh veggies.
Tips & Variations
- Use a mandoline slicer for perfectly thin onion slices that caramelize evenly.
- For a vegan version, substitute butter with olive oil and use plant-based sour cream and cream cheese alternatives.
- Add fresh chives or green onions for an extra layer of flavor.
- If you prefer a milder onion taste, reduce the caramelizing time slightly.
- A splash of balsamic vinegar can brighten the dip and add complexity.
Storage
Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving, stir well and bring to room temperature or warm gently if you prefer it warm. Avoid freezing as the texture may change.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, this dip tastes even better when it has time to chill for a few hours as the flavors deepen. Prepare it a day in advance and keep it refrigerated.
What can I serve this dip with?
This caramelized onion dip pairs well with potato chips, pita chips, sliced baguette, crackers, or fresh vegetables such as carrot sticks, celery, and bell pepper strips.
Print
Caramelized Onion Dip Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 2 cups (serves 6-8) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Caramelized Onion Dip is a rich and flavorful appetizer perfect for parties, snacks, or gatherings. It features deeply caramelized yellow onions sautéed with butter, salt, and sugar, then blended with creamy sour cream and softened cream cheese. Enhanced with fresh parsley, garlic, and a touch of soy or Worcestershire sauce, this dip offers a delightful balance of sweetness and savory notes. It can be served warm or chilled, making it versatile and delicious.
Ingredients
Caramelized Onions
- 3 medium yellow onions
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
Dip Base
- 12 ounces sour cream
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 clove fresh garlic, grated (optional)
- Fresh flat-leaf parsley, minced, to taste
- A few dashes of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce, to taste
Instructions
- Prep the Onions: Peel the yellow onions and slice them very thinly using a sharp knife or mandoline for uniform slices.
- Sauté the Onions: Heat the salted butter in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, sprinkle with salt and sugar, and sauté for 10-15 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent burning.
- Caramelize with Wine: Pour a small amount of dry white wine into the skillet to deglaze, let it sizzle until mostly evaporated, then repeat adding wine and stirring. Continue this process until the onions become deeply golden brown and fragrant, about 30 minutes.
- Chop the Onions: Transfer the caramelized onions to a cutting board and chop coarsely into smaller pieces or use kitchen scissors to snip them directly in the pan.
- Mix the Dip Base: In a separate bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream using a hand mixer or spoon until smooth and creamy.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir the caramelized onions and a handful of freshly minced parsley into the cream cheese and sour cream mixture.
- Season and Flavor: Taste and add a few dashes of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce and optionally the grated fresh garlic to enhance flavor. Mix thoroughly.
- Serve: Enjoy the dip warm or chilled, paired with chips, crackers, or fresh veggies.
Notes
- Using a mandoline helps achieve uniformly thin onion slices for even caramelization.
- Patience in caramelizing the onions slowly over medium heat develops deeper, richer flavor.
- The optional garlic adds a pungent kick—add according to taste.
- Adjust soy or Worcestershire sauce carefully for saltiness and umami balance.
- This dip keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: caramelized onion dip, onion dip, party dips, appetizer recipe, creamy dip, sour cream dip, cream cheese dip
