Description
This classic French Onion Dip is a creamy, flavorful appetizer combining caramelized onions and crispy fried shallots with a blend of cream cheese, mayo, and sour cream. Perfect for serving with toasted baguette slices or kettle chips, it’s a delicious party starter or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Onions and Shallots
- 1 yellow onion, sliced
- 5–6 large shallots, sliced
- Olive oil, for sautéing and frying
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 pinch salt
Dip Base
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 3 tbsp mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
Seasonings and Garnishes
- ½ tsp white pepper
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Black pepper, to taste and more for topping
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp agave nectar
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt, to taste
- Chopped chives, for topping
Serving
- Toast or kettle chips, for dipping
Instructions
- Slice Onions and Shallots: On a cutting board, thinly slice the yellow onion and the shallots to prepare for cooking.
- Caramelize Onions: Heat a pan over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Add the sliced onions and sauté for 5 minutes. Then add butter and a pinch of salt, continuing to cook for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the onions stick to the pan at any time, deglaze with a small splash of water. Once caramelized, remove from heat and let cool.
- Fry Shallots: In another pan, add enough olive oil to coat the shallots. Heat oil to around 350°F (hot but not smoking). Fry the sliced shallots until they turn a pale golden color. Remove them with a spider strainer and transfer to a bowl to drain and cool.
- Prepare Dip Base: In a food processor, combine cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, white pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, lemon zest, agave nectar, balsamic vinegar, and the cooled caramelized onions. Blend the mixture until smooth. Taste and add salt as needed to balance flavors.
- Assemble and Serve: Transfer the dip into a piping bag for an elegant presentation or spread it evenly in a shallow serving bowl. Top with the crispy fried shallots, chopped chives, and a sprinkle of additional black pepper. Serve immediately with toasted baguette slices or kettle chips for dipping. Enjoy!
Notes
- Slow caramelization of onions is key for deep, rich flavor; do not rush this step.
- Maintaining the oil temperature around 350°F ensures the shallots fry evenly without burning.
- Use a piping bag for a decorative presentation, or a bowl for casual serving.
- Leftover dip can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese and sour cream with plant-based alternatives.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: French
Keywords: French Onion Dip, creamy dip, caramelized onions, appetizer, party dip, fried shallots, snack
