You’ll love this one if you enjoy these Queso Fundido, Whipped Feta with Honey Dip, and Warm Marinated Olives recipes!
If you’re a fan of classic party dips or the taste of French onion soup, this one’s for you. Serve it with chips, crackers, or fresh veggies.
The secret here is in the caramelized onions. Get them nice and golden, then mix with sour cream, mayo, and seasonings. Chill for at least an hour to let the flavors blend perfectly before serving.
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💛 Why you’ll love this recipe
- Quick prep with only 10 minutes of active time.
- Simple, affordable ingredients you may already have in the kitchen.
- Great for gatherings, potlucks, or game-day spreads.
- Make-ahead friendly — just chill, and it’s ready to serve.
- Pairs well with everything from chips to veggie sticks.
➡️ Ingredients
⏲ How to make this caramelized onion dip recipe
This is an overview of the recipe’s instructions. The full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Caramelize Onions: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions, sugar, and salt. Cook until onions are deep golden brown and caramelized, which may take anywhere from 20-30 minutes. If onions start to brown too quickly, lower heat to medium-low. If the pan gets dry, lower stovetop heat to medium-low and add 1 Tablespoon of water at a time to prevent burning. Stir often for even cooking. Note that caramelizing takes time; if the onions start to cook too fast, reduce the heat. Low and slow brings out the best sweetness without any bitter, burnt edges.
Recipe Tip
Use a Heavy-Bottomed Pan for Caramelizing: I would suggest using a heavy skillet, like cast iron, helps the onions cook evenly without hot spots that can cause burning.
- Allow Onions To Cool: Transfer caramelized onions to a plate to cool slightly.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Meanwhile, in a medium-sized mixing bowl, mix together sour cream, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper until smooth.
- Combine Dip: Add the caramelized onions to the sour cream mixture. Stir until well combined.
- Chill Dip: Cover and refrigerate the dip for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh chives, if desired. Serve with chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables.
Recipe Tip
Serve at Slightly Cooler Than Room Temperature: Let the dip sit out for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This softens the texture, which will make it perfect for dipping without losing its creamy consistency.
👉 Ingredient substitution suggestions
- Sour Cream: Greek yogurt works if you want a tangier flavor.
- Mayonnaise: Use extra sour cream if you’re out of mayo.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Substitute with soy sauce for a different depth of flavor, or use a vegetarian Worcestershire sauce to keep the dip fully vegetarian-friendly.
- Onion Powder: Skip this if you want to keep the onion flavor milder.
- Chives: Swap with green onions if you prefer a milder garnish.
✨ Variations
- Spicy: Add a pinch of ground cayenne pepper or diced jalapeño for heat.
- Fresh Herbs: Mix in a bit of fresh dill or parsley.
- Bacon: Fold in cooked, crumbled bacon.
- Cheesy: Stir in a handful of shredded cheddar.
〰️ How to serve
- With Dippers — Potato chips, pita chips, bagel chips, crackers, or baguette slices.
- With Vegetables — Carrot sticks, celery, sliced bell peppers, or cucumber slices.
- As a Topping — Try it on baked potatoes, grilled chicken, or as a burger topping.
💬 FAQs
How long does this dip need to chill?
Ideally, refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. The flavors deepen as it chills.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes, you can make the dip up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Give it a quick stir before serving.
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Caramelized Onion Dip
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Optional Garnish:
- 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh chives
Instructions
- Caramelize Onions: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions, sugar, and salt. Cook until onions are deep golden brown and caramelized, about 20-30 minutes. If onions start to brown too quickly, lower heat to medium-low. If the pan gets dry, lower stovetop heat to medium-low and add 1 Tablespoon of water at a time to prevent burning. Stir often for even cooking.
- Allow Onions To Cool: Transfer caramelized onions to a plate to cool slightly.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Meanwhile, in a medium-sized mixing bowl, mix together sour cream, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper until smooth.
- Combine Dip: Add caramelized onions to sour cream mixture. Stir until well combined.
- Chill Dip: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh chives, if desired. Serve with chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables.
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