This Caramelized Onion Dip is the best version of the classic appetizer or snack recipe with just 4 ingredients. It's easy to make ahead of time and so much better than store-bought.
Reader Review: "Made this today to have during the football games. Everyone in the house agrees it's better than anything from the stores! I'm not sure it will even make it through the first game....." - John
Have you ever had Caramelized Onion Dip made from scratch? Let me just tell you, it's a game-changer! Our version is similar to French Onion Dip, and is quick, affordable, and super easy to prep ahead for any gathering, tailgate, or just meal prepping during a busy week.
It's a crowd favorite in our house, so I often recommend making a double batch. Better served cold, I usually prep it the day before I'm planning to enjoy it, so the flavors can meld and get better over time. We used to make huge batches of this for our catering business, and people went crazy for it. Serve it with veggie sticks and chips, and I guarantee it will disappear in no time.
If you love a dip recipe, our Southwest Ranch Dip and Dill Dip are two others to try.
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Why You'll Love this Caramelized Onion Dip
- Caramelized onions take the flavor over the top. By cooking onions low and slow, you release an umami flavor that you can't get from just onion powder or onion flakes. When you caramelize an onion, you bring out its natural sweetness to balance the tang of the sour cream.
- Super creamy and versatile. I've even spread this dip on sandwiches; it's that delicious.
- Affordable and quick to make. In just over 30 minutes, this dip is ready to chill for all of your snacking needs.
Ingredients
- Red Onions - For caramelizing to bring out the natural sweetness of the onion for a sweeter dip. You can easily use yellow onions, too, if you already have them at home.
- Butter - To help with the caramelizing process of the onions.
- Sour Cream - Using a full-fat sour cream is suggested for the rich creaminess that brings this dish together.
- Garlic Powder - A finishing flavor and the only seasoning you need.
See recipe card for quantities.
Equipment and Supplies
- Flint and Flame Knives - These are the everyday knives that I love! Use code ChefTim40 for 40% off your set.
- 10 Inch Cast Iron Skillet - This Staub frying pan is easy to clean and doesn't require seasoning.
How to make caramelized onion dip
- Dice onions.
- In a skillet on medium heat, melt the stick of butter. Then, add in onions and reduce the heat to medium-low.
- Caramelize onions by stirring occasionally in the skillet and cooking for 35-40 minutes. I stirred about every 5-7 minutes to make sure nothing burned.
- Remove onions from the heat and stir in sour cream and garlic powder. Place mixture in a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Top with chives and serve with chips.
Expert Tips
- Make sure you fully caramelize the onions. If they begin to burn, just add a splash of water, and this will allow them to continue to caramelize.
- Use yellow onions too! It's equally as delicious with yellow onions.
- Fully cool the onions before combining the dip. It will melt your sour cream if so!
- Chill the dip for long enough so it sets. Resist the urge to stir immediately; we promise both the texture and the flavor will be so much better after chilling.
- You can thinly slice the onions if you prefer. We usually dice them since we find it's easier to scoop.
- If your onions are taking forever to caramelize, add a pinch of sugar. This will speed up the process, especially if you are short on time.
variations
- If you are not caramelizing onions, try adding in soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, mushroom powder, miso paste, or nutritional yeast.
- Add some crunchy toppings. Top with crispy bacon bits, fried onions, toasted walnuts, or pecans.
- Make it spicy. Kick it up by topping your dip with Cayenne Pepper, a drizzle of Hot Sauce, or by mixing in Horseradish or Chili Flakes.
- Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt or cream cheese. You can easily change the creamy base to be Greek yogurt or a mix of Greek yogurt and cream cheese.
What to serve with homemade French onion dip
- Potato Chips are our FAVORITE! When serving this for catering events, we served it with Pretzel Chips and Crackers, also. Regardless, it was always served cold!
- Vegetables. When serving on a hot day or just wanting a lighter dip option, we'd serve with slices of Carrot, Celery, Bell Pepper Strips, Cucumber, or Cherry Tomatoes.
- Other fun options we've tried. If you want to keep it filling, try serving with Tater Tots, French Fries, Pita Bread, Bread Sticks, or Crostini.
Storage
If using fresh onions, this caramelized onion dip will keep well in the fridge for 4 days in an airtight container. Be sure to give it a fresh stir before serving.
I never suggest freezing anything with sour cream in it. Sour Cream tends to change texture and turn watery after thawing out. It never turns out as creamy again. If you choose to freeze it, use it within 1-2 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! The trick is to use softened cream cheese, so it mixes easily. Allow your cream cheese to soften on the counter for 1-2 hours before combining with the caramelized onions and garlic powder.
Yes! Sweet onions and yellow onions are sweeter than red onions. But when caramelizing onions, they all end up with a sweet taste. I chose to use red onions for this recipe to minimize the level of sweetness.
Yes, this recipe of French Onion Dip is gluten-free! As long as you aren't flavoring with Worcestershire sauce or a seasoning that has hidden gluten, then you are keeping it free!
Video
Recipe
Caramelized Onion Dip (4 ingredients)
Equipment
- Skillet at least 9''
Ingredients
- 2 Red Onions
- 1 Stick Butter 8 oz
- 2 Cups Sour Cream
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- Chips for Dipping
Instructions
- Dice onions. 2 Red Onions
- In a skillet on medium heat, melt the stick of butter. Then, add in onions and reduce the heat to medium-low. 1 Stick Butter
- Caramelize onions by stirring occasionally in the skillet and cooking for 35-40 minutes. I stirred about every 5-7 minutes to make sure nothing burned.
- Remove onions from the heat and stir in sour cream and garlic powder. Place mixture in a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. 2 Cups Sour Cream 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- Top with chives and serve with chips. Chips for Dipping
Notes
- Make sure you fully caramelize the onions. If they begin to burn, just add a splash of water, and this will allow them to continue to caramelize.
- Use yellow onions too! It's equally as delicious with yellow onions.
- Fully cool the onions before combining the dip. It will melt your sour cream if so!
- Chill the dip for long enough so it sets. Resist the urge to stir immediately; we promise both the texture and the flavor will be so much better after chilling.
- You can thinly slice the onions if you prefer. We usually dice them since we find it's easier to scoop.
- If your onions are taking forever to caramelize, add a pinch of sugar. This will speed up the process, especially if you are short on time.
John says
Made this today to have during the football games. Everyone in the house agrees it's better than anything from the stores! I'm not sure it will even make it through the first game.....
CookitwithTim says
Haha! Love hearing that. We make this for pool days and it's gone QUICK! Glad you've enjoyed it!