Sometimes, the best recipes are the simplest! With just 4 ingredients, you can easily whip up a creamy French Onion Dip recipe that's perfect for parties, tailgating, game nights, or a quick snack.
When I dip, you dip, we dip! It's a crowd favorite and so easy to make ahead of time. Better served cold, we make this ahead of events and then set in the fridge until guests arrive. We used to make huge batches of this for our catering business and people went crazy for it. First time making this dip? No worries! In this recipe I'll show you how easily it's made, what to serve with your French Onion Dip along with some tips and frequently asked questions.
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Ingredients
To make your homemade French Onion Dip, here's what you'll need:
- Red Onions - for caramelizing to bring out the natural sweetness of the onion for a sweeter dip
- 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.
Why it's Best to Use Caramelized Onions
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.
Although there's nothing wrong with using other umami additions like Soy Sauce, Worcestershire Sauce or onion flakes, I feel like nothing beats the silky, natural taste of a whole food!
What to Eat with French Onion Dip
KEEP IT CLASSIC. 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!
KEEPING IT FRESH. 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.
MORE CARBS PLEASE. If you want to keep it filling, try serving with Tater Tots, French Fries, Pita Bread, Bread Sticks, or Crostini.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 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 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.
Equipment and Supplies
- Flint and Flame Knives - These are my 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.
- Jackson's Chips - These chips are free of 9 of the top food allergies! They are vegan, gluten-free, and kosher!
Is French Onion Dip Gluten Free
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!
Be aware of using flavored sour creams. Some use wheat-based thickeners in their seasonings.
Adding Flavors
Umami flavors are a must for this dip! If not caramelizing onions, try adding in soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, mushroom powder, miso paste or nutritional yeast.
ADD SOME CRUNCH. Top with crispy bacon bits, fried onions, toasted walnuts or pecans.
ADD HEAT. Kick it up by topping your dip with Cayenne Pepper, a drizzle of Hot Sauce, or by mixing in Horseradish or Chili Flakes.
Storage
If using fresh onions, this French Onion Dip with keep well in the fridge for 4 days if kept in an airtight container. Be sure to mix well before stirring.
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.
More Appetizers
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.
Video of Recipe
Recipe
French Onion Dip
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.
- In a skillet on medium heat, melt the stick of butter. Then, add in onions and reduce heat to medium-low heat.
- 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 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.
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!