This Caramelized Onion Dip with chives is a creamy, flavorful appetizer that takes classic onion dip to the next level. Sweet, caramelized onions are blended with cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise for a rich, tangy dip that’s perfect for chips, veggies, or crackers.
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Why This Recipe Works
- Sweet and Savory: The caramelized onions add a deep, rich sweetness that balances the creamy base.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and minimal effort result in onion dip that feels fancy.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a party, Game Day, or snack time, this dip is always a hit. It pairs perfectly with our Air Fryer Beet Chips and Crispy Parmesan Broccoli Chips recipe.
🥘 Ingredients
- Yellow Onions: The star of the dip, caramelized to bring out their natural sweetness.
- Cream Cheese: Provides a creamy, tangy base.
- Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and lightens the texture.
- Mayonnaise: Enhances the creaminess with a slight richness.
- Unsalted Butter: Used to caramelize the onions to perfection.
- Chives: Adds a fresh, herbal garnish to complement the rich dip.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the overall flavor.
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
📖 Substitutions & Variations
- Yogurt Base: Swap sour cream with plain Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Add grated Parmesan or sharp cheddar for extra richness.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in a dash of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for heat.
- Herbaceous Touch: Add fresh parsley, thyme, or dill for more herbal flavor.
🔪 How To Make Caramelized Onion Dip
Step One: Peel the yellow onions and slice them thinly.
Step Two: Heat butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and stir occasionally. As they begin to brown, reduce the heat to medium-low and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, for about 20-25 minutes until they are golden and caramelized.
Step Three: While the onions cook, add cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper to a food processor.
Step Four: Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step Five: Let the caramelized onions cool for 5 minutes. Add them to the food processor with the creamy mixture.
Step Six: Pulse just a few times to mix in the onions, ensuring there are still small chunks for texture.
Step Seven: Transfer the dip to a serving bowl. Garnish with sliced chives and serve with chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables.
Step Eight: Garnish with sliced chives and serve with chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables
Optional Garnishes for Caramelized Onion Dip
- Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of parsley can brighten the dip’s appearance and flavor.
- Chopped Chives: Adds color and a fresh, mild onion flavor.
- Crispy Onions: Sprinkle fried onions on top for extra crunch.
- Paprika: Dust lightly over the top for a hint of spice and color.
👩🍳 Expert Tips
- Low and Slow: Take your time with caramelizing the onions to develop their sweetness and rich flavor.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Let the cream cheese soften before blending for a smoother consistency.
- Mix to Taste: Pulse the onions into the dip lightly for a chunkier texture or blend more for a smoother dip.
- Make Ahead: Prepare this dip a day in advance to let the flavors meld together even more.
💭 FAQs
This dip uses sweet, golden caramelized onions instead of raw or dried onion flavoring, giving it a deep, rich sweetness that elevates the classic recipe.
Yes, red onions can be used, but they will impart a slightly different flavor—less sweet and more tangy. Yellow onions are preferred for their natural sweetness when caramelized.
Caramelizing onions typically takes 20-25 minutes over medium-low heat. Be patient and cook them slowly to develop their full sweetness.
Absolutely! In fact, the flavors improve if you make it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before serving.
No, it’s not recommended to freeze this dip as the creamy base can separate and alter the texture when thawed.
🧂Serving Suggestions
Here are some sides to serve with Caramelized Onion Dip:
- Crackers: Serve with crispy Homemade Bagel Chips or Parmesan Breadsticks for variety.
- Veggies: Pair with carrot sticks, cucumber slices, or bell pepper strips for a fresh option. Check out our Veggie Train.
- Bread: Serve with slices of Baguette or toasted pita for a hearty accompaniment.
- Charcurterie: This dip would go great in a New Years Charcuterie Board or Christmas Charcuterie Board.
🍽 Related Recipes
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Caramelized Onion Dip
Ingredients
- 2 Yellow Onion
- 4 oz Cream Cheese
- ½ Cup Sour Cream
- ¼ Cup Mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoon Unsalted Butter
- 1 tablespoon Chives Sliced
- ¼ teaspoon Salt Or To Taste
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper Or To Taste
Instructions
- Peel and thinly slice the yellow onions. Heat butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions and stir occasionally.
- Once they begin to brown, lower the heat to medium-low and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and caramelized.
- In a food processor, combine cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper.
- Process until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Let the onions cool for 5 minutes, then add them to the food processor with the creamy mixture.
- Pulse a few times to combine, leaving some small onion chunks for texture.
- Transfer the dip to a bowl, garnish with sliced chives, and serve with chips, crackers, or fresh veggies.
Notes
Nutrition
