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Caramelized French Onion Dip Recipe

3.9 from 36 reviews

Caramelized French Onion Dip is a creamy, rich, and addicting appetizer perfect for any occasion. It features deeply caramelized onions mixed into a smooth blend of cream cheese and sour cream, topped with melted mozzarella cheese and fresh chives. This versatile dip can be served warm, baked to golden perfection, or chilled for a lighter texture.

Ingredients

Scale

Caramelized Onions

  • 34 large yellow onions (or 67 small onions), thinly sliced or diced
  • 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion salt, plus additional to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Creamy Base

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1½ cups sour cream
  • 2 Tablespoons heavy cream

Cheese and Garnish

  • 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella for mixing (optional)
  • 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella for topping
  • Fresh chives, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) to prepare for baking the dip later.
  2. Make the caramelized onions: Heat the unsalted butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and onion salt, then cook for 30-40 minutes, stirring frequently until the onions deepen to a rich brown color and develop a jammy consistency. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce at the end to combine well.
  3. Prepare the creamy base: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and heavy cream. Mix thoroughly for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and fluffy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt as needed.
  4. Combine onions with the creamy base: Stir the caramelized onions into the creamy mixture until evenly incorporated. Optionally, mix in 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella for richness and texture if you choose to bake the dip.
  5. Assemble and bake: Transfer the dip mixture to a baking dish or small oven-safe skillet. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella evenly over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the dip is golden and bubbly. For an extra golden crust, broil the top for an additional 1-2 minutes.
  6. Serve: Remove the baked dip from the oven and garnish with fresh chives. Serve warm with kettle chips, pretzel crisps, or fresh veggies. Alternatively, for a lighter version, skip mozzarella and baking and serve the dip chilled.

Notes

  • For a lighter dip or quicker prep, omit mozzarella and baking steps and serve chilled. This keeps the dip smooth and spreadable.
  • Caramelizing onions thoroughly for 30-40 minutes brings out their natural sweetness and flavor, enhancing the dip.
  • Worcestershire sauce adds umami depth to the onions but can be adjusted or omitted according to dietary preferences.
  • The dip pairs well with a variety of dippers like kettle chips, pretzel crisps, or fresh vegetable sticks.
  • Ensure the cream cheese is softened before mixing for a smooth and creamy base.

Keywords: French onion dip, caramelized onion dip, creamy dip, appetizer, baked dip, party dip, cheesy dip