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Caramelized Onion Dip Recipe

Our homemade caramelized onion dip outshines anything store-bought and is the perfect dip for your next gathering.

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Caramelized onion dip  in a bowl with vegetables

Perfect Caramelized Onion Dip? Lord Have Mercy.

We’ve gone and done it again. We’ve perfected yet another quintessential party dip. This ultra-creamy, chip-ready homemade caramelized onion dip recipe has been a long time coming! Despite the fact that it’s quite lacking in the health department, it remains one of our favorite recipes to grace any party table or buffet.

Caramelized onions in a cast iron pan

How Do You Make Caramelized Onion Dip From Scratch?

It’s pretty basic, really. Here’s how it’s done:

  1. Take sweet onions.
  2. Caramelize them to tender perfection!
  3. Mix those savory caramelized onion bits with cream cheese, sour cream and fresh herbs and spices.
  4. The result? Oh, just the best chip dip / veggie dip / sandwich spread ever. Not to mention what’s sure to be the most celebrated snack centerpiece at any football game.
Caramelized onions in a cast iron pan

The Best Onion Dip Begins with Perfect Caramelized Onions.

It is the jammy, sweet caramelized flavor from slow-cooked onions that gives this dip its most delectable signature flavor, and that ultra-savory goodness is only achieved through a very slow cooking process and having the right tools. To make perfect caramelized onions, you’ll just need:

  • A good skillet
  • Thinly sliced onions
  • A big pat of butter
  • Low heat and lots of time. You can’t rush perfection.

If you’ve never caramelized onions before, you’ll be amazed at the flavor this slow-and-low cooking process produces. The end result is onions that are sweet as candy that make anything they’re added to instantly ten times more delicious. We love to add them to these quesadillas, into this soup, or even on top of this burger, among many other things.

garlic powder, onion powder chives, sour cream, cream cheese and caramelized onions in a bowl

How Long Does French Onion Dip Last?

Jarred dips, like Lay’s French Onion Dip, can last for a week or two, but that’s because they’re loaded with preservatives and additives. Our fresh and homemade version is good for about five days. And, in fact, it does get a bit more delicious as it sits. Make it at least a day ahead of time, and store it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to dig in.

caramelized onion dip in a bowl with chives

Tools You’ll Need

More Easy Appetizer Recipes for Your Next Shindig

Snacks are the best food, and everyone knows it. Here are four snacky homemade dip recipes we’re loving right now:

Caramelized onion dip  in a bowl with vegetables

So, Now for the Verdict: Is Homemade Onion Dip Better Than Store Bought?

Yes. Absolutely yes! Does this make it healthier? Not really. Should you make it anyway? You betcha. A little splurge now and then never hurt anybody, and this dip is worth the indulgence, we promise. If you make it, we’d LOVE to see it snap a photo of your finished dish, then tag us on Instagram using @themodernproper and #themodernproper so we can see your handiwork! Happy eating!

Caramelized Onion Dip Recipe

  • Serves: 8
  • Prep Time:  10 min
  • Cook Time:  40 min
  • Calories: 243

Ingredients

  • 4 medium sweet onions, sliced in thin rings
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tsp brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, room temperature
  • 8 oz sour cream
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/4 cup chives

Method

  1. In a large skillet heat olive oil and butter over low heat until butter is melted. Add onions to the pan and stir until onions begin the tenderize. Sprinkle onions with sugar and allow to cook over low heat stirring every few minutes until onions have reached a rich caramel color. This will take 30-40 minutes. Remove onions from heat and allow to cool.
  2. In a medium sized bowl mix together cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. Season with onion powder, garlic powder, chives, salt and pepper. Finally stir in onions and serve!
  3. Serve with potato chips and fresh veggies. Can be stored in refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Nutrition Info

  • Per Serving
  • Amount
  • Calories243
  • Protein3 g
  • Carbohydrates11 g
  • Total Fat21 g
  • Dietary Fiber2 g
  • Cholesterol38 mg
  • sodium273 mg
  • Total Sugars8 g

Caramelized Onion Dip Recipe

Questions & Reviews

Join the discussion below.

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  • Monique

    Hi, will yellow onions work?
    Thank you!

    Sure!

  • Judy

    My dip came out too thick. Should I continue to whip it more or just add in some more sour cream?

    Hi Judy, you could thin it out with a little milk to your desired consistency.

  • Bridget

    Do you cut up the onions or leave them sliced when mixing the dip? thank you!

    Either way works! You can put them in straight out of the pan, or you can chop them up a bit.

  • Katie C

    Keeping this one for all the holiday parties coming up!

    Yay! Hope you make it and love it!

  • Stephanie Paquini

    Love this dip recipe to replace my usual Lipton onion soup dip 👍🏼

    yay!!!

  • Shannon M

    This dip is so delicious! I made it as an appetizer for Thanksgiving and it was a huge hit! The caramelized onions really knock it out of the park

    perfect. So glad to hear that!

  • Aleks

    This recipe was an absolute hit at the last party I brought it to. Definitely worth the occasional splurge!

    I agree. So glad you loved it!