Wow your guests with this Caramelized Onion Dip! Sweet, caramelized onions blend with creamy sour cream and cream cheese for a delicious dip. Perfect with mini pita bread, pretzels, or veggies, it makes an easy appetizer for any gathering, much like our Bacon Cheddar Ranch Dip.
Why You'll Love This Caramelized Onion Dip Recipe
Whether you're hosting a party, watching the game, or just enjoying a night in with friends, this delicious homemade onion dip is always a crowd-pleaser.
This rich and creamy dip is made with caramelized onions, sour cream, cream cheese, and a variety of seasonings. The result is a dip that is both sweet and savory, with a depth of flavor that is simply irresistible.
- Incredibly easy to make. The only challenging part is caramelizing the onions, but even that is not too difficult. Once the onions are caramelized, the rest of the dip comes together quickly.
- Caramelized Onion Dip is very versatile. You can serve it with a variety of dippers, such as potato chips, pretzels, vegetables, or even crackers. You can also use it as a spread for sandwiches or wraps. Try it on a baked potato!
- Great party appetizer. This caramelized onion cream cheese dip is easy to transport and can be served at room temperature. It is also a relatively inexpensive recipe to make, so you can save money on your next party.
Ingredients Overview
This cream cheese onion dip recipe is easy to make. The caramelized onions give the creamy mixture a flavor that is better than any French onion soup mix!
Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How To Make This Caramelized Onion Dip
You'll be cooking the onions until they're golden brown, then adding the apple cider vinegar and a little real maple syrup to de-glaze the skillet and give the onions a boost of flavor that complements the creamy cream cheese perfectly.
Step 1: Cut the onion into small dice. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the onions and rosemary. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 2: Cook, stirring constantly, until the onions are deep golden brown, approximately 25 to 30 minutes.
De-glaze the skillet by adding the apple cider vinegar and gently scrapping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Drizzle the maple syrup on top of the onions and stir to combine. Remove skillet from heat and cool for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Transfer the onions to a mixing bowl and add the softened cream cheese and the sour cream, and mix together well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Transfer the cream cheese onion dip to a bowl and garnish with the fresh chopped chives. Surround the caramelized onion dip with a variety of crackers, sliced cucumbers, celery sticks, and other dippers.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to dips, there's nothing quite like caramelized onion dip. It's creamy cream cheese and sour cream base pair well with both crackers, vegetables, and it's marvelous on baked potatoes!
Serve this homemade onion dip with fresh sliced vegetable sticks, random crackers that have texture and flavor, and you will have an appetizer hit!
Substitutions and Variations
Here are a few substitutions and variations using this Caramelized Onion Dip recipe as a base:
- You can make this dairy free using non dairy sour cream and cream cheese.
- This cream cheese onion dip is a great topping on steaming hot baked potatoes.
- Use different types of onions. For example, you could use sweet onions, red onions, or shallots.
- Add different herbs and spices. For example, you could add garlic powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper.
- Use different types of dairy. For example, you could use Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, or cream cheese.
Tips for Success
Helpful tips to help you when making this recipe:
- Use a wide heavy-bottomed skillet to caramelize the onions. This will help them cook evenly and prevent them from burning.
- Don't overcrowd the skillet. If you add too many onions, they will not caramelize properly.
- Be patient. Caramelizing onions takes time, but it is worth it. The longer you cook them, the sweeter and more flavorful they will be.
Storage Options
Here is how I store leftovers when making this recipe:
Caramelized Onion Dip can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months. When you are ready to serve, thaw the dip overnight in the refrigerator.
Frequently Asked Questions
It takes about 30 minutes to caramelize onions. However, the cooking time may vary depending on the type of onions you are using and the heat setting of your stovetop.
If your onions start to burn, simply reduce the heat and stir them more frequently. You can also add a splash of water to help prevent them from burning.
Yes, you can make this caramelized onion dip recipe ahead of time. Simply prepare the dip according to the recipe and then store
More Appetizer Recipes
Get The Recipe!
Caramelized Onion Dip
Equipment
- Calphalon Classic Oil-Infused 12-inch Fry Pan and Cover, Dark Gray
- Fiesta Chip and Dip Serving Set
Ingredients
- 1 large onion yellow or white, diced
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoon rosemary dried
- 1 teaspoon sea salt plus more to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoon maple syrup real maple syrup
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Cut the onion into small dice.1 large onion
- Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the onions and rosemary. Season with salt and pepper to taste.2 tablespoon olive oil, 2 tablespoon unsalted butter, 2 teaspoon rosemary, 1 teaspoon sea salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Cook, stirring constantly, until the onions are deep golden brown, approximately 25 to 30 minutes.
- De-glaze the skillet by adding the apple cider vinegar and gently scrapping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.3 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Drizzle the maple syrup on top of the onions and stir to combine. Remove skillet from heat and cool for 5 minutes.2 tablespoon maple syrup
- Transfer the onions to a mixing bowl and add the softened cream cheese and the sour cream, and mix together well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.8 oz cream cheese, 1 cup sour cream
- Transfer the cream cheese onion dip to a bowl and garnish with the fresh chopped chives.
- Surround the caramelized onion dip with a variety of crackers, sliced cucumbers, celery sticks, and other dippers.
Notes
- Use a wide heavy-bottomed skillet to caramelize the onions. This will help them cook evenly and prevent them from burning.
- Don't overcrowd the skillet. If you add too many onions, they will not caramelize properly.
- Be patient. Caramelizing onions takes time, but it is worth it. The longer you cook them, the sweeter and more flavorful they will be.
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