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Caramelized Onion Dip Recipe

This Caramelized Onion Dip recipe is super easy to make and is a crowd favorite. This party dip loves to show up on game days, holidays, and gatherings. It’s deliciously irresistible with potato chips, baguette slices, and pita chips.

A bowl of caramelized onion dip garnished with caramelized onions and served with chips and crackers.
This Caramelized Onion Dip Recipe is perfect for game days since it can be made ahead of time!

Why This Recipe Stands Out

We all love a good dip, but our Caramelized Onion Dip is a game-changer. It’s the perfect blend of creamy and savory, making it the ideal recipe for gatherings. Here’s why this recipe stands out:

  • Simple: This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients, and it’s quick to put together, just like our Easy Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Dip.
  • Make-Ahead: Like our Spinach Yogurt Dip and our Easy Spinach Dip, this caramelized onion dip can be made ahead of time, saving you stress on the day of your event.
  • Versatile: This dip pairs perfectly with potato chips, baguette slices, pita chips, or even veggie sticks. It’s the perfect party appetizer!
  • Customizable: You can customize this dip with your favorite toppings. We love it with freshly chopped chives and crumbled bacon.
  • Flavorful: The combination of caramelized onions, Greek yogurt, and cream cheese results in a dip that’s packed with flavor. It’s absolutely delicious!

Key Recipe Ingredients

  • Yellow Onions – Onions are the star of this recipe, and they are peeled and chopped to release their sweet and savory flavor.
  • Greek Yogurt – This adds a tangy creaminess to the dip, making it wonderfully rich and smooth.
  • Cream Cheese – The cream cheese is softened and mixed with the yogurt to create a velvety base for the dip.
  • Worcestershire Sauce – A dash of Worcestershire sauce adds depth and savoriness to the dip.
  • Finely Grated Parmesan Cheese – This is the key ingredient for the flavor of the dip. It adds a salty, umami kick that takes the dip to the next level.

Substitutions And Variations

This Caramelized Onion Dip is a crowd-pleaser, but we understand that everyone’s preferences are different. Here are some tasty variations and substitutions you might want to consider.

  • Onions: While yellow onions are our go-to, feel free to experiment with other types of onions. Red onions or sweet Vidalia onions can add a different flavor profile to the dip. Try caramelizing shallots for a milder, sweeter flavor.
  • Yogurt: If you prefer a thicker dip, substitute the Greek yogurt with sour cream. For a dairy-free option, use a coconut or almond-based yogurt.
  • Cheese: Switch up the type of cheese for a different flavor. Try sharp cheddar cheese for a tangy kick or blue cheese for a bold, pungent flavor. For a vegan option, nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor.
  • Toppings: This dip is delicious on its own, but feel free to get creative with your toppings. Freshly chopped herbs, crumbled feta cheese, or crumbled bacon like we add in our Cheesy Tater Tor Breakfast Casserole.

Step-By-Step Recipe Instructions

A Chopped Chives & Crumbled Bacon
  1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onions, garlic powder, salt, sugar, and pepper. Stir well to combine. Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring every 2-3 minutes.
  2. In a bowl, combine very soft cream cheese and yogurt. Use a whisk to blend until smooth. Add Worcestershire and parmesan, stirring well. Add caramelized onions and stir to incorporate. Top with chives and bacon, if desired.

For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.

How To Prep Ahead

This Caramelized Onion Dip is a crowd-pleaser and we have some great tips to make it even more convenient for you. Take a look at our favorite prep-ahead strategies for this recipe:

  • Caramelized Onions: The caramelized onions can be prepared ahead of time. Simply follow the recipe instructions to caramelize the onions, let them cool, and then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to make the dip, just take them out and stir them into the dip mixture.
  • Make Ahead: The entire dip can be made a day ahead of time. Simply cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve. This is a great option if you’re planning for a party or gathering.
caramelized onion dip in a bowl with chips
It’s delicious with potato chips, baguette slices, and pita chips and works great for game days!

What To Serve With Caramelized Onion Dip

Vegetables

  • This Caramelized Onion Dip is a perfect match for homemade potato chips. The crunchy, salty chips complement the creamy, savory dip beautifully.
  • If you’re looking for a healthier option, try serving this dip with a variety of fresh veggie sticks. Carrots, celery, bell peppers, and cucumber all taste great with it.

Bread

  • Bread works great with this dip to make an ideal appetizer for any occasion. Try serving it with baguette slices, crostini, or even pita bread.

Sandwiches

  • This dip is so flavorful that it can even be used as a spread. Try it on a sandwich or as a burger spread. It’s also a great addition to a charcuterie board.

Commonly Asked Questions

What type of onions should I use for this dip?

You can use any type of onion for this recipe, but we recommend using yellow onions. They have a mild, sweet flavor that is perfect for caramelizing.

Can I make the caramelized onions ahead of time?

Yes, you can! In fact, we recommend it. You can prepare the caramelized onions up to 3 days in advance. Simply store them in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to make the dip, bring the onions to room temperature and give them a quick stir to freshen them up.

Can I use low-fat or fat-free cream cheese for this dip?

Yes, you can use low-fat or fat-free cream cheese, but we recommend using regular cream cheese for the best flavor and texture.

What can I do if my cream cheese is not soft enough?

If your cream cheese is not soft enough, you can microwave it in 30-second increments until it reaches a very-soft, lukewarm consistency. This will make it easier to blend with the other ingredients and will result in a smoother texture.

How long does this caramelized onion dip last?

It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.

Did you make this?

Please give us a rating and comment below. We love hearing from you!

caramelized onion dip in a bowl with chips

Caramelized Onion Dip Recipe

5 from 45 ratings
This Caramelized Onion Dip Recipe is super easy to make and is always a party favorite. This party dip loves to show up on game days, holidays, and gatherings. It's deliciously addictive with potato chips, baguette slices, and pita chips. 
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 10
Author: Amy Dong

Ingredients  

Instructions

  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil until hot, over medium high heat. Add onions, garlic powder, salt, sugar, and pepper. Stir to combine well. Continue cooking 15-20 minutes, stirring every 2-3 minutes. After each stir, shake pan to even out the mixture to a single layer so onions cook evenly. Once onions are soft and nicely browned, turn heat off and let rest.
  • In a bowl, combine very soft cream cheese – microwave in 30-second increments to get it to a very-soft, lukewarm consistency – and yogurt. Use hand whisk to blend mixture together until smooth, without clumps.
  • Add in the Worcestershire and parmesan, stirring to combine well. Add caramelized onions and stir to incorporate. Transfer to serving dish. Top with chives and bacon, if desired. Serve immediately or cover and chill until ready to serve.

Notes

  • Make sure to chop your onions finely for this caramelized onion dip recipe. This will help them cook more evenly and caramelize to perfection.
  • When cooking the onions, don’t rush the process. Take your time and let them cook slowly until they are soft and deeply browned. This will give your dip a sweet, rich flavor.
  • To achieve a smooth and creamy texture, ensure that your cream cheese is softened to a very soft, lukewarm consistency. This will make it easier to blend with the other ingredients and avoid lumps in your dip.
  • Adding both garlic powder and freshly ground black pepper to the onions will enhance their flavor and give your dip an extra kick.
  • Worcestershire sauce and parmesan cheese are the secret ingredients that take this dip to the next level. Don’t skip them!
  • While we love topping our Caramelized Onion Dip with freshly chopped chives and crumbled bacon, feel free to customize your dip with your favorite toppings.
  • This dip is best served with potato chips, veggie sticks, or pita chips. However, it also makes a great spread for baguette slices, crostini, and can even be used as a sandwich or burger spread.
If you enjoyed this recipe, please come back and give it a rating. We ❤️ hearing from you! 
 
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Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 96kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.001g | Cholesterol: 14mg | Sodium: 319mg | Potassium: 80mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 173IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 65mg | Iron: 0.1mg
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free
Method: Stovetop

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5 from 45 votes (43 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




42 comments

    • Kevin R
    • 5 stars

    I’ve made this recipe several times now and it is fantastic! My garden had a surplus of sweet onions so I’ve been making it once a month for get togethers and parties (and even just to shove in my own face a couple times) and It’s definitely a crowd-pleaser. To those avoiding it because of the onions . . . don’t, as It’s not “oniony” at all. For people who don’t like onions and picky eaters, all you need to do it chop up the onions finely (as Amy suggested) and no one will be the wiser. My neuro-divergent picky eater father, who would truly rather chop off his own arm than eat an onion, loves this dip (I don’t tell him it has onion in it though). It really is a marvelous savory treat with a hint of sweetness.

    A couple things: I use my own recipe for caramelized onions that I got from my mother, although it’s basically the same thing, I just add a bit of butter (in addition to oil) and cook the onions super low and long (over an hour). I was skeptical on whether the sugar was necessary because the onions are so sweet once cooked. I came to realize this recipe really benefits from the sugar as once you mix the onions in with the other ingredients, the sugar level of the onions can’t compete with the other flavors. And these types of dips really benefit from an extra punch of sugar. I’ve used both granulated and brown sugar and they’re both delicious. I prefer brown, but it’s not a particularly stark distinction. I also love the addition of greek yogurt to cut down on the calories. Whole milk does taste better than fat free but both work very well. I’ve also used sour cream because I forgot to buy yogurt. It was alright but Amy’s idea of using yogurt really brings something special to the recipe, as the tartness of the yogurt interacts so well with the sugar. So great job to chef Amy on perfecting a fabulous french onion dip. It’s so good, especially with sweet potato fries or chips. I just made it again tonight and I can’t wait to sit down and watch TV and eat this.

      • Amy Dong

      Oh my goodness, thank you, Kevin!!!

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