Caramelized Onion Dip

Highlighted under: Simple Sweet Recipes

This creamy and savory Caramelized Onion Dip is the perfect appetizer for any gathering, combining the rich flavors of slowly cooked onions with a velvety cream cheese base.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-21T16:29:29.650Z

Caramelized Onion Dip is a timeless classic that elevates any party or meal. The caramelization process brings out the natural sweetness of the onions, creating a dip that is both flavorful and satisfying. Perfect with chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Rich, savory flavor from perfectly caramelized onions
  • Creamy texture that complements any dippable
  • Easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser

Perfect for Any Occasion

Caramelized Onion Dip is a versatile appetizer that fits seamlessly into any gathering, whether it's a casual game night, a festive holiday party, or a sophisticated cocktail hour. Its rich, savory flavor is sure to impress your guests and keep them coming back for more. The creamy texture makes it an excellent pairing with a wide variety of dippables, from crisp vegetables to crunchy chips.

This dip not only tantalizes the taste buds but also adds a touch of gourmet flair to your spread. You can serve it at home or take it along to potlucks, where it is bound to be a hit. Its delightful combination of flavors and textures elevates any occasion, making it a must-have recipe in your culinary repertoire.

Simple Steps for Maximum Flavor

One of the best things about this Caramelized Onion Dip is how simple it is to prepare. By slowly caramelizing the onions, you unlock their natural sweetness, creating a depth of flavor that transforms the dip from ordinary to extraordinary. The cooking process requires minimal hands-on time, allowing you to focus on other preparations for your gathering.

Mixing the ingredients is just as easy. With a few simple steps, you can create a creamy base that pairs perfectly with the caramelized onions. This dip is not only quick to whip up but also allows for customization. You can easily adjust the seasoning or add other ingredients like cheese for a twist!

Make Ahead Convenience

Another great aspect of this Caramelized Onion Dip is its make-ahead convenience. Preparing it in advance not only saves you time on the day of your event but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully in the refrigerator. The waiting period enhances the taste, making each bite more delicious than the last.

You can prepare the dip a day ahead and store it in an airtight container. Just remember to give it a good stir before serving, and it will be as fresh as if you made it that day. This approach lets you enjoy the festivities without rushing around the kitchen at the last minute!

Ingredients

Ingredients

For the dip

  • 2 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Chopped fresh chives for garnish

Serve with your favorite dippers!

Instructions

Instructions

Caramelize the onions

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 30 minutes, until the onions are golden brown and caramelized.

Mix the dip

In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix until smooth.

Combine and chill

Add the caramelized onions to the cream cheese mixture and stir to combine. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Garnish with chopped chives before serving.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving Caramelized Onion Dip, the options are endless. Pair it with an assortment of dippers such as crunchy pita chips, fresh vegetable sticks, or even soft bread slices. This variety not only adds color to your presentation but also caters to different tastes and dietary preferences.

For a more upscale presentation, consider serving the dip in a hollowed-out bread bowl, surrounded by bite-sized pieces of bread for dipping. This not only looks appealing but also allows guests to enjoy the flavors of the dip even more as they savor the bread.

Storage Tips

If you happen to have leftovers, storing your Caramelized Onion Dip is easy. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator, where it will keep well for about 3-5 days. Just be sure to give it a stir before serving again to refresh its creamy consistency.

If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing the dip. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, and it can last for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and give it a good stir before serving.

Variations to Try

Feel free to get creative with this dip! You can add ingredients such as shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, or even a hint of spice with diced jalapeños for an extra kick. These variations can elevate the dip even further and cater to your personal taste or that of your guests.

For a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream or mayonnaise. This not only reduces calories but also adds a tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the caramelized onions beautifully. Experimenting with different ingredients can lead to delightful surprises!

Secondary image

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, this dip can be made a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving.

→ What can I serve with caramelized onion dip?

This dip pairs well with tortilla chips, pita chips, crackers, and fresh vegetables like carrots and celery.

→ Can I use a different type of onion?

Yes, while yellow onions are traditional, you can also use sweet onions or red onions for a different flavor profile.

→ Is this dip gluten-free?

Yes, the ingredients used in this dip are gluten-free, but be sure to check the labels of your dippers.

Caramelized Onion Dip

This creamy and savory Caramelized Onion Dip is the perfect appetizer for any gathering, combining the rich flavors of slowly cooked onions with a velvety cream cheese base.

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration30 minutes
Overall Time40 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Simple Sweet Recipes

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 6 servings

What You'll Need

For the dip

  1. 2 large onions, thinly sliced
  2. 2 tablespoons olive oil
  3. 1 teaspoon salt
  4. 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  5. 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  6. 1/2 cup sour cream
  7. 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  8. 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  9. 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  10. Chopped fresh chives for garnish

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 30 minutes, until the onions are golden brown and caramelized.

Step 02

In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix until smooth.

Step 03

Add the caramelized onions to the cream cheese mixture and stir to combine. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Total Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 2g
  • Protein: 3g