Caramelized Onion Dip

This delightful caramelized onion dip recipe is a surefire hit at any gathering, whether it’s an elegant party or a casual get-together. The secret to its rich flavor lies in slowly caramelizing the onions until they reach a deep, sweet, and savory taste. This dip is a perfect blend of creamy and tangy, making it an irresistible accompaniment to your favorite dippers like potato chips, corn chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables.

This recipe is versatile and can be used as an appetizer for various occasions. It’s a favorite in the Entertaining and Party classes and has earned its place as a crowd-pleaser. To get the best results, prepare the dip in advance, allowing the flavors to marry and intensify while chilling overnight. Now, let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to create this delectable caramelized onion dip.

YIELD: Makes about 2 cups

INGREDIENTS:

• 6 medium/large yellow onions
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• ½–⅔ cup mayonnaise (for a creamier dip, add more)
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
• ⅛–½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)
• 1 dash of paprika for garnish
• Potato chips, corn chips, vegetables, or your favorite dipper

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Slice onions into thin strips: Cut off the top and bottom of each onion and slice it in half from top to bottom. Lay each half cut side down and slice along the onion lines. Rotate the onion as needed to finish slicing. Cut the long strips in half crosswise to help the onions wilt and caramelize more evenly.
2. Caramelize the onions: In a dutch oven or large pan over medium heat, add the butter and olive oil. Add the onions and reduce the heat to low. Once the onions have wilted, add the salt. Cook over low heat for 3 to 6 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. The onions will release liquid and slowly caramelize to a deep, amber color. Optionally, use a diffuser to reduce direct heat under the pan.
3. Cool the onions: After achieving a deep caramel color, cool the onions in the pan for about 15 minutes until they reach room temperature. Make sure they are not too hot before proceeding.
4. Prepare the base: Loosen the cream cheese with a mixer or by hand. Stir in the sour cream and mayonnaise to create a smooth, creamy paste.
5. Combine the dip: Add the cooled caramelized onions to the cream cheese mixture and stir to combine. Adjust the seasonings to your taste, adding a bit more cayenne pepper for extra heat if desired.
6. Garnish and chill: Spoon the dip into a serving bowl and garnish with a dash of paprika. Chill the dip for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
7. Serve and enjoy: Present the caramelized onion dip alongside your choice of dippers, such as potato chips, corn chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables.

TIP:

Feel free to use nonfat, low-fat, or reduced-fat versions of mayo, cream cheese, or sour cream/Greek yogurt if you prefer a lighter version of this delicious dip. The taste and texture will remain satisfying even with these substitutions.