This creamy caramelized onion dip is a perfect blend of sweet onions and rich sour cream. It’s delicious and just the right mix for your chips or veggies!
When I make this dip, my friends can’t resist! It’s always gone in minutes. Plus, who wouldn’t want to dunk a chip into something so creamy and tasty? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Onions: These are the best choice for caramelizing because they have a natural sweetness. If you’re short on yellow onions, you can use sweet onions (like Vidalia) or even red onions for a slightly different flavor.
Butter and Olive Oil: Using both gives flavor and helps achieve the right cooking temperature. If you prefer a dairy-free option, use a plant-based butter instead. Just remember to check for the flavor!
Sour Cream and Mayonnaise: They create a creamy base for the dip. For lighter versions, you can swap sour cream for Greek yogurt or use low-fat mayo. For a dairy-free alternative, look for vegan mayo and dairy-free sour cream.
Fresh Parsley: It adds a nice touch of color and flavor! If you don’t have fresh parsley, dried parsley works, but use less since it’s more concentrated.
How Do I Caramelize Onions Without Burning Them?
Caramelizing onions can be tricky but is key to this dip’s flavor. The goal is to cook them slowly and let their natural sugars develop. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with a large skillet on medium-low heat. The larger the surface area, the better!
- Add butter and olive oil. Let them melt together before adding onions.
- Once you add the onions, sprinkle with sugar and salt. This helps them caramelize faster.
- Stir every 5-10 minutes. If they start to stick, reduce the heat slightly.
- Be patient—it takes about 30-40 minutes for them to turn golden brown and soft. Don’t rush it!
Once they’re caramelized, set them aside to cool before mixing into your dip. Enjoy that rich flavor!
Caramelized Onion Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt, plus more to taste
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Optional: 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce for depth
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious caramelized onion dip takes about 50 minutes to prepare, including 30-40 minutes for the onions to caramelize. After you mix everything together, let it chill for at least 1 hour, or overnight, to allow the flavors to blend perfectly. So, in total, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 50 minutes, but most of that is hands-off time while the dip chills!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Caramelize the Onions:
Start by heating the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Once it’s melted and bubbling a bit, add the thinly sliced onions. Sprinkle on the sugar and 1/2 tsp of salt. Stir everything together so the onions are coated well. Then, let the onions cook slowly, stirring occasionally. This will take about 30-40 minutes. You want them to turn deeply golden brown and nice and sweet. If they start to stick or burn, just turn the heat down and stir more often!
2. Prepare the Dip Base:
While the onions are caramelizing, grab a mixing bowl. Combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, minced garlic, black pepper, and chopped fresh parsley. Stir everything together until well combined. This will be the creamy base for your dip!
3. Mix in the Onions:
Once the onions are beautifully caramelized, remove them from the heat and let them cool for a few minutes. Then, fold the cooled onions into the sour cream mixture. If you want an extra umami flavor, add the Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce at this point. Give it a taste and add more salt or pepper if you need to. Stir everything together until it’s fully mixed.
4. Chill and Serve:
Cover the bowl with your dip and pop it in the fridge for at least 1 hour to let all those wonderful flavors meld together. You can even let it chill overnight for even better flavor! When you’re ready to serve, bring it out and enjoy with toasted baguette slices, crispy chips, or fresh veggie sticks!
This caramelized onion dip is creamy, packed with flavor, and just perfect for any gathering. Enjoy every scoop!
Can I Use Different Types of Onions?
Yes! While yellow onions are ideal for their sweetness, you can also use sweet onions like Vidalia or even red onions for a unique flavor. Just note that red onions will add a bit of color and a milder flavor.
How Can I Make This Dip Ahead of Time?
This dip actually tastes even better when made ahead! You can prepare it the day before, letting it chill overnight. Just make sure to cover it tightly to keep it fresh and prevent any odors from the fridge from seeping in.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days. Just give it a good stir before serving again, as the flavors may settle.
Can I Make This Dip Healthy?
Absolutely! You can substitute full-fat mayonnaise and sour cream with Greek yogurt or light versions for a healthier twist. This will decrease the calories while keeping a creamy texture!