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Caramelized Onion Dip Recipe

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4.3 from 6 reviews

This Caramelized Onion Dip is a rich and creamy crowd-pleaser, featuring sweet, deeply caramelized onions blended with cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Perfect for parties or casual snacking, this dip offers a luscious balance of savory and slightly sweet flavors with a smooth texture that pairs wonderfully with chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables.

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: About 2 cups

Ingredients

Caramelized Onions

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 pounds sweet onions, halved and sliced
  • ¼ teaspoon brown sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ⅓ cup dry white wine
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Dip Base

  • 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the Onions: Melt the unsalted butter in a large skillet over low to medium-low heat. Add the sliced sweet onions and brown sugar, then cook slowly, stirring often, until the onions turn a deep golden brown and become sweet and tender, about 45 to 55 minutes.
  2. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  3. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the dry white wine, stirring to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet. Remove the skillet from the heat once the wine is incorporated.
  4. Finish Onion Mixture: Stir in the balsamic vinegar and Worcestershire sauce to infuse the onions with additional depth of flavor.
  5. Cool Onions: Allow the caramelized onion mixture to cool completely. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the onions for garnish if desired.
  6. Prepare Dip Base: In a medium bowl, combine the room temperature cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Mix until smooth and creamy.
  7. Combine and Season: Stir the cooled caramelized onions into the cream cheese mixture. Season the dip with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix well to combine all flavors.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the dip to a serving bowl. Garnish with the reserved caramelized onions and chopped fresh chives. Serve immediately with chips, crackers, or vegetable sticks.

Notes

  • For best results, cook the onions slowly over low heat to avoid burning and to maximize the sweetness from caramelization.
  • The dip can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated; bring to room temperature and stir before serving.
  • Substitute regular white vinegar if balsamic is unavailable, though it will alter the flavor slightly.
  • For a tangier dip, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard.
  • Can be served warm or chilled depending on preference.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dip
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American