Description
This homemade French onion dip features caramelized onions cooked slowly until sweet and golden, blended with cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise for a rich and creamy dip perfect for parties or snacks. It’s an easy recipe that brings classic savory flavors in a creamy, tangy dip.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Onion Base
- 3 tbsp butter
- 2 1/2 cups diced onions (2 to 3 onions, brown, yellow, or white)
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
For the Dip
- 4 oz (120 g) cold cream cheese, cut into cubes
- 1/4 cup whole egg mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream (full fat preferred, low fat or yogurt can be used)
Instructions
- Melt Butter: Melt the butter in a fry pan over medium heat until fully melted and shimmering, preparing the pan for sautéing the onions.
- Cook Onions: Add the diced onions, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and cayenne pepper to the pan. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring frequently to coat the onions in butter and spices. Then reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions are sweet, soft, and have developed a golden caramelized color. Remove from stove and let cool completely.
- Prepare Dip Base: In a bowl, combine the cold cream cheese cubes, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Mix vigorously until smooth and creamy. If the mixture is too stiff, warm in 10-second bursts in the microwave to soften and facilitate mixing.
- Combine Ingredients: Fold the cooled caramelized onions gently into the creamy mixture until evenly combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain some texture in the onions.
- Chill and Serve: Cover and refrigerate the dip for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld; overnight refrigeration yields the best flavor. Serve at room temperature, optionally garnished with chopped chives. Ideal accompaniment is crinkle cut plain potato chips.
Notes
- Full-fat sour cream produces a richer flavor, but low-fat sour cream or yogurt can be substituted for a lighter dip.
- Caramelizing the onions slowly over medium-low heat is crucial for developing the deep sweetness and golden color.
- Chilling the dip overnight intensifies the flavors and improves texture.
- Serve with neutral or lightly salted snacks like plain potato chips to balance the rich flavor of the dip.
