Description
Creamy, savory, and utterly addictive caramelized onion dip. Perfect for parties, game days, or a simple snack.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced (about 4 cups)
- 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives, plus more for garnish
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Hot sauce, to taste (optional)
- Potato chips, crackers, or crudités, for serving
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat.
- Add the thinly sliced onions, salt, and pepper to the skillet.
- Stir occasionally at first, then reduce the heat to medium-low.
- Cook, stirring frequently (every 5-10 minutes), for about 45-60 minutes, or until the onions are a deep golden brown and very soft. If they start to stick, add a tablespoon of water or broth and scrape up any browned bits.
- Add the balsamic vinegar to the skillet and stir well to deglaze the pan. Cook for another minute or two, until the vinegar has mostly evaporated.
- Remove from heat and let the caramelized onions cool completely.
- Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature.
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, chopped chives, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well until smooth.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add salt, pepper, or hot sauce to taste.
- Once the caramelized onions are completely cooled, add them to the bowl with the cream cheese mixture. Gently fold them in until evenly distributed.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dip for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
- Before serving, give the dip a good stir. Garnish with extra chopped chives, if desired. Serve with your favorite potato chips, crackers, or crudités.
Notes
- Patience is key when caramelizing the onions. Don’t rush the process.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened for a smooth dip.
- Chill the dip for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
- For extra flavor, sauté a clove or two of minced garlic with the onions.
- Try using a combination of yellow, white, and red onions for a more complex flavor profile.
- Experiment with different herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper for a little kick.
- Before serving, sprinkle the dip with grated Gruyere or Parmesan cheese and broil for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- A pinch of smoked paprika added during the caramelization process adds a wonderful smoky depth.
- Substitute sherry vinegar for the balsamic for a slightly different, more nuanced flavor.
- For a milder, sweeter flavor, use shallots instead of onions, or a combination of both.
- Store any leftover caramelized onion dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes