Description
This homemade French Onion Dip is a creamy, savory treat with deeply caramelized onions and a perfect balance of spices. Made from scratch using butter, caramelized onions, cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream, it’s an easy yet indulgent dip ideal for parties or casual snacking. The slow cooking of onions builds a rich, sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with classic potato chips.
Ingredients
Scale
Caramelized Onions
- 3 tbsp butter
- 2 1/2 cups diced onions (2 to 3 brown, yellow, or white onions)
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
Dip Base
- 4 oz (120 g) cream cheese, cold, 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
- Prepare the onions: Melt the butter in a fry pan over medium heat. Add the diced onions, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Caramelize the onions: Cook the onions on medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Then lower the heat to medium-low and continue cooking for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become sweet, golden, and caramelized. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
- Mix the dip base: In a bowl, combine the cold cream cheese cubes, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Mix until smooth, using short bursts in the microwave (about 10 seconds each) if needed to soften the cream cheese.
- Combine and chill: Fold the cooled caramelized onions into the cream cheese mixture until just combined. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and deepen.
- Serve: Bring the dip to room temperature before serving. Garnish with chopped chives if desired. Serve with crinkle-cut plain potato chips for the best classic experience.
Notes
- Slow cooking the onions is essential to develop their natural sweetness and deep, caramelized flavor.
- Refrigerating the dip overnight allows the flavors to fully develop and enhances the overall taste.
- Full-fat sour cream provides the best creamy texture and richness, but low-fat options or yogurt can be substituted for a lighter version.
- Garnish with fresh chopped chives for a colorful and fresh finish.
- This dip is excellent for parties, game days, or casual snacking with chips or vegetable sticks.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 77 g
- Calories: 162 kcal
- Sugar: 2.1 g
- Sodium: 134 mg
- Fat: 14.8 g
- Saturated Fat: 8.1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6.7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6.3 g
- Fiber: 0.8 g
- Protein: 2.1 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
