Caramelized Onion & Herb Dip

$- 3 large onions, thinly sliced - 1 cup sour cream - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - Olive oil and seasonings The main ingredients for caramelized onion dip are simple but key. The large onions are the star of the show. They provide a sweet and rich flavor when cooked slowly. I always use three large onions for a good depth of taste. The sour cream and cream cheese add creaminess and tang. This balance makes the dip smooth and delightful. Olive oil helps with cooking the onions, allowing them to caramelize without sticking. A sprinkle of salt enhances the natural sweetness of the onions, and a bit of sugar helps them caramelize beautifully. - Worcestershire sauce - Fresh chives for garnish - Crackers or fresh vegetables for serving While the main ingredients shine, optional ones can elevate your dip. Worcestershire sauce adds a punch of umami, giving extra flavor. Fresh chives provide a pop of color and a fresh taste when you garnish the dip. For serving, I love using crackers or fresh veggies. They complement the creamy dip and add a crunch. You can mix and match these optional ingredients based on your taste and what you have on hand. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, take three large onions and slice them thinly. Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced onions. Sprinkle one teaspoon of sugar and one teaspoon of salt over the onions. The sugar helps them caramelize nicely. Stir the onions every few minutes. Cook them for about 25 to 30 minutes. You want them to turn golden brown and soft. If they start to cook too fast, lower the heat. Once they are caramelized, remove the skillet from the heat. Let the onions cool for a few minutes. In a mixing bowl, take one cup of softened cream cheese and one cup of sour cream. Add one teaspoon of garlic powder, one teaspoon of dried thyme, and Worcestershire sauce if you like. Mix these ingredients until they are smooth and creamy. Once the onions have cooled, stir them into the cream cheese mixture. Make sure the onions are fully mixed in. This blend of flavors is what makes the dip so tasty. Now, transfer the dip to a serving bowl. It is best to refrigerate the dip for at least 30 minutes. This time allows the flavors to blend well. Before serving, chop some fresh chives and sprinkle them on top for garnish. Your caramelized onion dip is now ready to enjoy! Serve it with crackers or fresh vegetables for a delightful treat. To get that perfect golden color, start with medium heat. Thinly slice your onions. This helps them cook evenly. Stir them often to avoid burning. If they start to brown too fast, lower the heat. Patience is key here. It usually takes about 25-30 minutes to get that nice caramelized look. You can make this dip your own by adding herbs or spices. Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika for warmth. Fresh or dried herbs like basil or parsley can brighten the flavor. When mixing your ingredients, make sure the cream cheese is softened. This helps it blend smoothly with the sour cream. Stir well until everything is fully mixed together. Serve this dip with a variety of dippers. Crackers are a great choice. Fresh veggies like carrots and bell peppers add crunch. For a fun twist, try serving it in a hollowed-out bread bowl. You can also sprinkle some extra chives on top for color. This makes your dip look even more inviting! Pro Tips Use Sweet Onions: Sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla will enhance the dip's flavor, making it richer and more delicious. Low and Slow: Caramelizing onions takes time! Cook them over low heat for the best flavor and texture. Patience is key. Chill for Flavor: Allowing the dip to chill for at least 30 minutes after mixing helps the flavors meld together beautifully. Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to mix in other herbs like rosemary or parsley to customize the flavor profile to your liking. {{image_2}} You can make your caramelized onion dip even better by adding some fun flavors. Try bacon for a savory twist. Cook some bacon until crispy, then crumble it into the dip. This adds a nice crunch and a smoky taste. Another great idea is to add cheese. Mixing in sharp cheddar or creamy goat cheese will give it a rich flavor. You can also sprinkle some cheese on top before serving for a nice touch. If you like a kick, add jalapeños. Chop them finely and mix them in. This gives the dip a spicy zing. You can adjust the amount based on how much heat you want. Want a lighter dip? Swap out the sour cream for Greek yogurt. It’s creamy and packed with protein. This change keeps the dip rich without the extra fat. For those who follow a vegan diet, you can use a plant-based cream cheese. Many brands offer great options that taste just as good. This way, everyone can enjoy the dip, no matter their diet. These variations keep your dip exciting and cater to different tastes while staying simple and delicious. To keep your caramelized onion dip fresh, place it in an airtight container. This will help lock in the flavors and prevent it from drying out. You can store it in the fridge for up to four days. Be sure to give it a good stir before serving again. Yes, you can freeze caramelized onion dip! To freeze, scoop the dip into a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top because it will expand when frozen. Seal the container tightly and label it with the date. You can keep it in the freezer for up to three months. To thaw, move the dip to the fridge for a few hours or overnight. Once thawed, stir it well to bring back the creamy texture. If it seems a bit dry, add a splash of sour cream to restore creaminess. You can serve this dip with many tasty options. Here are some ideas for dippers: - Crackers: Choose your favorite type, like water crackers or whole-grain. - Fresh vegetables: Carrot sticks, cucumber slices, and bell pepper strips work well. - Pita chips: These add a nice crunch and flavor. - Bread: Sliced baguette or toasted bread rounds complement the dip. Feel free to mix and match! The dip's creamy texture pairs great with these dippers. Yes, you can make this dip ahead of time! It’s best to prepare it a few hours in advance. Here are my recommended steps: 1. Make the dip: Follow the recipe through to mixing in the onions. 2. Chill: After mixing, place the dip in a bowl and cover it tightly. 3. Refrigerate: Store it in the fridge for up to two days. This helps the flavors blend. Just remember to garnish with fresh chives right before serving! You can easily scale this recipe based on your needs. Here’s how: - For smaller gatherings: Cut the ingredients in half for about four servings. - For larger groups: Double the ingredients for about sixteen servings. Keep in mind that cooking time for the onions will stay the same, but mixing might take a bit longer. Enjoy your gathering! You’ve learned how to make a delicious caramelized onion dip. We covered key ingredients like onions, cream cheese, and sour cream. I shared tips for perfecting caramelization and enhancing flavors. You also saw variations for different tastes and ways to store leftovers. With this recipe, you can impress friends and family. Get creative with flavors and serving ideas. Enjoy every bite of your dip!$

Caramelized Onion & Herb Dip

A creamy dip featuring caramelized onions and herbs, perfect for serving with crackers or vegetables.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 8

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

3 large onions, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup sour cream
1 cup cream cheese, softened
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional for added umami)
1 bunch fresh chives, chopped for garnish
to taste crackers or fresh vegetables for serving

Instructions

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sprinkle with salt and sugar.
Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, for about 25-30 minutes until they turn golden brown and caramelized. Reduce the heat if they are browning too quickly.
Once caramelized, remove the skillet from heat and let the onions cool slightly.
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, dried thyme, and Worcestershire sauce (if using). Mix until smooth and creamy.
Once the onions have cooled, stir them into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated.
Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Before serving, garnish with freshly chopped chives.

Notes

Chill the dip for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.

Keyword appetizer, dip, herb, onion