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To make a great caramelized onion dip, gather these key ingredients: - 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter - 1 teaspoon sugar - 1 teaspoon salt - 1 cup sour cream - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme) These ingredients create a rich and creamy base that shines with the sweet taste of caramelized onions. The onions bring a deep flavor, while the cream cheese and sour cream make the dip smooth. You can elevate your dip with these garnishes: - 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped (for garnish) - Fresh veggies like carrots, celery, or bell peppers - Tortilla chips or crackers Chives add a nice pop of color and a slight onion flavor. Pairing the dip with fresh veggies or chips makes for a fun and tasty snack. If you need to swap out ingredients, here are some ideas: - Use red onions for a sweeter taste. - Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangy kick. - Try using low-fat cream cheese for a lighter dip. These substitutions can help you customize the dip to your tastes or dietary needs. Adjusting ingredients lets you enjoy this dip in your own way! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter in a large skillet. Use medium heat for this. Once the butter melts, add 3 large yellow onions that you have thinly sliced. Stir them well to coat with the oil and butter. Now, sprinkle 1 teaspoon of sugar and 1 teaspoon of salt over the onions. This helps with the caramelization. Lower the heat to low and cook the onions slowly. Stir them every so often. You want to cook them for about 30 to 40 minutes. They should turn deep golden brown and smell sweet. Once they are caramelized, take them off the heat and let them cool a bit. Next, grab a mixing bowl. Combine 1 cup of sour cream and 1 cup of softened cream cheese in it. You can use a hand mixer or a spatula to mix them together until they are smooth. Then, add in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon of dried thyme). Mix everything well until it is fully blended. Now, fold in the cooled caramelized onions into the creamy mixture. Make sure the onions are evenly spread throughout the dip. Transfer the dip into a serving bowl and sprinkle with fresh chives for a pop of color and flavor. Serve your dip with fresh veggies, crackers, or tortilla chips. Enjoy every creamy bite of this delightful dish! To caramelize onions well, use low heat. This slow cooking brings out their sweetness. Start with a mix of olive oil and butter. The butter adds flavor, while the oil prevents burning. Stir the onions often. This keeps them from sticking and burning. Add a pinch of sugar to help the process. Sugar boosts caramelization. Cook the onions for 30 to 40 minutes. Look for a deep golden brown color. This color means they are ready. You can make your dip even better by adding herbs and spices. Fresh thyme and chives give a nice touch. Thyme adds earthiness, while chives bring a mild onion flavor. If you like garlic, add garlic powder. This will give your dip a nice kick. You can also try different spices. A pinch of smoked paprika adds warmth. Mix and match to find what you love best. For a smooth and creamy dip, start with soft cream cheese. Let it sit at room temperature for a bit. This makes it easier to mix. Blend the sour cream and cream cheese well. Use a whisk or mixer for a lump-free texture. Once the onions cool, fold them in gently. This keeps the dip creamy and fluffy. Refrigerate the dip for a while before serving. Chilling helps the flavors blend and makes it even better. Pro Tips Choose the right onions: Yellow onions work best for caramelizing due to their natural sweetness, but you can also mix in some red onions for added color and flavor. Low and slow: Cooking the onions over low heat allows them to caramelize evenly without burning, resulting in a rich, sweet flavor. Adjust seasoning: Taste your dip before serving and consider adding more salt or herbs to enhance the flavor according to your preference. Make it ahead: This dip can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. The flavors will deepen as it sits, making it even tastier! {{image_2}} To add some heat, try a spicy twist. Mix in chopped jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. You can start with half a teaspoon and taste. Adjust as needed. This spice boost pairs well with the sweet onions. You will love how the flavors blend. If you love cheese, you can add more! Blend in shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or gouda. Cream cheese and sour cream work great with these cheeses. For a fun twist, try blue cheese for a bold flavor. This makes the dip rich and creamy. Want a vegan option? Swap out the cream cheese and sour cream for cashew cream or coconut yogurt. Use olive oil or vegan butter for cooking. This way, you can enjoy the dip without dairy. It will still taste amazing and creamy! After your gathering, store any leftover dip in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge. The dip will stay fresh for about three to four days. Just make sure the lid is on tight to keep it from drying out. If you want to keep the dip longer, freezing is a great option. Use a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top to allow for expansion. The dip can last up to two months in the freezer. When you’re ready to use it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. When you’re ready to enjoy your dip again, reheat it gently. Place it in a pot over low heat. Stir it often to warm it through without burning. You can also microwave it in short bursts. Just make sure to stir between each burst. This keeps the dip creamy and tasty! Caramelized onion dip is a creamy and savory spread. It features rich, sweet onions that are cooked slowly until golden brown. The dip combines these onions with sour cream and cream cheese for a smooth texture. Garlic powder and thyme add extra flavor. It's perfect for parties or a tasty snack. Yes, you can make caramelized onion dip ahead of time. It tastes even better after resting. Prepare the dip and store it in the fridge. Just cover it tightly to keep it fresh. Before serving, let it sit for a few minutes at room temperature. This helps enhance the flavors. You can serve caramelized onion dip with many tasty options. Here are some ideas: - Fresh veggies like carrots and celery - Crackers for a crunchy bite - Tortilla chips for a fun twist - Sliced baguette for a classic touch These pairings make your dip even more enjoyable. Caramelized onion dip is a tasty treat, easy to prepare and share. We covered the key ingredients, tips for perfect texture, and fun variations like spicy and vegan options. Remember to store leftovers properly and enjoy them later. Make it ahead for parties or gatherings. With these tips, you can impress your friends and family with a dip that’s full of flavor. Enjoy every bite!

Caramelized Onion & Herb Dip

A creamy and flavorful dip made with caramelized onions and fresh herbs, perfect for serving with veggies or chips.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1 serving fresh veggies or chips for serving

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat.
  • Add the sliced onions and stir well to coat them in the oil and butter.
  • Sprinkle the sugar and salt over the onions, then reduce the heat to low and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for about 30-40 minutes, or until the onions have turned a deep golden brown and are caramelized.
  • Once the onions are caramelized, remove them from heat and let them cool slightly.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme. Mix until smooth and well blended.
  • Fold in the caramelized onions until evenly distributed throughout the dip.
  • Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and sprinkle with freshly chopped chives.
  • Serve with fresh veggies, crackers, or tortilla chips for dipping.

Notes

Serve with fresh veggies, crackers, or tortilla chips for dipping.
Keyword caramelized onions, dip, herb dip