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Sweet Onion Caramelized Dip Recipe

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4.2 from 71 reviews

This Caramelized Onion Dip is a rich and savory appetizer perfect for parties or casual snacking. Sweet onions are slowly caramelized to develop deep, complex flavors, then blended with cream cheese, sour cream, and flavorful seasonings to create a creamy, luscious dip that pairs beautifully with chips, crackers, or fresh veggies.

Ingredients

For the Caramelized Onions

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 medium sweet onions, halved and cut into ¼-inch-thick slices
  • 2 teaspoons brown sugar

For the Dip

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
  • 8 ounces sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh chives
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the onions: Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Once the butter is melted, add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they become softened and translucent, about 10 minutes.
  2. Deepen the caramelization: Reduce the heat to low and sprinkle the onions with brown sugar. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, for 30 to 40 minutes until the onions are richly caramelized and golden brown. Remove from heat and allow the onions to cool completely.
  3. Mix the dip base: In a medium bowl, blend the cream cheese and sour cream together until smooth and creamy.
  4. Combine ingredients: Stir the cooled caramelized onions into the cream mixture. Add onion powder, garlic powder, chopped fresh chives, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper, mixing until evenly combined.
  5. Serve and store: Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and enjoy immediately, or cover and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days to allow flavors to meld further.

Notes

  • Allow onions to caramelize slowly over low heat to develop the fullest flavor without burning.
  • For a stronger onion flavor, use yellow onions instead of sweet onions.
  • Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing.
  • This dip pairs well with potato chips, pita chips, fresh vegetables, or crackers.
  • Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator up to five days for best freshness.