Name: Caramelized Onion Dip Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Ingredients: 2 yellow onions; 4 oz cream cheese (1/2 brick); 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/4 cup mayo; 3 tbsp unsalted butter; 1 tbsp chives (sliced); 1/4 tsp salt (or to taste); 1/4 tsp pepper (or to taste)

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Caramelized onion dip elevates classic onion dip with sweet caramelized onions, fresh chives, and a creamy blend of sour cream, cream cheese, and mayo. Irresistibly smooth and flavorful—you won’t be able to stop dipping!

We love a good onion dip—it’s a classic crowd-pleaser party dip that pairs perfectly with all kinds of dippers. While most onion dips rely on onion soup mix, we take it up a notch with this recipe by caramelizing the onions, creating a dip packed with rich onion flavor.

This caramelized onion dip is loaded with onions that we cook low and slow on the stovetop, letting their natural sweetness shine along with their rich brown color. We combine them with a classic base of sour cream, cream cheese, and mayo, resulting in a dip that’s perfect for parties and potlucks of all kinds!

Contents hide

1 Why You Will Love This Recipe

2 Ingredients

3 How to Make Caramelized Onion Dip

4 What to Dip in Caramelized Onion Dip

5 How to Store Caramelized Onion Dip

6 Tips for Making Caramelized Onion Dip

7 Caramelized Onion Dip Recipe

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Rich, sweet caramelized onions add depth of flavor that you won’t get with packaged onion soup mix.
Perfect for all your favorite dippers—chips, veggies, and more.
Easy to make and always a hit at parties, potlucks, holidays, and game days—this cold dip is perfect for every occasion!

>> If you love creamy dips, try our whipped feta dip or everything bagel dip!

Ingredients

Yellow onions – Sweet and savory, yellow onions are the star of this dip, caramelizing beautifully to bring out their deep, rich flavor.
Cream cheese – Smooth and creamy, cream cheese adds a velvety texture and tangy richness that perfectly balances the sweetness of the onions.
Sour cream – A cool, tangy addition that helps to create a creamy base and enhances the dip’s overall flavor.
Mayonnaise – Creamy and slightly rich, mayonnaise adds a smooth texture and a hint of richness that complements the other ingredients.
Unsalted butter – Used for sautéing the onions, unsalted butter adds a rich, silky finish.
Chives – Freshly sliced chives offer a mild, oniony bite that adds a touch of color and a slight crunch to the dip.
Salt – A key seasoning that enhances and balances the flavors of the dip.
Black pepper – A dash of black pepper adds a subtle kick.

How to Make Caramelized Onion Dip

Caramelized onion dip is surprisingly easy to make! While the onions slowly cook to bring out their sweet flavor, the rest of the dip comes together in just a few quick steps. With minimal effort, you’ll have a rich and delicious dip ready to enjoy in no time!

1. Begin by peeling and thinly slicing the onions.

2. Melt the butter over medium-high heat and add the sliced onions. Stir occasionally. As the onions begin to brown, reduce the heat to medium-low and continue cooking for another 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. In a food processor, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper. Process until smooth.

4. Once the onions are caramelized, let them cool for 5 minutes. Add them to the processor and pulse once or twice to incorporate the onions into the dip.

5. Chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve with your favorite dippers.

What to Dip in Caramelized Onion Dip

Caramelized onion dip makes the perfect pairing for just about anything! Whether you’re in the mood for something crunchy, savory, or even a little healthier, there are plenty of delicious options to dip and enjoy.

Potato chips – The classic choice, with a satisfying crunch that perfectly contrasts the creamy texture of the dip.
Fresh veggies – Carrots, celery, and bell peppers provide a light, crunchy, and refreshing bite that perfectly balances the creamy dip.
Pita chips – With the perfect crispy crunch, these chips are ideal for scooping up the creamy dip. Try our homemade Zaatar pita chips!
Tortilla chips – Salty and sturdy, tortilla chips hold up well to the thick dip, making each bite perfectly flavorful.
Crackers – From buttery Ritz to savory Triscuit or Wheat Thins, these crisp and delicate options offer a mild base that perfectly complements the bold flavors of the dip.
Pretzels – Whether traditional twists or pretzel crisps, the saltiness and crunchy texture balance the sweetness of the caramelized onions in the dip.
Roasted potato wedges – Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, roasted potato wedges make for a surprisingly amazing combo, offering a hearty and flavorful dipping option.

How to Store Caramelized Onion Dip

Caramelized onion dip should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator (we love these glass containers with locking lids for storing dips!). It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. If you’re making the dip ahead of time, you can prepare it the day before your event for the best flavor. Make sure to give it a good stir before serving.

We do not recommend freezing caramelized onion dip, as the creamy base can separate and lose its smooth texture when thawed.

Tips for Making Caramelized Onion Dip

Perfecting caramelized onion dip is all about the details. These simple tips will help you create a rich, flavorful dip that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Don’t rush the caramelization: Resist the urge to turn up the heat to speed things up, as this can lead to unevenly cooked or burnt onions. Low and slow is the key!
Use full-fat ingredients: For the creamiest and most indulgent dip, use full-fat sour cream, cream cheese, and mayo.
Make it ahead of time: The flavors meld beautifully after sitting in the fridge for a few hours or overnight, making it an excellent make-ahead recipe.