Homemade Caramelized Onion Dip (Make-Ahead!)

Caramelized onion dip in a bowl with chips on the side

Meaningful Eats

Homemade Caramelized Onion Dip (Make-Ahead!)

12 servings

This homemade caramelized onion dip is an all-time family favorite! It's creamy, tangy and great for making in advance.

Bring this dip to any party or gathering and watch it disappear!

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Diet Gluten Free

Prep Time 30

Chilling Time 1

Total Time 1 30

Author Erin Collins

Ingredients

FOR THE ONIONS:

4 tablespoons butter
3 large sweet onions such as Vidalia, cut into 1/8th inch slices
2 large shallots diced, about ½ cup
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
pinch of cayenne pepper
2 cloves garlic minced

FOR THE DIP:

8 ounces cream cheese at room temperature
1 cup sour cream
1 cup mayonnaise I use Hellmann’s
2 teaspoons celery salt
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon lemon juice
More salt & pepper to taste
1 tablespoon minced fresh chives optional

Instructions

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onions, shallot, salt, pepper and cayenne and saute for 10 minutes.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue to cook slowly, for another 20-25 minutes. The onions should be deeply golden brown and fragrant.
Add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow the onion mixture to cool to room temperature.
In a medium bowl, add the softened cream cheese, sour cream and mayonnaise. Mix together until smooth and well combined. (I usually use an electric mixer to do this, but you can also use a spoon if your cream cheese is very soft.)
Mix in the celery salt, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice and a little more salt and pepper (I add at least ¼ teaspoon each). Stir in the cooled onion mixture.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. (I like to make this a day in advance as the flavors just get better!)
Stir again and sprinkle with chives if desired before serving. Serve with your favorite potato chips. Enjoy!

Notes

RECIPE NOTES

I always make this caramelized onion dip at least one day in advance. It gives the flavors time to meld together and taste even better!
I think a mandolin slicer is essential for this recipe! It helps get those ultra-thin onion slices that make this dip so delicious.
Potato chips are a classic pairing with this dip, but you could also use your chip of choice. Bagel chips, tortilla chips, pita chips, corn chips, or veggie sticks are all great options!

To Store: Put leftover dip in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to five days.

To Make Ahead: This is a GREAT make-ahead appetizer. The flavors get more intense and delicious over time! Feel free to make this dip a day in advance and store in the fridge until ready to enjoy.

To Freeze: This dip doesn't freeze well, but you can make it one day in advance and store in the fridge until ready to serve.

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