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Caramelized Onion Dip Recipe

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4.3 from 5 reviews

This luscious caramelized onion dip combines sweet, slow-cooked onions with creamy cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise to create a rich and flavorful appetizer perfect for parties and gatherings. The buttery, deeply caramelized onions develop a complex sweetness accented by garlic, white wine, balsamic vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce, resulting in a dip that’s irresistibly creamy and packed with savory depth.

  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: About 2 cups
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Caramelized Onions

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 pounds sweet onions, halved and sliced
  • ¼ teaspoon brown sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ⅓ cup dry white wine
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Dip Base

  • 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

Instructions

  1. Caramelize Onions: Melt the butter in a large skillet over low to medium-low heat. Add the halved and sliced sweet onions along with the brown sugar, stirring often. Cook slowly for 45-55 minutes, allowing the onions to turn a deep golden brown, which develops their natural sweetness and rich flavor.
  2. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute, making sure it doesn’t burn to preserve its delicate aroma.
  3. Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the dry white wine, using a spatula to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet. These bits add a lot of flavor to the onions. Remove the pan from the heat once deglazed.
  4. Add Vinegar and Worcestershire: Stir in the balsamic vinegar and Worcestershire sauce to add subtle acidity and umami to the caramelized onions. Allow the mixture to cool completely, setting aside 2 tablespoons of the onions for garnish if desired.
  5. Prepare the Dip Base: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  6. Combine and Season: Fold the cooled caramelized onions into the creamy base. Season the dip with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning until balanced and flavorful.
  7. Serve or Chill: Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and garnish with the reserved caramelized onions and chopped fresh chives if desired. Serve immediately or cover and chill for up to 3 days to let the flavors meld even further.

Notes

  • Slow caramelization is key: Cook onions low and slow to enhance their sweetness without burning.
  • Can be made ahead: Chill the dip for up to 3 days, flavors improve over time.
  • serve with: Great with chips, crackers, vegetable sticks, or toasted bread slices.
  • For a tangier dip, add a splash more balsamic vinegar or Worcestershire sauce to taste.
  • Room temperature cream cheese blends more smoothly into the dip mixture.

Find it online: https://cheftinaskitchen.com/caramelized-onion-dip-recipe/