This creamy caramelized onion dip is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Rich, sweet, and savoury perfection made from golden onions and a smooth, tangy base.

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If you’re looking for a crowd-favourite appetiser that’s simple, elegant, and unforgettable, this Caramelized Onion Dip is it. The deep, rich flavour of slowly caramelized onions blends perfectly with creamy sour cream and tangy mayonnaise, creating an irresistible dip that you’ll want to serve at every gathering.

Whether you’re hosting a casual movie night or a sophisticated dinner, this Caramelized Onions recipe adds a touch of gourmet comfort to your table.

A few years ago, I stumbled upon caramelized onions while trying to rescue a batch of overcooked onions. Instead of tossing them out, I decided to let them cook even longer—and what a revelation that was! The sweetness, the depth, the aroma—it felt like magic happening in my pan.

That happy accident led me to create this creamy dip that’s now a staple at my family get-togethers. Every time I make it, it reminds me that sometimes the best recipes come from little kitchen surprises.

Kitchen Hacks

Use a heavy-bottomed pan: It ensures even heat distribution, helping your onions caramelize slowly without burning.
Don’t rush the onions: True caramelization takes time—about 30–40 minutes—but the flavour payoff is worth every minute.
Add a splash of water or broth: If onions start sticking, a tiny splash will help loosen the fond and deepen the flavour.
Cool the onions completely: Before mixing them into the creamy base, ensure they’re cooled to room temperature. This prevents the dip from becoming greasy or watery.
Chill before serving: A brief rest in the fridge helps the flavours meld beautifully.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll fall in love with this Caramelized Onion Dip because it’s comforting yet sophisticated. The golden onions add a deep sweetness that pairs perfectly with tangy creaminess, creating a balanced flavour that’s simply addictive. It’s vegetarian, easy to make, and absolutely perfect for chips, crackers, or crisp vegetable sticks. Plus, it can be made ahead of time, making entertaining completely stress-free.

Creamy Caramelized Onion Dip

Recipe by Abby MyersCourse: AppetizersCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

180

kcal

This creamy caramelized onion dip is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Rich, sweet, and savoury perfection made from golden onions and a smooth, tangy base.

Ingredients

3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to speed up caramelization)
1 cup sour cream
½ cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (vegetarian version)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Chopped chives, for garnish

Directions

Begin by heating a large skillet over medium heat, and as it warms, add butter along with olive oil to create a rich base for caramelization.
Once the butter has melted completely, add the thinly sliced onions, spreading them evenly across the pan so they cook uniformly.
Stir gently to coat the onions in the butter and oil mixture, ensuring that every strand glistens beautifully before they start to soften.
After a few minutes, reduce the heat slightly to medium-low; this slower pace allows the natural sugars in the onions to develop and deepen in flavor.
Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, and as the onions start turning golden, sprinkle in a small pinch of salt to help draw out their moisture.
Around the 25-minute mark, notice how the onions have transformed into a deep amber hue—if they begin to stick, add a splash of water to deglaze and keep them glossy.
Once they’ve reached the perfect caramelized consistency, transfer the onions to a bowl and let them cool slightly so they don’t melt the dairy later on.
Meanwhile, in another mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise, whisking them together until smooth and creamy.
Next, gently fold in the cooled caramelized onions along with garlic powder, pepper, and a touch of Worcestershire sauce, stirring until everything blends harmoniously.
Finally, transfer the dip into a serving dish, garnish with chopped chives for freshness, and chill it for about 30 minutes before serving to allow all the flavors to meld beautifully.

Recipe Video

Serving Suggestions / Variations

This dip pairs wonderfully with potato chips, baguette slices, or fresh vegetable sticks like celery and carrots. For a lighter twist, you can use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. If you want to elevate it further, try adding a hint of balsamic glaze on top for an extra touch of sweetness.

Final Thoughts

This Caramelized Onion Dip truly transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary. The rich, slow-cooked onions lend a flavour that’s both comforting and luxurious, while the creamy base ties everything together with smooth perfection. Whether it’s game night or a quiet evening at home, this dip is guaranteed to be the star of your table.