A party without dip is like a cake without icing, and onion dip always steals the show at gatherings all year round. It’s creamy, savory, and oh-so-dippable, making it disappear faster than you can say “party.” But with this recipe, we’re taking the classic onion dip up a notch by adding richly caramelized onions into the mix. The magic of our caramelized onion dip lies in—you guessed it—the caramelized onions themselves, so don’t rush this step. It takes time for onions to truly caramelize (at least one hour), but trust us, it’s totally worth the wait.
Different types of onions bring different flavors to the table when caramelized. All onions release their natural sugars when cooked, becoming sweeter in the process. Sweet onions, like Vidalias or Maui onions, have a milder flavor and less sharpness compared to yellow or red onions, intensifying in sweetness as they cook down. Yellow and red onions offer a bit more bite when caramelized, with yellow being the milder option. Whichever onion you choose, your dip will be packed with flavor.
We love using Ruffles potato chips because they’re sturdy enough to handle the dip, but any of your favorite lightly seasoned chips will do the trick. Add some crunchy veggies like celery, carrots, and radishes for a fresh contrast. And if you’re expecting a big crowd, go ahead and double the recipe. Any leftovers can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for about 2 days—trust us, you’ll be glad you did.
Caramelized Onion Dip
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 large yellow onions 1 3/4 pounds total, thinly sliced
- Kosher salt
- 1/2 cup 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup 4 ounces sour cream
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons sliced chives
- Potato chips like Ruffles, for dipping
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the oil and swirl to combine. Toss in the onions and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions start to soften, about 10 to 12 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn golden and deeply caramelized, about 40 to 55 minutes more. Transfer to a medium bowl and let cool completely.
- Stir in the cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise; season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with chives. Serve with your favorite chips on the side for dipping. Enjoy the deliciousness!