French Onion Dip

Turn sweet, jammy caramelized onions into a creamy, tangy French onion dip that’s great for entertaining.
French Onion Dip
Perfect for entertaining, this French onion dip pairs sweet caramelized onions with creamy, tangy flavors—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with chips and crudités. Jennifer Segal
Updated:
0:00
View the print-ready version of this recipe.
Sweet onions transform into something magical when caramelized—they go from sharp and pungent to sweet and savory, with a deep, jammy flavor that makes everything taste better, from smash burgers and grilled cheese to baked potatoes. This French onion dip takes all that caramelized onion goodness and combines it with creamy, tangy ingredients for an appetizer that’s rich, flavorful, and perfect for sharing. Whether you’re scooping it up with potato chips or crunchy crudités, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser (and yes, you’ll be sneaking bites straight from the fridge!)

What You’ll Need To Make French Onion Dip

(Jennifer Segal)
Jennifer Segal
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps caramelize the onions for a deep, sweet flavor.
  • Sweet Onions: Lend a mellow, caramelized sweetness that defines the dip. Look for varieties like Vidalia, Walla Walla, or Maui
  • Dried Thyme: Brings an earthy, aromatic note to complement the sweetness of the onions.
  • Cream Cheese: Provides a smooth, creamy texture, helps thicken the dip, and adds a subtle tanginess. Be sure it is softened before using (you can give it a quick blast in the microwave at 50 percent power).
  • Sour Cream: Adds a tangy flavor and creamy consistency, balancing the richness of the onions and the mayo.
  • Mayonnaise: Contributes to the creaminess of the dip. Always use a good-quality brand like Hellmann’s or Duke’s—it makes a big difference.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a wonderful umami flavor, giving the dip a rich depth.
  • Garlic Powder: Provides a subtle garlic flavor that complements the caramelized onions.
  • Sugar: Helps intensify the natural sweetness of the onions.
  • Fresh Chopped Chives: An optional ingredient that adds a fresh, mild onion flavor, and color as a garnish.
  • Potato Chips And/Or Crudités: Perfect crunchy accompaniments for dipping.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Over medium heat, melt the butter in a large skillet and add the onions, salt, pepper, and thyme.
(Jennifer Segal)
Jennifer Segal

Cook the onions, stirring often, until they are soft and caramelized, about 20 minutes. If they begin to burn, lower the heat. Towards the end, deglaze the pan by adding one tablespoon of water at a time, using just a few tablespoons in total, to scrape up any browned bits. Transfer the onions to a plate and let them cool.

(Jennifer Segal)
Jennifer Segal

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or beaters, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and sugar.

(Jennifer Segal)
Jennifer Segal

Mix until creamy and smooth.

(Jennifer Segal)
Jennifer Segal

Add the cooled onions to the bowl.

(Jennifer Segal)
Jennifer Segal

Mix until the onions are evenly incorporated.

(Jennifer Segal)
Jennifer Segal

Serve the dip at room temperature, topped with chives, and pair it with potato chips and/or crudités. The dip can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in a covered container in the refrigerator. Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Stir well and adjust the seasoning if needed.

(Jennifer Segal)
Jennifer Segal

French Onion Dip

Serves 8 Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 25 minutes Total Time: 40 minutes
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 large sweet onions, chopped (about 3 cups)
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 4 ounce cream cheese, softened (see note)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise, best quality such as Hellmann’s or Duke’s
  • 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chopped chives, for serving (optional)
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions, salt, pepper, and thyme, and cook, stirring often, until the onions are soft and caramelized, about 20 minutes. If the onions start to burn, lower the heat. Towards the end of cooking, deglaze the pan by adding one tablespoon of water at a time, using only a few tablespoons in total, to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Transfer the onions to a plate to cool.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or beaters, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and sugar. Mix at medium speed until smooth and evenly combined. Stir in the cooled onions until they are thoroughly incorporated. Taste and adjust the seasoning, if necessary. Serve the dip at room temperature, sprinkled with chives (if using), alongside potato chips and/or crudités.

(Jennifer Segal)
Jennifer Segal

Notes

Note: To quickly soften cream cheese in the microwave, remove the wrapper and place it on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on 50 percent power in 5 to 10-second intervals until soft but not melted. This method ensures it softens evenly without turning runny.
Make-Ahead Instructions: The dip can be made up to 3 days ahead of time and stored in a covered container in the refrigerator. Remove the dip from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before serving to let it come to room temperature. Give the dip a good stir and adjust seasoning, if necessary.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 3.5 tablespoons, Calories: 287kcal, Carbohydrates: 11g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 27g, Saturated Fat: 10g, Cholesterol: 46mg, Sodium: 405mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 7g
Nutritional Data Disclaimer
This article was originally published on OnceUponaChef.comFollow on Instagram
Dear Readers: We would love to hear from you. What topics would you like to read about? Please send your feedback and tips to [email protected].
Jennifer Segal
Jennifer Segal
Author
Jennifer is a classically trained chef, Cookbook author, and busy mom. She became interested in cooking in college while studying abroad in France and living with a French family. She is a graduate of L’Academie de Cuisine. Visit OnceUponaChef.com.
Author’s Selected Articles