What You’ll Need To Make French Onion Dip
- 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.
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.
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 until creamy and smooth.
Add the cooled onions to the bowl.
Mix until the onions are evenly incorporated.
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.
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)
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.
