Baked Onion Dip is a simple dish I often prepare for gatherings. It requires basic ingredients like onions, cheese, and sour cream. It’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. The rich, savory flavor keeps everyone coming back for more.
Contents
Baked Onion Dip recipe
Baked Onion Dip is a rich, creamy, and indulgent appetizer. It’s a warm, cheesy dip. The caramelization of the onions is key. It transforms the onion’s sharpness into a sweet, mellow base that pairs perfectly with the creamy, cheesy elements.
It’s perfect for parties, game days, or casual gatherings. The dip is surprisingly easy to prepare with sour cream, cream cheese, or mayonnaise. The mixture is topped with mozzarella or Parmesan. It’s baked until bubbly and golden.
Baked onion dip is typically served with crackers, toasted bread, or sturdy chips for dipping. Its comforting, savory flavor makes it a crowd-pleaser. Here’s how to make the baked onion dip:
Baked Onion Dip
Ingredients
For the Caramelized Onions
- 3 large yellow onions thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon sugar optional, helps with caramelization
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon thyme optional
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar for depth of flavor
For the Dip
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese or Swiss
- ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
Caramelize the Onions
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
- Add sliced onions, salt, sugar (if using), black pepper, and thyme. Stir well.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, for 30-40 minutes until the onions turn deep golden brown. Reduce heat if they start to burn.
- Once caramelized, deglaze the pan by adding balsamic vinegar, scraping up any browned bits. Stir well and remove from heat.
Prepare the Dip
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Mix until smooth.
- Fold in caramelized onions and shredded cheeses, reserving a little cheese for topping.
Bake and Serve
- Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe baking dish. Sprinkle reserved cheese on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve warm with toasted baguette slices, crackers, or fresh veggies.
Notes
- Caramelizing onions properly is key to the depth of flavor—don’t rush the process!
- Try adding crispy bacon or a touch of hot sauce for extra flavor.
- This dip pairs well with beer or a glass of dry white wine.
Nutrition
SIMILAR RECIPES
Pairing suggestions
Caramelized baked onion dip can be served with:
- Crusty Bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy, cheesy goodness.
- Bagel Chips add a satisfying crunch to every bite.
- Pretzels’ salty contrast complements the sweet onions.
- Vegetable Crudités like carrots, celery, and bell peppers are a lighter option.
- Pita Chips are ideal for scooping.
- Tortilla Chips are a classic choice for a hearty dip.
- Crackers are simple and versatile, great for any occasion.
- Potato Wedges are a hearty pairing for a more filling snack.
- Grilled Sourdough adds a tangy, toasty element to the dip.
- Roasted Garlic Cloves intensify the savory flavor profile.
Variations
Here are some delicious variations of Baked Onion Dip, each with its own twist!
Classic Baked Onion Dip
This version pairs well with crusty bread, crackers, or fresh veggies.
- Ingredients:
- 2 cups sweet onions, finely chopped
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix all ingredients until well combined.
- Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 25 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
- Serve warm with crackers or toasted bread.
French Onion Soup Baked Dip
Inspired by French onion soup, this dip is rich, creamy, and perfect for bread dipping.
- Ingredients:
- 2 cups onions, caramelized (made as above)
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- ½ teaspoon thyme
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl and transfer to a baking dish.
- Bake for 30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Serve warm with toasted baguette slices.
Other Versions
- Bacon & Cheddar Onion Dip adds crispy cooked bacon and sharp cheddar cheese for a smoky, savory twist.
- Caramelized Shallot Dip replaces onions with shallots for a milder, slightly sweeter flavor.
- Spinach & Artichoke Onion Dip mixes in chopped spinach and artichoke hearts for a veggie-packed version.
- Spicy Jalapeño Onion Dip adds diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Caramelized Onion & Goat Cheese Dip swaps cream cheese for tangy goat cheese for a gourmet twist.
- Buffalo Onion Dip stirs in buffalo sauce and shredded chicken for a buffalo wing-inspired dip.
- Mushroom & Onion Dip sautés mushrooms with the onions for an earthy, umami-rich variation.