• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Andrea Meyers logo

  • About
  • Photography
  • The Farm Project
  • Cooking with Kids
  • Grow Your Own
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Flickr
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • Photography
  • The Farm Project
  • Cooking with Kids
  • Grow Your Own
    • Flickr
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • About
    • Photography
    • The Farm Project
    • Cooking with Kids
    • Grow Your Own
    • Flickr
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » Salsas & Dips

    Caramelized Onion Dip

    Jan 13, 2009 · Modified: Dec 5, 2020 by Andrea · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads · 32 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Caramelized Onion Dip - Andrea Meyers

    [This recipe from the archives has been updated with a new photo and a video! Check out the video below.]

    And continuing the entertaining theme, we move on to dips, a key ingredient for any good party. I confess that I grew up on grocery store French onion dip, and boy did I eat my share of it. In fact a really good French onion dip such as this one and a few wavy potato chips could set me back weeks on my diet.

    Great Party Dips, by Peggy Fallon Party recipe #2 this week comes from Great Party Dips, a new cookbook from Peggy Fallon. Dips are a must for any party, and this book has tasty recipes for all kinds of dips and dunkers, giving you plenty of variety to choose from. This caramelized onion dip is creamy, rich, and full of flavor and is a great make ahead for parties as it can sit in the refrigerator for up to two days. At the minimum, let it rest for four hours to give the onion flavors time to permeate the sour cream mixture. The dip is easy to make, as the video shows, but caramelizing the onions properly takes some time, so plan for that.

    I have one copy of this handy cookbook to give away, courtesy of Wiley. You'll get my review copy, very gently used, just leave a comment telling us about your favorite party dip. Please make sure your email address is correct so I can contact you if you are the lucky winner. The book can be shipped to United States, Canada, and APO/FPO addresses. The contest closes at midnight EST on Wednesday January 14, 2009, and Random.org will select the winner. Look for the announcement of the winner in this post soon after.

    UPDATE: Congratulations to KimL, comment #20, the winner of the cookbook!

    [Updated January 29, 2014.]

    Caramelized Onion Dip - Andrea Meyers
    Print Pin

    Caramelized Onion Dip

    Adapted from Great Party Dips, by Peggy Fallon.
    Prep Time10 mins
    Cook Time30 mins
    Total Time40 mins
    Course: Appetizer
    Cuisine: American
    Diet: Gluten Free
    Keyword: cream cheese, dip, gluten free, onions, sour cream
    Servings: 12
    Calories: 74kcal

    Equipment

    • 10-inch heavy bottom skillet with lid
    • medium mixing bowl
    • hand mixer

    Ingredients

    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 2 large onions (quartered lengthwise and thinly sliced)
    • 1 teaspoon white balsamic vinegar
    • ½ teaspoon sea salt
    • ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
    • 1 cup light sour cream
    • 4 ounces light cream cheese (at room temperature)
    US Customary - Metric

    Preparation

    • In the heavy skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat. Stir in the onions, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Cover the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes.
    • Remove the lid and raise the heat to medium. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and golden brown, about 35 to 40 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
    • In the medium bowl, combine the sour cream and the cream cheese. Beat until smooth. Stir in the cooked onions will all the juices.
    • Transfer to a serving bowl and cover. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or up to 2 days.
    • To serve, stir again and allow the dip to stand at room temperature for 15 minutes.

    Recipe Notes

    You can substitute Greek yogurt for the cream cheese. The end result will not be as thick, but will still be rich with flavor.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 2tablespoons | Calories: 74kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 156mg | Potassium: 91mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 115IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 45mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Share in the comments!

    More Dip Recipes

    Avocado and Greek Yogurt Dip - Andrea Meyers
    Avocado and Greek Yogurt Dip
    Guacamole - Andrea Meyers
    Guacamole
    Roasted Red Pepper Dip - Andrea Meyers
    Roasted Red Pepper Dip

    More Party Dip Recipes From Other Blogs

    • Pinch My Salt - Smoked Tuna Dip
    • Simply Recipes - Eggplant Dip (Baba Ghanouj)
    • Cook & Eat - Tasty Veggie Dips
    • White on Rice Couple - Baked Brie Dip with Sun Dried Tomatoes, Thyme
    « Cajun Chicken Wings
    Jalapeno Jack Fondue »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. xenothaulus says

      January 13, 2009 at 11:51 am

      My absolute favorite dip/spread is very simple to make and incredibly good with Ritz crackers. Simply combine sliced black olives, artificial crab meat and cream cheese together, with a bit of black pepper. You may add herbs if you wish but I usually do not. Amounts vary, but in general i use a small can of sliced olives (drained), an 8 oz container of the krab meat and a package of cream cheese. (Or neufchatel if you are worried about fat.)

      Reply
    2. Kim/scrambled cake says

      January 13, 2009 at 12:08 pm

      My standard is a spinach dip made with frozen spinach, chopped green onion and parsley mixed with light mayo and lowfat yogurt (instead of sour cream). It's always and hit and my kids love it, too, so it's also a great after school snack.

      Reply
    3. Mr. Saucy says

      January 13, 2009 at 1:20 pm

      Thanks Andrea. I love reading your recipes and forwarding them to my wife.

      My favorite dip is "Buffalo Chicken Dip". Here's the recipe I use:

      BUFFALO CHICKEN DIP

      4 skinless boneless chicken breast halves -- (about 2 pounds) poached, drained and shredded/chopped
      1 12-ounce bottle Frank's hot sauce (don't deviate - use Frank's)
      2 8-ounce packages cream cheese, softened
      1 16-ounce bottle Ranch salad dressing
      1/2 cup chopped celery (I don't really see how this helped, so I guess it can be considered optional)
      8 ounces shredded Monterey Jack cheese -- or sharp Cheddar cheese or a combination of both

      Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a 13x9x2 inch baking dish, combine the shredded chicken meat with entire bottle of Frank's hot sauce, spreading to form an even layer. In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the cream cheese with entire bottle of Ranch dressing, stirring til smooth & hot. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken mixture to form a 2nd layer. Sprinkle celery over top. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, then sprinkle cheese over top and bake uncovered for another 15 or 20 minutes til hot & bubbly; you don't want the top to get browned or it will be hard. Let stand 10 minutes before serving hot/warm with celery sticks and/or any sturdy dipping chip like Tostito Golds.

      Reply
    4. courtney says

      January 13, 2009 at 3:12 pm

      The dip I like is really trashy but yum. Mix some salsa with cream cheese( about 1/2 and 1/2) and microwave it for a minute or so. Its cant stop eating good. I rarely make it because I try not to have those things around me.

      Reply
    5. Ben says

      January 13, 2009 at 3:33 pm

      I am having a party this weekend and I am planning on making my eggplant rolls again ( http://whatscooking.us/2008/12/11/eggplant-rolls/ ) since they were a huge success in previous parties. Great onion dip recipe. It is a must try for me.

      Reply
    6. johanna says

      January 13, 2009 at 3:58 pm

      it looks like we've all been up to the same thing over the holidays, first muffins, now dips. i have a great recipe for smokey aubergine dip waiting to be logged about... and i am dying to try your caramelised onion number! i love onions more than anything!

      Reply
    7. Tracy says

      January 13, 2009 at 4:43 pm

      I am such a slacker that the only dip I make is the Harry and David onion/pepper relish dip. Mmmmmm, I want to stick my face in the bowl and lick it out!

      Reply
    8. Val says

      January 13, 2009 at 5:26 pm

      My favorite dip is garlic, artichoke & parmesan dip.
      It's made from Mayonnaise, parmesan, artichoke hearts & a seasoning mix named The Garlic Of Eating from (www.tomarket-tomarket.com). I've never had better dip. Oh my.. I'm drooling.

      (You know I don't just come here for the contests. You know that.. right?)

      Reply
    9. Alecia says

      January 13, 2009 at 5:40 pm

      Always the 7 layer dip. YUMMY!

      Reply
    10. Lynda says

      January 13, 2009 at 6:00 pm

      Your dip looks wonderful! I love caramelized onions so I'm going to give this a try. I do make spinach dip using cream cheese instead of mayo, and with parmesan. I realy enjoy your blog!

      Reply
    11. Sunny says

      January 13, 2009 at 7:37 pm

      I can't help it, Campbell's French Onion soup mix and sour cream, recipe is on the box, the perfect dip for me. But this does sound good...

      Reply
    12. toontz says

      January 13, 2009 at 8:07 pm

      O.k., I am a little embarrassed to admit this. My favorite party dip is one that you serve with fruit. A block of cream cheese, softened, a jar of marshmallow fluff, and a package of piña colada mix (powder). I have not made this lately. I don't think you can get that piña colada mix anymore. But my sis has improvised with coconut extract and undiluted frozen pineapple juice (a few tablespoons) with pretty good results. I swear I could just skip the fruit and lick it out of the bowl. Yes, I know, for shame!

      Reply
    13. Katie says

      January 13, 2009 at 9:27 pm

      My favorite dip is a potato garlic and almond dip from Italian Cooking and Living Magazine (April/May 2004). The pistachios and parsley turn it a light shade of green and no one can ever guess all the ingredients. Great on crackers.

      1/2 cup sliced almonds
      1/2 cup shelled pistachio nuts
      2 cloves garlic roughly chopped
      1/4 cup ex-virgin olive oil (may need more)
      2 tbs chopped parsley
      1 potato peeled chopped and simmered until tender
      3 tbs white wine vinegar
      salt and pepper to taste

      In a food processor combine the almonds, pistachios, and garlic. With the machine running, add olive oil in a steady stream. Add parsley, potato, and vinegar and process until smooth. Add more olive oil to correct the consistency (it should not be like mashed potatoes, rather it should be a good dip). Season w/salt and pepper. Serve on crackers or bread.

      Hint - make one day ahead if possible. It tastes better after it has cooled and the flavors blend.

      Reply
    14. Jen says

      January 13, 2009 at 9:37 pm

      I like your suggestion for substituting Greek yogurt! My favorite dip is guacamole. I've worked on many different versions, but my final recipe is this one (also posted on my blog):
      Guacamole
      Juice of 1 lime
      1 Teaspoon of coarse salt
      6 Ripe avocados
      6 Scallions, thinly sliced into rounds
      1 Bunch fresh cilantro, rinsed, leaves plucked and thinly sliced
      ½ Tablespoon ground cumin
      1 Pinch cinnamon
      Salt and pepper to taste
      ½ Cup sour cream, Greek yogurt or Creme Fraiche

      Use a large bowl for the preparation. Pour the lime juice into this bowl. Add the salt and stir, letting it mingle away. Cut each avocado in half and remove the pits. Now it’s time to get your hands dirty! Trace quarter-inch slices of avocado flesh along the length of the halves, then along the width. Be careful not to cut through the skin. Each half looks like a handful of uneven cubes. Hold a half over the bowl, and peel the skin away from the flesh, coaxing a cascade of avocado chunks into the bowl. Some pieces may need an extra push, and that’s when your fingertips dip into a slick coating of avocado. Repeat until all the avocado finds its way into the bowl. Add the scallions, cilantro, cumin, and cinnamon. Lightly mash and mix together all ingredients with a fork or potato masher, allowing the avocados to still be a bit chunky.

      I usually serve the guacamole topped with sour cream, Greek yogurt or Creme Fraiche, in a deep wooden bowl sided by a generous amount of tortilla chips.

      Reply
    15. Lydia (The Perfect Pantry) says

      January 13, 2009 at 10:52 pm

      Golly -- this is Lipton Onion Soup Dip for grownups! I already have this cookbook, so I hope the winner enjoys it as much as I have.

      Reply
    16. PaniniKathy says

      January 14, 2009 at 12:15 am

      I can never pass up a 7-layer dip!

      Reply
    17. Chefdruck says

      January 14, 2009 at 12:55 am

      I am all about the 7 layer dip. Would love to win this book!

      Thanks.

      Reply
    18. Susan at Sticky,Gooey,Creamy,Chewy says

      January 14, 2009 at 1:43 am

      I grew up on Lipton Onion Soup Dip too, and I love it! This dip takes it to another 5 levels! I can just imagine how wonderful it is with the caramelized onions. It looks amazing!

      Another one of my fave dips is a creamy hot crab dip. You don't even want to know what's in it. I'm gaining weight just thinking about it! 😉

      Reply
    19. Meeta says

      January 14, 2009 at 2:16 am

      I've often eyed the onion dip - this really looks like a great party dip!

      Reply
    20. Kim L says

      January 14, 2009 at 9:25 am

      Hi, Andrea. My favorite party dip is one a co-worker gave me many years ago - it's always popular and is perfect for a Super Bowl party.

      Beer Cheese Dip
      2 8 oz. packages cream cheese (1/3 less fat works fine), softened
      1 package Hidden Valley Ranch Original Dressing Mix
      1/2 cup beer
      2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

      Combine cream cheese and dressing mix thoroughly. Mix in beer and cheese. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours, till flavors marry and dip firms up.

      This dip is very firm once refrigerated, so it's best served with fresh veggies (carrot and celery sticks), crackers or pretzels.

      It can also be molded into shapes. For a Super Bowl party, I shaped it like a football and used some strips of cheese to make "stitches." For a Christmas party, I shaped it like a tree ornament and used strips of red and green bell pepper to decorate it.

      Kim Ls last blog post..Grow Your Own: Japanese Salad

      Reply
    21. Peter says

      January 14, 2009 at 9:27 am

      Why, the onion dip of course! Caramelized onions rule!

      Reply
    22. Arianna says

      January 14, 2009 at 4:38 pm

      I love onion dip! I love all dips! I would love that book!

      Reply
    23. Chau says

      January 14, 2009 at 5:06 pm

      omg! my homemade garlicky lemon hummus sans tahini 😛

      Reply
    24. Ashley Nicole. says

      January 14, 2009 at 7:05 pm

      My -favourite-? That's difficult. But I'll settle with two. Simply because I'm difficult as well. And can't make decisions.

      One is guacamole. I'm simply addicted to avocados. I love them so much.

      The other is a hot crab dip my aunt makes combining canned crab, minced onion, mayonnaise, and shredded cheese. You usuallly hhave to let it sit for about fifteen minutes after you take it out of the oven as the grease settles on top and you sop it up with paper towels. It's so horrible, but it tastes amazing.

      Reply
    25. Amanda says

      January 14, 2009 at 7:56 pm

      My husbands fav dip is "Mexican Chili Dip." It is neither real Mexican nor real chili.
      Claron's Mexican Chili Dip
      1 can chili with beans (Hormel is hubby's fav)
      1 stick cream cheese
      1 jar salsa
      8 oz Mexican blend cheese

      Heat the chili and cream cheese in the micro for abt 30 sec. Mix them together and put it in the bottom of a big glass dish. (9x13?) Smear the salsa on top. Top with cheese. Throw in the oven until bubbly... about 20-30 mins. Enjoy with tortilla strips.

      Reply
    26. AMY says

      January 14, 2009 at 8:12 pm

      I think my old time favorite has to be the lipton onion soup mix with sour cream. Your onion dip sounds delicious though! Lately I have been making bean dip with jalapenos in the food processor though!! Hard to pick a favorite, thanks for new ideas.

      Reply
    27. Amy says

      January 14, 2009 at 8:23 pm

      My favorite dip is buffalo chicken dip. It's so good!

      Reply
    28. Geralyn says

      January 14, 2009 at 10:16 pm

      Here via tastespotting...

      Have always wanted to try a caramelized onion dip, but am usually lazy and reach for the Lipton's.

      My favorite dip is hot artichoke...blissfully devoid of any spinach to make it at all healthy.

      A can of artichoke hearts, mayo, Parmesan, Romano, mozzarella, and garlic. Bake and slather on fresh sourdough baguette slices. Mmmmm.

      Reply
    29. Andrea says

      January 15, 2009 at 7:18 am

      Thanks to everyone who entered! The contest is now closed. Please check back in the next day or so for the announcement of the winner.

      Reply
    30. Mindy says

      January 15, 2009 at 10:48 am

      I love guacamole...on everything! I love it as a dip, but especially love it on a hamburger...

      Reply
    31. Kevin says

      January 17, 2009 at 12:43 pm

      That caramelized onions dip looks and sounds so good!

      A favorite dip? That is hard... there are so many good ones. The first one that comes to mind is a hot cheesy spinach and crab dip. ...mmm...

      Reply

    Trackbacks

    1. Over 50 Delicious Tailgating Recipes says:
      July 11, 2016 at 12:06 pm

      […] Caramelized Onion Dip […]

      Reply

    Thanks for visiting! Let me know what you think! Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Andrea Meyers photo

    Hi, I'm Andrea Meyers: educator, photographer, tea drinker, avid cook, and gardener. I love helping people learn how to do great things.

    More about me →

    Seasonal Favorites

    • Slow Cooker Cuban-Style Black Beans with Rice
    • Baked Boston Brown Bread
    • Slow Cooker Boston Baked Beans (Kids Cook Monday)
    • Slow-Cooker Chicken Korma
    • Roasted Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin
    • Country Captain Chicken

    Trending

    • Southern Buttermilk Cornbread
    • Dry Beans and Legumes Cooking Chart (From the Pantry)
    • Colombian Hot Chocolate
    • Cincinnati Chili
    web hosting

    Footer

    Return to the top


    About

    • About Andrea
    • Contact
    • Advocacy
    • FAQs
    • As seen in
    • Work with me

    Policies

    • Privacy Policy
    • Nutrition Disclaimer
    • Comment Policy
    • Accessibility
    • Copyright Policy

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn commissions from qualifying purchases.

    ALL PHOTOS AND ORIGINAL TEXT COPYRIGHT © 2005-2022 ANDREA MEYERS PRODUCTIONS LLC
    YOU MAY NOT USE ANY PHOTOS OR ORIGINAL TEXT WITHOUT EXPRESS PERMISSION.