This sensationally creamy Caramelized Onion Dip is the ultimate chip dip. The Greek yogurt and mayonnaise base is speckled with golden caramelized onions, leaving you with a savory snack that must make an appearance at your next party.
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Extra creamy onion dip
You know that bag of chips sitting in the back of your cupboard? It deserves companionship and to be enjoyed with, say, a creamy dip.
The snacking experience will never be the same again after dunking each chip into a bowl of Caramelized Onion Dip! It’s the ultimate chip dip that begins with, you guessed it, caramelized onions. These golden brown, deeply flavored, and slow-cooked onions impart magical flavors into each bite while the creamy and tangy base balances their richness.
This recipe might remind you of a classic French onion dip (another dangerously delicious chip dip) but it has a few tricks up its sleeve to make every bite extra interesting:
- Finely diced cornichons take the tang level up a notch.
- Greek yogurt lightens up every bite.
- Japanese kewpie mayonnaise adds an incredible richness.
If you fall for the caramelized onions in this dip just like I have, then you’ll have to try my Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes and French Onion Chicken Meatballs as well!
Ingredients and substitutions
This is what you need to make an extra creamy onion chip dip:
- Onions – Caramelized onions are the star of the show here! One sweet onion is sauteed until golden brown and ultra flavorful. Take your time with these and follow the tips below to learn how to caramelize onions.
- Oil and butter – Yes, you need both! Butter infuses flavor into the onions while olive oil prevents them from sticking to the pan (butter alone won’t do this).
- Greek yogurt – Or use sour cream.
- Kewpie mayonnaise – This Japanese mayo is made only with egg yolks, rice vinegar, and MSG. It’s much deeper and richer in flavor compared to regular or homemade mayonnaise.
- Cornichons – It’s a tangy addition to help every bite pop. Feel free to use dill pickles if that’s what you have on hand.
- Green onion and garlic – For deep, savory undertones.
How to make caramelized onion dip
This creamy dip takes some time to put together, but it’s so worth it in the end:
- Caramelize the onions: Heat the oil and butter in a skillet over low heat. Once the butter is melted, add the onions and leave them to cook. Stir every so often until they turn golden brown.
- Mix the rest together: While you wait for the onions to cook, mix the yogurt, mayo, green onions, cornichons, and garlic together in a bowl.
- Add the onions: Fold the caramelized onions into the dip once they’re ready. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
- Chill, then serve: Transfer the assembled dip to a serving dish and place it in the fridge to chill for at least 15 minutes. Serve with chips and veggies and enjoy!
Tips for caramelizing onions
- Be patient! The onions can take 30 to 35 minutes to fully achieve that gorgeous golden brown color.
- Don’t stir the onions too often or else the color won’t be as dark.
- Make this recipe with caramelized yellow onions, white onions, red onions, shallots, or a mix of all of them.
- Instead of standing over the stove, caramelize your onions in the oven or in the Instant Pot for an even more hands-off option.
Looking for even more guidance? Bon Appetit has a great list of tips of what NOT to do when caramelizing onions.
Serving suggestions
This dip is begging to be eaten with chips, crackers, pita bread, pretzels, and veggies. Put out a bowl for parties and celebrations next to a platter of goodies for dipping. If you find yourself with any extras, spread them on juicy hamburgers or sandwiches.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, the onions can be caramelized up to 5 days ahead. Store them in a sealed container in the fridge until it’s time to make the dip.
Yes, you can make the dip 1 day ahead of serving. The flavors get even better as it sits!
The dip will stay fresh in the fridge for 4 to 5 days. Keep it in an airtight container to help seal in those amazing flavors.
I don’t recommend freezing onion dip because the texture of the dairy isn’t quite as creamy once it thaws.
Looking for more creamy dips to try?
If you give this Caramelized Onion Dip a try, let me know in the comments below. I love seeing your pictures too, so please tag me on Instagram @lenaskitchenblog and use #lenaskitchenblog so I can share them to my page!
Caramelized Onion Dip
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 medium sweet onions, finely chopped
- 1 ⅓ cup plain greek yogurt, or use sour cream
- ½ cup kewpie mayonnaise, or use regular mayonnaise
- ⅓ cup cornichorns, finely chopped (or use dill pickles)
- 2 ½ tablespoon green onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, grated
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, more to taste
Instructions
- In a non-stick skillet, heat olive oil and butter over low heat until butter is melted. Add onions and stir until onions begin the tenderize. Sprinkle with salt and allow to cook over low heat stirring every few minutes until onions have reached a caramel color. It will take about 30-35 minutes. Remove onions from heat and allow to cool completely.
- While onions are cooking, in a bowl add yogurt, mayonnaise, green onion (reserve 1 pinch for topping), cornichorns, garlic, salt and caramelized onions (reserve a tablespoon for topping, optional). Mix well to combine.
- Top with reserved onions and green onion. Cover and let chill for 15 minutes in the fridge before serving. Can be made a day ahead.
- Serve with potato chips and or fresh cut up veggies.
Notes
- Great dip for make ahead.
- Cover and store in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
Agnes
I’ve made this a few times already and it is so great!! Such a unique dip, we loved it.
lena
This makes me so happy to hear. I love it too, so easy and delicious. Glad you enjoyed it as well Agnes.
Toots
A crowd pleaser. A great appetizer.
Tonya Danilova
This dip was so easy to make and everyone loved it! Definitely making it again for our next gathering.
Lana
Absolutely love this recipe.