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french onion dip recipe

French Onion Dip

Nostalgia meets luxury in this homemade French Onion Dip that puts the store‐bought version to shame. Sweet, slowly caramelized onions are folded into a creamy blend of sour cream and mayonnaise, making it a perfect crowd-pleaser for game days or elegant get-togethers.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dip
  • 1 Tbsp butter
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cups finely chopped yellow onions about 2 medium
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt plus more to taste
  • Pinch sugar optional, helps with caramelization
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp lemon juice or 1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp minced fresh chives plus extra for topping
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce optional

Equipment

  • Wide skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Plate

Method
 

  1. Heat 1 Tbsp butter and 1 Tbsp olive oil in a wide skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add 2 cups finely chopped yellow onions, 1/2 tsp kosher salt, and a pinch of sugar (if using) to the skillet.
  3. Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, until they become deeply golden and caramelized (about 15-20 minutes). If the pan starts to dry, add a splash of water to deglaze and capture those flavorful browned bits.
  4. Transfer the caramelized onions to a plate and allow them to cool for about 10 minutes.
  5. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup sour cream, 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp lemon juice (or 1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar), 1 Tbsp minced fresh chives, and the optional 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce.
  6. Gently fold the cooled onions into the creamy mixture. Season with freshly ground black pepper and additional salt to taste.
  7. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dip for at least one hour, or better yet, overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
  8. Before serving, give the dip a quick stir. Top with extra fresh chives and a small spoonful of reserved caramelized onions for visual appeal, if desired.
  9. If the dip is too thick after chilling, stir in 1-2 Tbsp milk or buttermilk until you achieve your preferred consistency. Adjust seasonings as needed.

Notes

This French Onion Dip is all about taking the time to slowly caramelize onions until they reach a rich, jammy sweetness. Allowing the dip to chill for an hour or overnight deepens the flavors, making it an ideal make-ahead appetizer for parties or game days. Feel free to experiment by adding bacon or vegetarian alternatives to customize the taste.