Sweet onions are sautéed with butter and herbs until nicely caramelized then combined with cream cheese and sour cream. If you love caramelized onions, you will love this Caramelized Onion Dip then!
Jump to RecipeHello everyone – I hope you are doing well.
It’s almost mid of February. That means winter being at its pick. (Oh year, I am talking to you, another snow storm outside.) And that also means comfort food at its finest. That’s obvious, right? Whether it’s soup, pasta, or stew, comfort food is something that helps us survive another cold day. Dips, however, are not always associated with comfort foods. Not sure why – probably because they usually are cold?
A dip is usually super easy and quick to make. Besides, they are often packed with protein, healthy fats, and fiber making them filling and relatively healthy. Serve any dip with toasted bread or crackers, and that would be a wonderfully hearty snack or even entire meal.
Caramelized Onion Dip
This Caramelized Onion Dip is an ultimate comfort dip, in my book!
Onions are sautéed with butter and olive oil until soft and fragrant. They are also infused with fresh thyme, smoked paprika, and chipotle powder. A little addition of balsamic glaze helps achieve a lovely caramelization and adds sweetness.
The dip base is the combination of full-fat sour cream and cream cheese. If you prefer a lighter and healthier version, you can use plain or Greek yogurt instead; it will also add up some extra protein.
More Dip Recipes
Looking for more dip ideas? Here we go!
I hope you like this Caramelized Onion Dip, and you will give it a try shortly. If you make it, let me know in this post or send me an Instagram message or share your photos adding the hashtag #havocinthekitchen.
Cheers!
Caramelized Onion Dip
Course: Appetizers8-10
servings10
minutes40
minutesSweet onions are sautéed with butter and herbs until nicely caramelized then combined with cream cheese and sour cream. If you love caramelized onions, you will love this Caramelized Onion Dip then!
Ingredients
- Caramelized Onions:
4 tbsp. (60 gr.) butter
1 tbsp. olive oil
4 large red onions (~2 lb.),thinly sliced
about 1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. fresh thyme
1/2 tsp. smoked paprika
1/4 tsp. chipotle powder
1-2 tbsp. balsamic glaze (preferably) or balsamic vinegar
- Dip:
1 cup plain cream cheese, room temperature
1 cup full-fat (18%) sour cream or thick plain / Greek yogurt
Directions
- In a pan over medium low heat, combine the butter and olive oil, until melted. Add the onions and cook for about 5 minutes, until starting to soften.
- Reduce heat to low. Sprinkle the onions with salt, cover the pan, and sauté the onions for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the mixture gets too dry, you can add a little amount (1-2 tbsp.) of water or broth.
- At the end, stir in the balsamic glaze, thyme, smoked paprika, and chipotle powder. Keep cooking, stirring often, for another 5 minutes. Off heat and let it cool for about 5-7 minutes.
- Using a blender, beat the cream cheese and sour cream (or yogurt) until combined, 30-40 seconds.
- Stir in about 2/3 of the caramelized onions into the cheese mixture and pulse for another 20-40 seconds, depending on the desired consistency.
- Transfer the mixture into a serving bowl and top with the reserved onions. If desired, sprinkle with some extra fresh thyme. Serve with toasted bread such as baguette or crackers of your choice. Keep the leftovers refrigerated for up to a couple of days. Enjoy!
Hi – I’m Ben, a blogger, recipe developer, and food photographer. I’m glad you’re here! I hope you will enjoy hundreds of delicious recipes and a pinch of havoc in the kitchen.
O. M. G. — I need to make this. I am always at a loss for good appetizer dips and this one really appeals. (Mark makes me cook the onions outside so that I don’t stink of the house – lucky that we don’t live there with your snowstorms! :)
Hi there! I completely agree with you – comfort food is a must during the winter, and dips are such an underrated comfort food! This Caramelized Onion Dip sounds absolutely delicious. I love how the onions are infused with fresh thyme, smoked paprika, and chipotle powder, and the addition of balsamic glaze to achieve caramelization and sweetness is a great idea. I’ll definitely be trying this recipe out soon. And I appreciate the suggestion of using plain or Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and cream cheese for a lighter and healthier version. Thanks for sharing this yummy dip recipe!
Raymund recently posted…Lutong Pinoy (London, United Kingdom)
This sounds amazing, Ben. You know, onion dip (the kind you make with sour cream and powdered onion soup mix… ) is one of my guilty pleasures. But this takes things to whole other level! And you could even call it healthy, which the other kind certainly is not1 Got to try this.
Frank | Memorie di Angelina recently posted…Castagnole
Did you know onions are my favorite savory item? Especially when caramelized and enhanced with balsamic glaze and smoked paprika! Looks packed with flavor!
Tasia recently posted…Healthy Lemon Blueberry Muffins
yep salivating here; shame about the arteries :=)
Caramelized onions, cheese, smoked paprika, balsamic glaze…there are so many delicious flavors in this caramelized onion dip! Wish I had some of this dip and a crusty baguette right now. ????. I agree Ben, dips like this one definitely belong in the comfort food category. What a great way to brighten up a cold winter day!
Shannon recently posted…Snickerdoodle Recipe & History
Ooh I absolutely love caramelized onion dip — esp with Ruffles chips! This looks jam packed with flavour, and I love that you finish with balsamic glaze. Delish!
I know I would love this!
Tandy | Lavender and Lime recently posted…Brie And Tomato Pasta
Oh I love the idea of letting caramelized onions be the star of the show! Normally they are just an ingredient along with other things, but I’m pretty sure this dip and I would be very good friends. Also, should I mention that it’s about 18°C here in Asheville now? There’s a reason we moved to the South!!
David @ Spiced recently posted…Easy King Cake
That’s the dip after my heart! I could lick the whole bowl CLEAN.
angiesrecipes recently posted…Baked Quail Eggs in Coconut Milk with Truffle Butter