Description
This Caramelized Onion Dip recipe delivers a rich and savory blend of sweet, deeply browned onions combined with creamy cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Perfect for parties or casual snacking, this dip features slow-cooked onions caramelized with butter and a hint of brown sugar, enhanced by garlic, white wine, balsamic vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce for complex umami flavors. Garnished with fresh chives, it makes an irresistible accompaniment to chips, crackers, or vegetable sticks.
Ingredients
Scale
Caramelized Onions
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 pounds sweet onions, halved and sliced
- 1/4 teaspoon brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup dry white wine
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Dip Base
- 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: Melt the unsalted butter in a large skillet over low to medium low heat. Add the sliced sweet onions and brown sugar, stirring often and cooking until the onions become deep golden brown and flavorful, which will take approximately 45 to 55 minutes. This slow cooking draws out the natural sweetness and creates a rich base for the dip.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it to maintain its aromatic quality.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the dry white wine, scraping the bottom of the skillet to lift any browned bits from the onions, adding depth to the flavor. Then remove the skillet from the heat.
- Add Vinegar and Worcestershire Sauce: Stir in the balsamic vinegar and Worcestershire sauce to introduce a subtle acidity and umami that perfectly balances the sweetness of the onions.
- Cool the Onions: Allow the caramelized onion mixture to cool completely. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the onions for garnish, setting them aside.
- Prepare the Dip Base: In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth and well blended.
- Combine Onions and Base: Fold the cooled caramelized onions into the creamy mixture. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, ensuring a balanced and well-seasoned dip.
- Serve: Transfer the dip to a serving bowl, garnish with the reserved caramelized onions and chopped fresh chives. Serve immediately or cover and chill in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- For best results, use sweet onions such as Vidalia or Walla Walla to maximize caramelization flavor.
- Slow cooking the onions over low heat is crucial to develop their deep, sweet flavor — do not rush this step by increasing the heat.
- You can substitute dry white wine with low-sodium chicken broth if you prefer an alcohol-free option.
- This dip pairs wonderfully with potato chips, crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks like carrots and celery.
- If you like a tangier dip, feel free to increase the amount of balsamic vinegar slightly.
- Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days for optimal freshness.
