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Sweet Onion Caramelized Dip Recipe

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3.9 from 13 reviews

This Caramelized Onion Dip is a rich and flavorful appetizer perfect for parties or casual gatherings. Slowly caramelized sweet onions provide a deep, sweet-savory base that's combined with creamy cream cheese and sour cream, enhanced with aromatic onion and garlic powders, and fresh chives. The dip is easy to prepare on the stovetop and is best served chilled with chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables.

Ingredients

For the Caramelized Onions

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 medium sweet onions, halved and cut into ¼-inch-thick slices
  • 2 teaspoons brown sugar

For the Dip

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
  • 8 ounces sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh chives
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the Onions: Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Once the butter melts, add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they become softened and translucent—this should take about 10 minutes. Then reduce the heat to low, sprinkle the onions evenly with brown sugar, and continue to cook, stirring occasionally for 30 to 40 minutes, until the onions turn a deep golden brown and are fully caramelized. Remove from heat and let the onions cool completely.
  2. Prepare the Cream Mixture: In a medium bowl, blend the room temperature cream cheese and sour cream together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps.
  3. Combine Ingredients: Stir the cooled caramelized onions into the cream mixture. Add the onion powder, garlic powder, chopped fresh chives, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Mix thoroughly to achieve an even distribution of flavors throughout the dip.
  4. Serve and Store: Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and serve immediately with chips, crackers, or vegetable sticks. For optimal flavor, refrigerate uncovered for at least 1 hour before serving if time allows. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Notes

  • Allow the onions to caramelize slowly over low heat to develop maximum flavor without burning.
  • Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature to ensure a smooth dip without lumps.
  • Chilling the dip before serving enhances the flavor and texture.
  • Try serving the dip with potato chips, pita chips, or fresh vegetable slices like carrots, celery, and bell peppers.
  • The dip can be made a day ahead and refrigerated to save time.

Find it online: https://cookedbygrace.com/sweet-onion-caramelized-dip-recipe/