Description
A rich, creamy caramelized onion dip with deeply sweet, golden onions folded into a tangy sour cream and cream cheese base, finished with fresh chives and a bright splash of lemon. Perfect for parties, sandwiches, and cozy snacking.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 large yellow onions (about 1 1/2 pounds), thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped, plus extra for garnish
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat a heavy skillet over medium-low heat, allowing it to warm evenly.
- Add 2 tablespoons olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter to the skillet, then add the thinly sliced onions. Season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper. Stir to coat evenly.
- Cook the onions slowly over medium-low heat, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking. Continue for 30 to 40 minutes until the onions are deeply golden and caramelized. If the pan dries out or onions begin to catch, add a splash of water and reduce heat slightly.
- In the last 2 to 3 minutes of cooking, stir in 2 cloves minced garlic and 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme. Cook until fragrant, then remove the skillet from heat and allow the onions to cool slightly.
- Transfer the caramelized onions to a mixing bowl. Add 1 cup sour cream, 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 4 ounces softened cream cheese, and 1 teaspoon lemon juice. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Fold in 2 tablespoons finely chopped chives, reserving a little for garnish.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. For best flavor development, cover and chill the dip for at least 1 hour or ideally overnight.
- When ready to serve, transfer the dip to a serving bowl, drizzle with a little olive oil if desired, and sprinkle with the remaining chopped chives. Serve with chips, toasted baguette slices, or fresh vegetables.
Notes
- Use a wide, heavy skillet for even caramelization and to speed moisture evaporation.
- Be patient with the onions, low and slow cooking brings out the best sweet and savory flavors.
- Chill overnight for deeper, more cohesive flavor, this one improves with rest.
- To loosen the dip if too thick, stir in a splash of milk or cream before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop, Mixing
- Cuisine: American/French-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3.5 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
Keywords: caramelized onion dip, onion dip, party dip, appetizer, Gordon Ramsay style, sour cream dip, cream cheese dip