Description
This delicious caramelized onion dip features sweet, golden-browned onions blended with creamy cheeses and a touch of smoky paprika for a savory, comforting appetizer. Perfectly baked until bubbly and golden, it’s a crowd-pleaser served warm alongside crusty bread, chips, or crackers.
Ingredients
Scale
Caramelized Onions
- 3 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Dip Base
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Garnish & Serving
- Fresh herbs (parsley or chives), for garnish
- Crusty bread, chips, or crackers, for serving
Instructions
- Caramelize the onions: Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. This combination allows the onions to soften slowly, releasing their natural sugars for perfect caramelization.
- Cook the onions: Add the thinly sliced onions along with salt and brown sugar to the skillet. Stir occasionally as the onions soften and develop a rich golden brown color, typically about 20 to 25 minutes, ensuring they do not burn.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant. Then remove the skillet from the heat and set the caramelized onions aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the dip base: In a large mixing bowl, combine sour cream, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, grated Parmesan, shredded mozzarella, black pepper, and smoked paprika if using. Mix until smooth and uniform.
- Fold in onions: Add the caramelized onions to the creamy mixture and gently fold until the onions are evenly distributed throughout the dip.
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get ready for baking the dip.
- Transfer to baking dish: Spoon the dip mixture into an oven-safe dish, smoothing the surface evenly with a spatula.
- Bake the dip: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the dip is hot, bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
- Cool and garnish: Remove the baked dip from the oven and let it cool slightly to thicken a bit. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives for a fresh finish.
- Serve: Serve the warm caramelized onion dip immediately with crusty bread, chips, or crackers for dipping and enjoying.
Notes
- Caramelizing onions is a slow process but essential for developing the sweet, deep flavor in this dip. Do not rush by using high heat.
- For a richer dip, ensure the cream cheese is softened before mixing to avoid lumps.
- Smoked paprika is optional but adds a nice subtle smoky flavor that complements the caramelized onions.
- The dip can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving for convenience.
- If you prefer a spicier dip, add a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the paprika.
