This Baked French Onion Dip is warm, creamy, and packed with flavor! Made with onions, cream cheese, and a sprinkle of cheese on top, it’s a real crowd-pleaser for any gathering.
There’s nothing better than dipping crispy chips into this delicious dip. I always say the more gooey cheese, the better! Just be careful; it might disappear quickly! 😄
I love serving this dip hot right out of the oven. It’s easy to whip up and perfect for parties or game nights, and who doesn’t love smelling the yummy onion aroma while it bakes?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Onions: These are perfect for caramelizing due to their sweetness. If you’re in a pinch, you can use sweet onions instead, like Vidalia, or even red onions, which will give a milder flavor.
Cream Cheese: This provides the creamy base of the dip. Neufchâtel is a great low-fat alternative if you want to lighten things up.
Cheese: Gruyère is my favorite for melting and flavor. If you can’t find it, mozzarella works well too. Just note mozzarella will be a bit milder in taste.
Balsamic Vinegar: This adds depth and sweetness. If you don’t have any, a splash of white wine or apple cider vinegar can help mimic that flavor.
How Do I Caramelize Onions Perfectly?
Caramelizing onions is all about patience. It takes time to get that rich, sweet flavor. Here’s how you get it just right:
- Heat your skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and oil, which keeps the butter from burning.
- Add onions and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt to draw out moisture. Cook them low and slow for about 25-30 minutes, stirring often.
- If they start to stick, don’t hesitate to add a few splashes of water. This will help deglaze the pan and prevent burning.
- Look for a deep brown color; that’s when they’re perfectly caramelized!
Baked French Onion Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dip:
- 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, plus extra for garnish
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or mozzarella as an alternative)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Serving:
- Baguette or sliced bread
- Toasted crackers
- Green onions (optional garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 35-40 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes preparing the ingredients and another 25-30 minutes cooking the onions and baking the dip. It’s quick enough to whip up for a game night or a cozy gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure it’s nice and hot for when your dip is ready to bake.
2. Caramelize the Onions:
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and olive oil together. Once melted, add the sliced onions along with 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Cook slowly, stirring frequently, until the onions are deeply caramelized and browned; this should take about 25-30 minutes. If your onions start to stick, don’t hesitate to add a splash of water to loosen them up.
3. Mix in the Flavors:
Once the onions are beautifully caramelized, stir in the black pepper, fresh thyme, and the optional balsamic vinegar. Let this mixture cook for an additional 2 minutes before removing it from the heat. Allow it to cool slightly.
4. Create the Creamy Base:
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Mix until it’s smooth and creamy. Fold in half of the caramelized onions into this mixture, stirring gently to combine.
5. Assemble the Dip:
Transfer the creamy onion mixture into a small oven-safe skillet or baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining caramelized onions evenly on top, followed by the generous sprinkle of shredded Gruyère and Parmesan cheese.
6. Bake to Perfection:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the dip is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown—just look at that meltiness!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once it’s out of the oven, garnish with fresh thyme and chopped green onions if desired. Serve it while hot with tasty toasted baguette slices, crispy crackers, or fresh bread on the side for dipping.
Enjoy this warm, cheesy, flavorful Baked French Onion Dip as an irresistible appetizer or snack! Perfect for sharing or just treating yourself. 😊
Can I Use Different Types of Onions?
Absolutely! While yellow onions are preferred for their sweetness, you can also use sweet onions like Vidalia or even red onions for a milder flavor. Just keep in mind that the taste will vary slightly.
How Can I Make This Dip Lighter?
If you’re looking to lighten up the dip, you can substitute Neufchâtel cheese for cream cheese and use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream. This will reduce the calories while still keeping it creamy and delicious!
Can I Prepare This Dip Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the dip up until the baking step, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking, then pop it in the oven to heat through and get that golden-brown top.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through, or use the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.
