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Home » Recipes » Dip Recipe

French Onion Dip

Published: Apr 18, 2024 · Modified: Jun 8, 2024 by Chef Ryan Littley

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If you’ve never tasted Homemade French Onion Dip, you don’t know what you’re missing. Making caramelized onions from scratch is easier than you think. The rich depth of flavor is a taste sensation that will put those store-bought varieties to shame.

French onion dip in a glass bowl.


 

Sure, you could buy a packet of seasoning from your local grocery store, but it won’t stand up against the amazing flavor of our French onion dip recipe. From its irresistible aroma to its creamy texture, this beloved dip is a timeless classic that never fails to impress.

French onion dip with chips and vegetables on a while platter.

French onion dip is a classic party favorite. Its creamy texture and savory profile make it perfect for dipping chips or fresh veggies. Our caramelized onion will make a delicious addition to game days, backyard barbecues, and family get-togethers.

If you enjoy making your own homemade dips, make sure to check out our roasted eggplant dip and crack dip recipes. They are OMG delicious!

Table of Contents:
  • Ingredients to make French Onion Dip
  • What type of onions should I use?
  • Can I make substitutions?
  • How to make French Onion Dip
  • Recipe FAQ’s
  • More Recipes You’ll Love!
  • Recipe: French Onion Dip

Ingredients to make French Onion Dip

Ingredients to make French onion dip.

Let’s start by gathering the ingredients we need to make my Homemade French Onion Dip recipe. In Chef Speak, this is called the Mise en Place, which translates into Everything in its Place.

Not only does setting your ingredients up ahead of time speed the cooking process, but it also helps ensure you have everything you need to make the dish.

What type of onions should I use?

Vidalia onions are my first choice but any sweet onion can be used. You can also use white onions, yellow onions, or red onions to make the dip, but sweet onions are less harsh and will create a more balanced onion flavor.

Can I make substitutions?

Yes, you can. Plain Greek yogurt can be used instead of sour cream to make this classic French onion dip. You can also use mayonnaise instead of cream cheese, although the flavor profile will be different.

The onions can be sauteed with olive oil instead of butter, and fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary can be added for additional flavor.

*Although you can use French onion soup mix, or substitute garlic powder and onion powder to make this recipe, the flavor will pale in comparison to our caramelized onion dip.

How to make French Onion Dip

Peel the outer layers off the onions, then slice them down into ¼-inch slices.
*For diced onions, chop the onions after slicing them

Collage showing how to make recipe.
  • Add the onions to a large bowl and season with sea salt. Set the onions aside and marinate for 60 minutes at room temperature.
  • Place a large skillet over medium heat. When the pan is hot, add the butter and olive oil.
  • When the butter has melted, add the onions and the macerating liquid to the pan.
  • Let the onions cook, stirring frequently for 20-25 minutes
  • When the onions are a deep golden brown color, pour the vegetable stock into the mixture. Stir the onions around, making sure to incorporate all of the brown crunchy bits from the frying pan. The crunchy bits will add flavor to the onions.
    *Beef stock, chicken stock, wine (white or red), or water can be used instead of vegetable stock.
  • When the liquid has been absorbed remove the pan from the heat. Use a slotted spoon to remove the sauteed onions from the pan.

Let the onions cool for 10 minutes before mixing them with the dip ingredients.

Collage showing how to make the recipe.
  • Add the sour cream and cream cheese to a large mixing bowl.
  • Mix with a hand mixer or stand mixer until mostly smooth.
  • Add the cooled caramelized onions to the sour cream mixture.
  • Fold the onions into the mixture with a rubber spatula.
  • Add the minced garlic, black pepper, red pepper flakes, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice to the mixture. and mix with a hand mixer or stand mixer until completely smooth.
  • Cover with cling wrap and refrigerator for at least 60 minutes for the flavors to combine.

*Reserve a small amount of the caramelized onions to garnish the dip.

French onion dip in a glass bowl.

After one bite, you’ll agree that this is the best French onion dip you have ever made.

Any leftovers should be refrigerated in an airtight container (or well-covered with plastic wrap) and can be stored for up to 5 days.

Recipe FAQ’s

Should I refrigerate the French onion dip before serving?

Yes, you should. Refrigerate the dip for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to come together. If you have time, allowing it to sit overnight is even better.

What can I serve with French onion dip?

You can serve it with potato chips, pretzels, pita chips, fresh veggies, melba toast, tortilla chips, crackers, or any of your favorite dippers.

Can French onion dip be frozen?

No, it shouldn’t be frozen. Freezing it can affect the texture of the dip, after thawing and may separate.

More Recipes You’ll Love!

  • roasted eggplant dip in a white bowl with lemons and a piece of bread dipping into the mixture.
    Roasted Eggplant Dip
  • Baked crack dip in white casserole.
    Crack Dip (Cheesy Bacon Dip)
  • smoked salmon dip in a glass bowl.
    Best Smoked Salmon Dip Recipe
  • Slow cooker Buffalo chicken Dip in a white bowl.
    Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip

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French onion dip in a glass bowl.

French Onion Dip

Chef Ryan Littley
Making caramelized onions from scratch is easier than you think. The rich depth of flavor they add to a homemade French onion dip will put those store-bought varieties to shame.
5 from 6 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 25 minutes mins
Marinate 1 hour hr
Total Time 1 hour hr 35 minutes mins
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 254 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 large sweet onions
  • 2 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • ¼ cup vegetable stock chicken stock, wine, (white or red) or water can also be used.
  • 8 oz sour cream
  • 8 oz cream cheese
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fresh garlic finely chopped
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional

Instructions
 

  • Peel the outer layers off the onions, then slice them down into ¼-inch slices.
    *For diced onions chop the onions after slicing them
  • Add the onions to a large bowl and season them with the sea salt. Set the onions aside and allow them to marinate for 60 minutes at room temperature.
  • Place a large frying pan (or skillet) over medium heat.
  • When the pan is hot add the butter and olive oil to the pan.
  • When the butter has melted, add the onions and the macerating liquid to the pan.m the pan.
  • Let the onions cook, stirring frequently for 20-25 minutes
  • When the onions have caramelized and nicely browned, pour the vegetable stock into the mixture. This will deglaze the pan.
    *Chicken stock, wine (white or red), or water can be used instead of the vegetable stock.
    *Stir the onions around. making sure to get all of the brown, crunchy parts mixed in from the frying pan. The crunchy parts add flavor to the onions.
  • When the liquid has been absorbed remove the pan from the heat. Use a slotted spoon to remove the sauteed onions from the pan.
  • Let the onions cool for 10 minutes before mixing them with the dip ingredients.
  • Add the sour cream and cream cheese to a large mixing bowl and mix with a hand mixer or stand mixer until mostly smooth.
  • Add the cooled caramelized onions to the sour cream mixture.
  • Fold the onions into the mixture with a rubber spatula
    *reserve a small amount for garnishing the dip.
  • Add the minced garlic, black pepper, red pepper flakes, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice to the mixture. and mix with a hand mixer or stand mixer until completely smooth.
  • Cover with cling wrap and refrigerator for at least 60 minutes for the flavors to combine.
  • Garnish with the reserved caramelized onions and fresh herbs.

Nutrition

Calories: 254kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 4gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 53mgSodium: 434mgPotassium: 232mgFiber: 1gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 681IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 85mgIron: 0.5mg
Tried this recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @askchefdennis or tag #askchefdennis!

Comments

    5 from 6 votes (1 rating without comment)

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Elizabeth says

    May 22, 2024 at 10:03 am

    5 stars
    This dish is delicious! Perfect for a summer bbq we just had – everyone loved it!

    Reply
  2. Bernice says

    May 21, 2024 at 12:21 pm

    5 stars
    This. dip. was. FABULOUS! Seriously, I put the bowl down to watch an UFL football game yesterday and didn’t stop dipping until it was gone. This is a keeper!

    Reply
  3. Tina says

    May 21, 2024 at 11:00 am

    5 stars
    My whole family loved this french onion dip recipe! Will make it again soon.

    Reply
  4. Katie says

    May 21, 2024 at 10:57 am

    5 stars
    This french onion dip recipe was so delicious! Can’t wait to make it again.

    Reply
  5. Ashley says

    May 20, 2024 at 10:32 am

    5 stars
    I absolutely LOVE French onion dip, and this recipe was amazing! Being a Georgia girl, I like to use Vidalia onions, and of course, serving this with Fritos or Ruffles is a must. Great recipe!

    Reply

My name is Chef Dennis Littley, creator and owner of Ask Chef Dennis Productions. As a classically trained chef with 40+ years of experience in the kitchen, I share my time-tested recipes, knowledge, and chef tips to help you create easy-to-make restaurant-quality meals in your home kitchen.

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