This Caramelized Onion Dip recipe is a simple and delicious make-ahead party dip. Made with slow cooked caramelized onions and thyme, this dip is great served with potato chips or veggies.
One taste of this dip and you will never use another packet of onion dip again! Creamy and savory, this dip has it all. Great for game day parties, barbecues, or as a fun party appetizer, you’ll never get sick of eating this dip.
Why this recipe works
This dip is truly special thanks to the slow cooked caramelized onions. This extra step of caramelizing the onions gives the dip a slightly sweet and smoky taste.
What also makes this dip special is the combo cream texture from the mayo, sour cream, and greek yogurt. The addition of the fresh thyme gives the dip an extra special flavor.
This recipe is the perfect option for game day or entertaining. You can make it days in advance and pull out of the fridge just before serving.
Recipe ingredients
This recipe calls for a hand full of ingredients, most of which you probably already have on hand. Here are some notes on the specific ingredients:
- Sliced onion: I like to cut the onion lengthwise into long strips. However, you can cut them smaller if you wanted smaller pieces of onion in the final dip.
- Thyme: fresh thyme is great in this recipe, however a teaspoon of dried thyme can be substituted in its place.
- Yogurt: the yogurt gives the dip a bit of tangy taste. You can use plain yogurt or greek yogurt. If you don’t have yogurt, substitute sour cream in its place.
Caramelized Onion Dip Recipe
Caramelized Onion Dip is a delicious appetizer that you can make up to two days in advance. Plus, it seems the longer it sits the better it gets. Follow along to see how easy it is to make this fan-favorite appetizer dip.
The first step to making this dip is the caramelize the onions. Firstly, you need to thinly slice the onions. To start, cut the onions in half lengthwise and peel off the skin. Then, use a very sharp knife to cut long thin strips of onion.
Place the sliced onions in a large dutch oven or skillet (step 1). I find a dutch oven does a great job for caramelizing onions, like this pretty one from Lodge.
To the onions, add in minced thyme and kosher salt. If you don’t happen to have fresh thyme, you an always a teaspoon of dried thyme instead.
Then, cook the onions on low heat, stirring occasional, until they soften and start to brown. This usually takes about 30-40 minutes (step 2). Once the onions have caramelized, take them off the heat and let them cool slightly.
Next, in a large bowl, whisk together the mayo, sour cream, yogurt, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and seasonings (step 3).
Fold in the caramelized onions and stir until fully incorporated (step 4).
For best results, I recommend refrigerating the dip for at least an hour or overnight. Personally, I find the longer it sits, the better it gets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Caramelized onion dip is delicious served with classic ridged potato chips. It’s also great to serve with cracker or sliced veggies like carrots, celery, or cucumbers.
The secret to getting delicious caramelized onions is to cook them low and slow. Slice the onions thinly and cook over medium low heat for about 30-40 minutes. You will know they are done when they turn a golden color and have a slightly sweet taste.
Switch up the flavor of this onion dip by adding bacon. In the pot that you are using to cook the onions, add 3-4 slices of bacon. Cook until crispy then remove to a paper towel leaving the drippings in the pot. Cook the onions in the bacon drippings and make the recipe as instructed, adding in the crumbled bacon at the end.
Related Recipes
If you love simple and delicious party appetizers, be sure to check out these fan favorites:
Bacon Spinach Dip Loaf is served in a hollowed out sourdough bread bowl and is made with spinach, bacon, cream cheese, and cheddar.
Italian Antipasto Pinwheels are loaded with delicious antipasto flavors like salami, pepperoncini, kalamata olives, and mozzarella cheese.
Buffalo Chicken Dip is made entirely in the slow cooker and has that spicy buffalo flavor you love.
Italian Deviled Eggs are a fun change from traditional deviled eggs made with salami and parmesan.
Cream Cheese Bean Dip is a creamy and easy appetizer that is a real crowd pleaser.
Looking for a great and budget-friendly BBQ to serve your dip at? Check out my entire Budget BBQ meal plan and eat for less than $6.50 per person!
Caramelized Onion Dip
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or use 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- ½ cup mayo
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup plain yogurt (Greek yogurt works well here)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat oil in large dutch oven or skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions, thyme, and salt. Reduce head to medium low and slowly cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are soft and begin to brown, about 40 minutes. Set aside onions to cool.
- Whisk together the remainder of ingredients in a large bowl. Add the cooled onions and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper as needed. Refrigerate for at least an hour, or up to two days.
Video
Notes
- Sliced onion: I like to cut the onion lengthwise into long strips. However, you can cut them smaller if you wanted smaller pieces of onion in the final dip.
- Thyme: fresh thyme is great in this recipe, however a teaspoon of dried thyme can be substituted in its place.
- Yogurt: the yogurt gives the dip a bit of tangy taste. You can use plain yogurt or greek yogurt. If you don’t have yogurt, substitute sour cream in its place.
Anjali
This dip was so full of rich onion flavor!! It was a hit with my whole family!
Beth
This dip is so delicious. I don’t think I will make regular onion dip again! Thanks!
Beth
This looks amazing and so delicious! My husband is going to be all over this recipe! Definitely making this tonight before dinner! Excited!
Traci
I’m in love with this classic recipe! Always a hit and so easy to make…thanks!
Mary
This was sooo good! Love the deep caramelized onion flavor.