This Baked French Onion Dip is a warm and cheesy delight. Made with caramelized onions and cream cheese, it’s oh-so-creamy and packed with flavor!
Honestly, I could eat this dip with a spoon! Pair it with crunchy bread or veggies, and you’ve got a party on a plate. Bring on the chips! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Onions: These are the stars of the dish! Their sweetness comes out beautifully when caramelized. If you’re out of yellow onions, sweet onions work well too, but avoid red onions as they have a different flavor.
Butter and Olive Oil: Combining butter with olive oil prevents the butter from burning while giving you the best flavor. You can use just one if you prefer – I sometimes use only butter for extra richness!
Cream Cheese: This adds that creamy base we all love. You can substitute with Neufchâtel cheese for a lighter option or even dairy-free cream cheese for a non-dairy version.
Sour Cream and Mayonnaise: They make the dip creamy and tangy. Greek yogurt can be a healthy substitute if you’re looking for lower fat options!
Cheeses: Mozzarella is a melty favorite, and Parmesan adds flavor. If you’re looking for a stronger taste, try using Gruyère or a sharp cheddar instead.
How Do I Get Perfectly Caramelized Onions?
Caramelizing onions is key to achieving that deep, rich flavor in this dip. To do it right, follow these steps:
- Start with a large skillet over medium heat. Melt your butter with olive oil, which helps prevent burning.
- Add the onions and sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt. This draws out moisture and helps them cook evenly.
- Cook slowly, stirring every few minutes. Patience is crucial – allow about 30-40 minutes for the onions to truly caramelize.
- Midway through, sprinkle sugar to enhance sweetness. Avoid rushing! The darker the color, the richer the flavor.
Enjoy your cooking, and don’t hesitate to adjust seasonings to your taste along the way!
How to Make Baked French Onion Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dip:
- 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped (optional, for garnish)
For Serving:
- Toasted baguette slices or crackers
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes for preparation and 20-25 minutes for baking. In total, you should set aside around 40-50 minutes to create this delicious dip. Plus, it’s perfect for making ahead, and the leftovers (if there are any!) will taste even better the next day.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure it’s hot and ready for your dip when you finish preparing it.
2. Caramelize the Onions:
In a large skillet, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the sliced onions along with ½ teaspoon of salt. Stir them often to avoid burning. Cook those beauties for about 30-40 minutes until they turn a lovely golden-brown color. Around the halfway mark, sprinkle in the sugar to enhance their sweetness. When done, remove them from the heat and set aside to cool a bit.
3. Mix the Creamy Base:
In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, and the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt. Add in half of your mozzarella and Parmesan cheese too. Mix everything until it’s smooth and creamy.
4. Combine the Onions:
Gently fold in most of the caramelized onions into the creamy mixture, but don’t forget to reserve a bit for topping later!
5. Prepare for Baking:
Transfer the creamy onion mixture to a greased oven-safe dish or a cast-iron skillet. Spread it out evenly so that it bakes nicely.
6. Add the Toppings:
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. Don’t forget to scatter the reserved caramelized onions over the dip for that extra flavor.
7. Bake the Dip:
Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the dip is bubbly and golden brown on top. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
8. Let It Cool & Garnish:
Once it’s out of the oven, let the dip cool slightly for a few minutes. If you like, sprinkle with some fresh thyme leaves for a lovely color and flavor boost.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Dig in! Serve this warm and creamy dip with toasted baguette slices or crunchy crackers. It’s perfect for parties, game days, or whenever you feel like indulging!
Enjoy every cheesy, flavorful bite of this delicious baked French onion dip! 🍽️
Can I Use Different Types of Onions?
Yes! While yellow onions are traditional for their sweetness, you can use sweet onions, like Vidalia, for an even sweeter taste. Avoid red or white onions, as they have different flavor profiles that may not work as well in this dip.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. For a quicker option, you can use the microwave, stirring occasionally.
Can I Make This Dip Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dip mixture, assemble it in the baking dish, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to a day before baking. Just add an extra few minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the fridge.
What Can I Serve with the Dip?
This dip is great with toasted baguette slices, crackers, or fresh vegetables like carrots and celery sticks. You can also use pita chips for an extra crunch!
