This caramelized onion dip recipe is rich, creamy, and loaded with the sweetness of perfectly caramelized onions. This flavorful dip is delicious and deliciously easy to make.
I love onions, especially caramelized onions. They have such a deep, sweet flavor. They’re perfect in this cool, creamy dip.
Caramelized Onion Dip
This was inspired by my creamy herb dip recipe on this site and pairs well with this delicious pasta chips recipe.
Ingredients
You’ll only need a few simple ingredients to make this easy, delicious dip. You’ll find them all easily at your local grocery store.
- Unsalted butter
- Finely chopped onions
- Pepper
- Water
- Balsamic vinegar
- Sour cream
- Mayonnaise
See the recipe card at the end of the post for quantities.
Instructions
It only takes a few simple steps to make this recipe. You’ll have this dip whipped up in no time.
Step 1: Cook the Onions
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Then, add the onions, salt, and pepper and cook the onions, stirring occasionally, until they’re tender and translucent.
When the onions are translucent, reduce the heat to medium-low and continue cooking them until they’re golden.
Step 2: Continue Cooking the Onions
When the onions have become golden, add water to the skillet and continue cooking, scraping up any browned bits until the water is evaporated, Then add the remaining water and cook until the onions are caramelized and the water has evaporated.
Step 3: Add Vinegar
Remove the onions from the heat and add the vinegar, stirring until blended. Then, transfer the onions to a medium bowl and allow them to cool for about 10 minutes.
Step 4: Add Sour Cream and Mayonnaise
Add the sour cream and mayonnaise to the onions and stir to combine. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Chill
Transfer the dip to an air-tight container and chill for at least an hour before serving.
Hint: Chilling this dip before serving is essential. It gives the flavors time to meld.
Substitutions
Don’t have the correct ingredients on hand or want to change something up? Here are some helpful tips for you to change this caramelized onion dip recipe.
- Greek Yogurt – You can use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream.
- Reduced Calorie – Use low fat mayonnaise for a reduced calorie version.
- Red Wine Vinegar – If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, use red wine vinegar with a bit of honey instead.
Variations
Want to personalize this caramelized onion dip recipe? Here are some of my tried and true tips for changing up this recipe.
- Spicy – Add a dash of cayenne or red pepper flakes for a kick of heat.
- Garlic Powder – Add garlic powder for even more flavor.
If you love recipes like this, you may also enjoy this buttermilk ranch dip.
Equipment
It only takes a few simple pieces of kitchen equipment to make this recipe.
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Skillet
- Bowl
- Spoon
Storage
This dip will last in the refrigerator in an air-tight container for 3 to 4 days.
Tips
While this is a relatively easy recipe, I do have some tips to help you make it the best that it can possibly be.
- Don’t rush the onions. You’re caramelizing them, not browning them.
- You can’t overmix this dip, so be sure you thoroughly mix it to combine the ingredients well.
- Chilling for an hour is the minimum. For the best flavor, chill this dip for a few hours or overnight before serving.
More Onion Recipes
Do you like onions? Here are some recipes you may also like to try.
FAQ
Do you have questions about this caramelized onion dip recipe? Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about caramelized onion dip.
Caramelized onions are onions that have been cooked low and slow until the sugars inside them are caramelized. They are not browned onions, which are an entirely different cooking method.
It will keep for about 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator.
No. Dips with mayonnaise don’t freeze well. The mayo will break after being defrosted, leading to a watery gross mess.
If you cook your onions on heat that’s too high, they’ll brown instead of caramelize which leads to crispy onions.
Caramelized Onion Dip Recipe
Ready to get cooking? Remember that you can print this recipe if you would like.
Caramelized Onion Dip Recipe
Ingredients
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 2 pounds onions chopped fine
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Instructions
- Get out and measure your ingredients.
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add onions, salt, pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are tender and translucent, about 10 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium low and continue cooking until onions are golden, about 10 more minutes.
- Add 2 tablespoons water to skillet and cook, scraping up any browned bits, until water is evaporated, about 5 minutes.
- Add remaining 2 tablespoons water and cook until onions are caramelized and water is evaporated, about 5 minutes longer.
- Remove from heat and add in vinegar until blended.
- Transfer onions to medium bowl and allow to cool for 10 minutes.
- Add sour cream and mayonnaise to onions and stir to combine.
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
- Serve and enjoy every bite!
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