Easy French Onion Dip (aka Lipton California Dip) is a classic American party dip appetizer with only 2 ingredients. Serve with potato chips & cut veggies.

This is a classic iconic American game day and party food dip, that has earned a respected place in many people’s hearts…

By the way, this chip bowl set below was my parents, a wedding gift to them in 1960. I cherish it, and thought it would be fun for you to see how we ate this dip back in the day!

Our family loved this sour cream onion dip, and my Mom served it at many parties.  We always used Knudsen sour cream, because my Aunt was a Home Economics spokesperson for Knudsen in the 60’s and 70’s, and they make the best sour cream.

Mom would serve a bag of Lay’s potato chips and celery sticks. Simple, yet divine.

Did you grow up eating French Onion Dip? It wasn’t a party at our home without the sour cream chip dip! Also known as California Dip,  this now iconic party food was made famous by the Lipton Soup Company in the 1960’s.

History

As the story goes, in 1954, two years after Lipton introduced its dry onion soup mix, a now-unknown housewife in Southern California stirred a dry soup packet into a pint of sour cream and made a ­savory potato chip dip.

Her ­recipe was reprinted in newspapers countless times, and by the end of the 1950s, it had become a house-party classic, perfectly suited for mid-20th-­century America’s new style of informal ­entertaining on the patio or in the family room.

This is the iconic ad that was printed in magazines in 1965 for Lipton California Dip.

French onion dip is often served at parties and as a “classic holiday party offering”. It has also been described as “an American classic”. Try this dip as a spread on hamburgers, sandwiches, and tacos.

What are the best chips to serve with this French Onion Dip?

In my opinion, Lay’s Potato Chips are the best, although any simple potato chips will work!

Okay, this really isn’t a recipe. But, people always ask how to make it at parties.

So, what do you need?

Grab 2 ingredients; a container of sour cream and Lipton Dry Onion Soup mix.

How do you make it?

Step 1 (and the only step!): Stir together,  and serve with potato chips, cut veggies, and watch it disappear.

YES- it’s really that easy! 

All The Best Dishes,

Lisa

XO

5 from 1 vote

Print

Party Classic French Onion Dip (California Dip)

Prep Time

5 mins

Total Time

5 mins

 

Easy French Onion Dip (aka Lipton California Dip) is a classic American party dip appetizer with only 2 ingredients. Serve with potato chips & cut veggies.

Course: Appetizers, Dips, & Snacks

Cuisine: American

Keyword: lipton dip, lipton french onion, party dip

Servings: 10

Calories: 105 kcal

Author: Lisa Hatfield

Ingredients

• 1 package Lipton onion soup mix
• 2 cups Knudsen sour cream (or brand of choice)

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

1. In large bowl, combine onion soup mix and sour cream. Stir to blend.
2. Cover and chill for 30 minutes before serving. Serve with dippers like potato chips and cut veggies: celery, carrots, mini bell peppers, broccoli, cucumbers, and cauliflower.

Nutrition Facts

Party Classic French Onion Dip (California Dip)

Amount Per Serving

Calories 105 Calories from Fat 81

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 9g 14%

Saturated Fat 5g 25%

Cholesterol 23mg 8%

Sodium 494mg 21%

Potassium 105mg 3%

Total Carbohydrates 5g 2%

Sugars 1g

Protein 1g 2%

Vitamin A 5.7%

Vitamin C 0.7%

Calcium 5.9%

Iron 0.8%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Another great dip for parties is Meyer Lemon Tapenade! Yummy and healthy…

For more party food ideas, try my Mini Taco Bowls: