French onion dip is an easy appetizer with rich flavor from caramelized onions and fresh simple ingredients. This party appetizer tastes even better if you make it a day or so ahead!
This an easy dip recipe for parties, and holidays, and a classic to serve on exciting big game days with a big bag of potato chips. Whip up this homemade onion dip, and take a look at all the creative ways to use up the leftovers of this creamy dip if there are any...
Homemade French Onion Dip Recipe
- Caramelized onions are really easy, and add so much depth of flavor to this homemade onion dip.
- Fresh ingredients make all the difference when you make this from scratch as opposed to store-bought dips and seasoned dehydrated onion flake mix packets from the grocery store.
- And the good news is this is not just an appetizer, use leftover French onion chip dip in other favorite recipes like topping baked potatoes and smothering on chicken. Keep reading for more creative ideas to add umami flavor to your dishes!
Onion Dip Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 3 cups large diced fresh onions (2 onions: yellow, brown, or sweet Vidalia)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (or swap in soy sauce)
- 2 cups full-fat real sour cream (16 oz container)
- optional garnish: fresh herbs like diced chives, sliced fresh green onion, or dehydrated parsley.
What onions are best to use?
- white onions
- yellow onions
- brown onions
- sweet onions like Vidalia onions
- don't use red onions as they bring a pink-purple color to dishes.
Favorite Dippers
- ruffled potato chips
- crinkle cut potato chips
- plain potato chips
- your favorite potato chips
- bagel chips
- pita chips
Make Easy Caramelized Onions
- Chop the onions into large dice, about ½" pieces. Smaller pieces of onion are easier to scoop into the dip! Melt butter, in a large saute pan over medium heat. Add the onions, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring.
- Reduce heat to low and cook for 25-40 minutes until golden brown and caramelized. The onions will shrink a lot as they cook. Stir every 5-10 minutes, and once caramelized remove from stove and allow to cool. The secret to perfectly caramelised onions is to cook them on low heat for a long time. They need time to brown, and high heat will burn them.
Mix Up The Onion Dip
- In a large bowl, mix the caramelized onion mixture, Worcestershire sauce, and 2 cups of sour cream. Mix well in a bowl, cover in plastic wrap, and chill in the fridge. Can be made a couple of days ahead.
- Serve with potato chips, fresh vegetables, or crackers in a small bowl. Garnish with fresh chives or green onions.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container, and use them within a week.
Caramelized Onion Dip Tips
- The best onions to use are yellow, brown, or sweet Vidalia.
- Don't overcrowd the onions in the large skillet pan or they will steam and not caramelize.
- Chop your onions into smaller pieces so they are easy to scoop.
- You can slice onions into long strips to use caramelized onions on burgers, steaks, and grilled sausages. You can also mix them into some beef broth for French onion soup.
- Stir every 5-10 minutes to get them more evenly deep golden brown.
- Keep the heat low, don't turn up the heat you will end up with uneven burnt and raw onions.
- Some people even deglaze the pan with a few tablespoons of water, wine, or chicken stock for even richer results.
Raw onions caramelize and turn a deep rich brown color as they slowly cook over low heat. First, water is released from the onions, as they soften and shrink in the pan.
They gain a sweeter flavor while cooking due to the large sugar molecules that break down into smaller, simple sugars. This is why caramelized onions have a sweet flavor after cooking as opposed to strong raw onions.
Add the onions, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring.
Reduce heat to low and cook for 25-40 minutes until golden brown and caramelized. The onions will shrink a lot as they cook. Stir every 10 minutes or so, and once caramelized remove from stove and allow to cool.
The next day, there are so many ways to use your own French onion dip in different recipes, here are some of the most popular ideas.
Melt into mashed potatoes.
Put into hamburger stroganoff with lots of mushrooms.
Top on a baked potato.
Mix into a potato gratin.
Stir in a little grated horseradish and serve with roast beef, pork, or pot roast.
Spread a thin coating on boneless chicken breasts, dip in panko bread crumbs, and bake.
Use in pasta, rice, or vegetable casseroles.
More Delicious Dip Recipes
Classic Onion Dip also called California Dip or Sour Cream Dip is one of the most delicious dips ever. Just real sour cream and a packet of French onion soup mix is one of the best great options when you don't have time to caramelize onions and make the real thing! Serve with potato chips and as a veggie dip for cut cucumbers, bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots.
For a spooky Halloween appetizer, make this Tombstone Graveyard Dip and serve it with crackers. Kids and adults love this cream cheese dip recipe.
Jalapeno Popper Dip is ALWAYS A HIT, everyone loves it! Make this melty hot dip for parties with a creamy mayo base and just 6 ingredients. Scoop it up with large corn chips, it has so much flavor!
Authentic Guacamole has fresh lime juice, grated onion (one of my top secrets), chopped tomato, hot sauce, and spices are all loaded into this fresh recipe.
A simple recipe, this Caramel Apple Dip has crisp green apples, salted caramel sauce, and crushed Health bars. A great dip and beloved pot-luck party hit for Thanksgiving, Halloween, and all through Autumn.
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French Onion Dip Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 bag ruffled potato chips
Onion Dip
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 3 cups large diced onions 2 onions: yellow, brown, or sweet vidalia
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cracked pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cups sour cream 16 oz container
- optional garnish: fresh chives/green onions
Instructions
- Chop the onions into large dice, about ½" pieces. Smaller pieces of onion are easier to scoop in the dip!
- Melt butter, in a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring.
- Reduce heat to low and cook for 25-40 minutes until golden brown and caramelized. The onions will shrink alot as they cook. Stir every 5-10 minutes, and once caramelized remove from stove and allow to cool. The secret to perfectly caramelized onions for this dip is to cook them on a low heat for a long time. They need time to brown, and high heat will burn them.
- In a large bowl, mix the caramelized onion mixture, Worcestershire sauce, and 2 cups sour cream. Mix well in a bowl, cover in plastic wrap, and chill in the fridge. Can be made a couple of days ahead.
- Serve with potato chips, fresh vegetables, or crackers. Garnish with fresh chives or green onions.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container, use within a week.
Notes
make ahead tip
You can make this dip a couple of days ahead, keep it chilled in the fridge, it will taste even better! Give a stir right before serving.leftover dip
Melt into mashed potatoes.Put into hamburger stroganoff with lots of mushrooms.
Top on a baked potato.
Mix into a potato gratin.
Stir in a little grated horseradish and serve with roast beef, pork, or pot roast.
Spread a thin coating on boneless chicken breasts, dip in panko bread crumbs, and bake.
Use in pasta, rice, or vegetable casseroles.
caramelized onion tips
- The best onions to use are yellow, brown, or sweet Vidalia.
- Don't overcrowd the onions in the pan or they will steam and not caramelize.
- Chop your onions into smaller pieces so they are easy to scoop.
- You can slice onions into long strips to use caramelized onions on burgers, steaks, and grilled sausages.
- Stir every 5-10 minutes to get them more evenly deep golden brown.
- Keep the heat low, don't turn up the heat you will end up with uneven burnt and raw onions.
- Some people even deglaze the pan with a few tablespoons of water, wine, or chicken stock for even richer results.
Oh my goodness was this onion dip beyond delicious and so easy to make!! Such a great recipe!